What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 (AFM/DFM) collapsed/failed lifter causing ticking and cylinder misfire?

The EcoTec3 5.3L V8 (L83, and later L84 with Dynamic Fuel Management) uses Active Fuel Management to deactivate cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 under light load. The AFM lifters that collapse to deactivate those cylinders are prone to sticking or mechanical failure, often during a misti… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brake vacuum pump degradation reducing power brake assist (NHTSA recall 19V645)?

The engine-driven brake vacuum pump on 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 trucks (5.3L and 6.2L V8) can lose vacuum output over time as oil sludge and debris are trapped by the pump's oil inlet filter screen. As vacuum drops, power brake assist decreases, producing a hard brake pedal, incr… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L L83 Stretched Timing Chain / Cam Phaser Wear Setting Crank-Cam Correlation Codes?

On the Gen V 5.3L L83 (and 6.2L L86) in the Silverado 1500, the timing chain can stretch and the VVT cam phasers/actuators can wear, causing the camshaft to drift out of correlation with the crankshaft beyond what the variable-valve-timing system can correct. This sets crank/cam… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 8/10-Speed Transmission Shudder?

Both the 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions can develop a shudder during light acceleration. This torque converter clutch issue is widespread across GM trucks. Multiple TSBs have been issued addressing this concern. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 A/C Compressor Failure?

The A/C compressor can fail prematurely, especially on trucks in hot climates or with heavy A/C use. Internal compressor failure can contaminate the entire A/C system with debris, requiring extensive repairs. Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Third Brake Light (CHMSL) Seal Leak Flooding the Rear of the Cab?

The center high-mount stop lamp (third brake light / cargo lamp) gasket dries out, cracks, and lets rainwater and car-wash water into the cab. Because the water runs down behind the interior trim and the carpet has a rubber backing, owners often don't see it until the rear floor… Repairs typically run $15-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability (High Ground Clearance, Easily Accessed Converters)?

The full-size Silverado 1500 is one of the most frequently targeted vehicles in the U.S. for catalytic converter theft. Its high ground clearance and underbody-mounted, easily reached converters let thieves cut them out in seconds, often in broad daylight, and lifted trucks are e… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission Overheating from Failed 8L90 Thermal Bypass Valve / Cooler-Line Leaks?

Silverado 1500 trucks with the 8L90 eight-speed (and the older 6L80 six-speed) can run dangerously hot when the factory transmission thermal bypass valve sticks closed, so fluid never reaches the cooler — common under towing or heavy load. Sustained temperatures above ~220-250°F… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 A/C condenser cracking/leaking causing loss of cooling (blows hot air)?

The factory air-conditioning condenser on 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 trucks is prone to cracking and refrigerant leakage, frequently at the spot welds on the sides of the condenser where vibration concentrates stress (revised replacement units add welds to spread the load). The res… Repairs typically run $600-$1,100. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 'Shift to Park' Message Won't Clear Due to Column-Shifter Microswitch Failure?

Trucks with the column shifter throw a persistent 'Shift to Park' message on the driver information center even though the lever is fully in Park. The cause is a small microswitch/park-confirmation contact behind the lower steering-column trim (to the right of the column) that fa… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Water Pump Failure / Weep-Hole Coolant Leak on 5.3L and 6.2L V8?

The mechanical (belt-driven) water pump on the LS/LT V8 Silverado 1500 is a common wear-out item. The internal shaft seal fails and coolant seeps from the pump's weep hole, often appearing as orange/Dex-Cool residue or a puddle at the front-center of the truck; the weep-hole drip… Repairs typically run $200-$1,450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / 'Reduced Engine Power' Cascade?

A widely reported Silverado 1500 complaint is a sudden cascade of dash messages — 'StabiliTrak disabled,' then 'Service StabiliTrak,' 'Service Traction Control,' and finally 'Engine Power Reduced' — sometimes with a stumble or stall and limited throttle response. The most common… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts on 5.3L/6.2L V8 Causing Exhaust Tick and False P0420?

GM's small-block V8s (Gen III/IV LS and Gen V LT) in the Silverado 1500 are notorious for snapping exhaust manifold bolts. The steel bolts and the aluminum cylinder heads expand and contract at different rates through countless heat cycles, fatiguing the bolts until the heads sna… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rear Differential Whine / Pinion Bearing Howl and Seal Leak?

The rear axle develops a speed-dependent whine or howl that rises and falls with vehicle speed — the hallmark of a worn pinion (or carrier) bearing and/or a wearing ring-and-pinion. As the pinion bearing degrades it often damages the pinion seal, leaking gear oil from the front o… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Steering Wheel Shake at Highway Speeds?

A steering wheel shake or vibration at highway speeds (60-80 mph) is common on K2 generation Silverados. This is often caused by tire balance issues, but can also be related to worn suspension components or warped brake rotors. Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: low.

What is the 2014-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Driveshaft Vibration / Slip Yoke Clunk?

The aluminum driveshaft on Silverados can develop vibration from worn U-joints or an out-of-balance condition. Additionally, the slip yoke can cause a clunk during shifts or when going from acceleration to deceleration due to worn splines or dry conditions. Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Power Window Regulator Failure (Window Off-Track or Won't Roll Up)?

The cable-type power window regulators are a recurring weak point. The plastic cable guides/spools crack or the cable frays and jumps its track, so the window drops into the door, closes crooked, or the motor spins/clicks without moving the glass. Many owners report replacing reg… Repairs typically run $120-$350. Severity: low.

Chevrolet · Known Issues

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems: 24 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 model year · 8,464+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 8,464+ owner reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 24 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure ($2,000-$4,500 repair), 8-speed (8L90/8L45) torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting ($300-$3,500 repair), 5.3L V8 (AFM/DFM) collapsed/failed lifter causing ticking and cylinder misfire ($2,500-$7,000 repair), Brake vacuum pump degradation reducing power brake assist (NHTSA recall 19V645) ($0-$400 repair), 5.3L L83 Stretched Timing Chain / Cam Phaser Wear Setting Crank-Cam Correlation Codes ($1,200-$2,500 repair) and P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction from Failed 6L80 TEHCM (or 4L60E Shift Solenoid) ($300-$1,600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 8/10-Speed Transmission Shudder with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $15 to $7,000. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 8,464+ owner reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 24 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure, 8-speed (8L90/8L45) torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting, 5.3L V8 (AFM/DFM) collapsed/failed lifter causing ticking and cylinder misfire. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 24 known issues documented across 8,464+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure and 8-speed (8L90/8L45) torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting and 5.3L V8 (AFM/DFM) collapsed/failed lifter causing ticking and cylinder misfire and Brake vacuum pump degradation reducing power brake assist (NHTSA recall 19V645) and 5.3L L83 Stretched Timing Chain / Cam Phaser Wear Setting Crank-Cam Correlation Codes and P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction from Failed 6L80 TEHCM (or 4L60E Shift Solenoid). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Silverado 1500 issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure, typically costs $2,000-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure?

GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) system deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy, but can cause premature lifter wear and failure. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, and valve train noise. GM released updated lifters. Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.

All 24 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?

Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?

What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure?

What is the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 8-speed (8L90/8L45) torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting?

2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure#

2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 5.3L V8 (AFM/DFM) collapsed/failed lifter causing ticking and cylinder misfire#

2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 5.3L L83 Stretched Timing Chain / Cam Phaser Wear Setting Crank-Cam Correlation Codes#

2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 8-speed (8L90/8L45) torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting#

2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction from Failed 6L80 TEHCM (or 4L60E Shift Solenoid)#

2015-2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 8/10-Speed Transmission Shudder#

2015-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Transmission Overheating from Failed 8L90 Thermal Bypass Valve / Cooler-Line Leaks#

2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Brake vacuum pump degradation reducing power brake assist (NHTSA recall 19V645)#

2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: A/C Compressor Failure#

2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 'Shift to Park' Message Won't Clear Due to Column-Shifter Microswitch Failure#

2014-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / 'Reduced Engine Power' Cascade#

2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Power Window Regulator Failure (Window Off-Track or Won't Roll Up)#

2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Heated Front Seat Element / Grid Failure (Seats Stop Heating, Burnt Connector Pins)#

2014-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Power Door Lock Actuator Failure (Buzzing/Clicking Door, Locks Stop Working)#

2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Catalytic Converter Theft Vulnerability (High Ground Clearance, Easily Accessed Converters)#

2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts on 5.3L/6.2L V8 Causing Exhaust Tick and False P0420#

2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Rear Differential Whine / Pinion Bearing Howl and Seal Leak#

2014-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Driveshaft Vibration / Slip Yoke Clunk#

2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Headlight Housing Condensation / Moisture From Failed Lens Seal#

2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Factory Paint and Clear-Coat Peeling / Delamination (Roof, Hood, A-Pillars, Door Edges)#

2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Third Brake Light (CHMSL) Seal Leak Flooding the Rear of the Cab#

2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: A/C condenser cracking/leaking causing loss of cooling (blows hot air)#

2007-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Water Pump Failure / Weep-Hole Coolant Leak on 5.3L and 6.2L V8#

2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Steering Wheel Shake at Highway Speeds#