3.0 Duramax: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 3.0 Duramax is GM's inline-six turbo-diesel for half-ton trucks and full-size SUVs. The 2020–2022 LM2 is rated 277 hp and 460 lb-ft; the 2023-on LZ0 is rated 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Its oil pump is driven by a belt at the rear of the engine, and 2020–2022 trucks have a transmission recall.

GM's first light-duty diesel for the Silverado and Sierra 1500, the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six (RPO LM2), went on sale for the 2020 model year and was paired exclusively with the 10-speed automatic. It uses an aluminum block with iron liners, a variable-geometry turbocharger and a 36,250 psi common-rail fuel system. The Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade added it for 2021.

For 2023 GM replaced it with the LZ0, which has steel pistons, new injectors and a retuned turbo for 305 hp and 495 lb-ft; the SUVs adopted it during the 2025 model year. The design point owners ask about most is the belt-driven oil pump at the back of the engine, which requires removing the transmission to reach. GM extended the LZ0 inspection recommendation to 200,000 miles. Diesel trucks and SUVs from 2020–2022 are covered by recall 24V797 for a transmission control valve.

3.0 Duramax at a glance

GM 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel (LM2, LZ0): model years, fuel and peak GM-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2)2020–2022 (trucks); 2021–2024 (SUVs)Diesel27746033
2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0)2023–presentDiesel30549500

CarWhere lists 3 documented problems and 3 NHTSA recalls for the 3.0 Duramax, each with a source.

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2)

First-generation 3.0 Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel, built in Flint, Michigan, and offered in Silverado and Sierra 1500 pickups and GM's full-size SUVs.

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2) specifications

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2): design facts (2020–2022 (trucks); 2021–2024 (SUVs))
SpecificationValue
ConfigurationInline-six turbo-diesel, dual overhead camshafts[3]
BlockAluminum, deep skirt, iron cylinder liners[3]
Crankshaft and rodsForged steel[3]
Compression ratio15.0:1[3]
Fuel systemCommon rail up to 36,250 psi (2,500 bar), solenoid injectors[3]
TurbochargerSingle variable-geometry turbo, electronically actuated, water-to-air intercooler[3]
Oil pump driveBelt at the rear of the engine; the transmission must be removed to inspect or replace it[4]
Transmission10-speed automatic only, with stop-start[1]
BuiltFlint, Michigan[5]

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2) horsepower and torque by year

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2): GM-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2020–2022Silverado / Sierra 1500SAE-certified; torque available from 1,500 rpm277460[1]
2021Tahoe / Suburban277 hp at 3,750 rpm (GM estimate at launch)277460[2]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which GM vehicles have the 2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2)?

GM models and model years offered with the 2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 15002020–2022
Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban / GMC Yukon, Yukon XL2021–2024
Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV2021–

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2) problems and what to check

Belt-driven oil pump (service access) (2020–present)

Moderate

The oil pump is driven by a belt on the transmission side of the engine. GM chose it over a chain to meet cabin-noise targets and says relocating it would require redesigning the block. It is not a widespread failure item, but inspection or replacement requires removing the transmission. The commonly cited LM2 interval is 150,000 miles; GM extended the LZ0 inspection recommendation to 200,000 miles.[4][6][7]

Symptoms

  • Low oil pressure warning (stop the engine immediately)
  • Unusual noise from the rear of the engine

Check before buying

  • Confirm the interval for the specific engine in the owner's manual
  • On high-mileage trucks, ask whether the belt has been inspected or replaced
  • Budget for transmission-removal labor if the truck is near the interval

Long crank or no-start on early engines (2020–2022)

Minor

GM's diesel engineering lead traced an intermittent long-crank or no-start condition on early engines to a supplier part, a crankshaft exciter wheel with bent teeth. GM corrected the part and released calibration software that adds one crankshaft revolution before fuel injection, adding roughly 0.4 seconds to start-up.[4][6]

Symptoms

  • Extended cranking before the engine fires
  • Occasional no-start

Check before buying

  • Cold-start the engine and note crank time
  • Ask the dealer whether current engine software is installed

10-speed control valve wear (rear-wheel lock-up recall) (2020–2022)

Major repair

Recall 24V797 covers 2020–2022 diesel Silverado and Sierra pickups and 2021 diesel SUVs because the transmission control valve can wear and cause the rear wheels to lock. The remedy is software that detects the wear in advance and limits the transmission to fifth gear, with special coverage for transmissions it flags. Recall 26V083 re-inspects trucks that may have been repaired incorrectly.[8][9][10]

Symptoms

  • Harsh shifts
  • Transmission stuck in fifth gear after the recall software detects wear
  • Momentary rear-wheel lock-up in rare cases

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for open recalls 24V797 and 26V083
  • Ask whether the transmission was flagged and repaired under GM's special coverage

GM program: Special coverage tied to recall 24V797

2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2020–2022 3.0L Duramax (LM2) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
24V7972024-102020–2022 Silverado / Sierra 1500 diesel (plus HD diesels) and 2021 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade diesel463,295 vehiclesThe transmission control valve could fail and lock the rear wheels; dealers install TCM software, with special coverage for transmissions it flags.
26V0832026-022020–2022 Silverado / Sierra 1500 and 2020 HD trucks repaired under 24V7971,055 vehiclesRe-recall for trucks that may have been repaired incorrectly under 24V797; dealers inspect and update the transmission software.
25V6192025-092021 Escalade, 2021 and 2023–2024 Tahoe, 2022 and 2024 Yukon with the six-cylinder diesel12 vehiclesThe original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect tank that could leak fuel in a rollover.

2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0)

Second-generation 3.0 Duramax with about a quarter of its parts changed: steel pistons with a revised bowl, new injectors, a retuned turbocharger, a different cylinder head and updated cooling.

2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0) specifications

2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0): design facts (2023–present)
SpecificationValue
PistonsSteel, revised combustion bowl[11]
Other changesNew injectors, retuned turbo compressor, revised cylinder head, two actuators instead of three[4]
Oil pump beltInspection recommendation extended to 200,000 miles[4]
SUV availabilityAdded to the 2025 Tahoe and Suburban, including the Z71 for the first time[12]

2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0) horsepower and torque by year

2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0): GM-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2023–presentSilverado / Sierra 1500305495[11]
2025–presentTahoe / Suburban305495[12]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which GM vehicles have the 2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0)?

GM models and model years offered with the 2023–present 3.0L Duramax (LZ0)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 15002023–present
Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban2025–present

Related GM research

Confirm a vehicle really has the 3.0 Duramax.

Engine and transmission RPO codes are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet VIN into the factory-ordered option codes on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the 3.0 Duramax have?

The 2020–2022 LM2 is rated 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 2023-and-later LZ0 is rated 305 hp and 495 lb-ft.

When does the 3.0 Duramax oil pump belt need to be replaced?

The interval commonly cited for the LM2 is 150,000 miles, and GM extended the LZ0 inspection recommendation to 200,000 miles. The transmission must come out to reach the belt, so confirm the interval for your engine in the owner's manual.

What is the difference between the LM2 and LZ0?

The LZ0 replaced the LM2 for 2023 with steel pistons, new injectors, a retuned turbo and a revised cylinder head, raising output by 28 hp and 35 lb-ft.

Is there a recall on the 3.0 Duramax?

Recall 24V797 covers the 10-speed transmission control valve in 2020–2022 diesel trucks and 2021 diesel SUVs, with follow-up recall 26V083. A small recall, 25V619, covers incorrect replacement fuel tanks on a few diesel SUVs.

What transmission comes with the 3.0 Duramax?

The 3.0 Duramax is paired only with GM's 10-speed automatic.

Sources

Ratings are GM-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Baby Duramax Diesel Makes 277 HP, 460 Torque in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — Cars.com
  2. Chevrolet Details 2021 Diesel Tahoe, Suburban Fuel Economy — Automotive Fleet
  3. Inside GM's 3.0L Duramax — Drivingline
  4. Exclusive: New 3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel Fixes Long-Crank Issue, Extends Belt Life — Pickup Truck + SUV Talk
  5. GMC Sierra 1500 Thrives With 3.0L Duramax Diesel — WardsAuto
  6. GM Duramax Lead Engineer Explains: Oil Pump Belt, Reliability, Why the 3.0L Is Still a Top Choice — Pickup Truck + SUV Talk
  7. 3.0 Duramax Maintenance Schedule — DieselHub (secondary reference)
  8. Recall 24V797: 10-speed transmission control valve failure, rear-wheel lock-up (diesel trucks and SUVs) — NHTSA
  9. GM recalls diesel trucks and SUVs over 10-speed transmission rear-wheel lock-up — TFLtruck
  10. Recall 26V083: trucks repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797 — NHTSA
  11. More Power! 2023 Chevy Silverado 3.0L Duramax Diesel LZ0 Revealed — Pickup Truck + SUV Talk
  12. Here Is The 2025 Chevy Tahoe — GM Authority

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.