Chevrolet known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 55 Chevrolet problems and 35 NHTSA safety recalls across 6 models — Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Tahoe, Equinox, Traverse and Colorado — organized by generation and engine. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems | GMT900 (2007–2013), K2XX (2014–2018), T1XX (2019–present) | 10 | 6 |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD problems | GMT900 (2007–2014), K2XX (2015–2019), T1XX (2020–present) | 8 | 7 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe problems | GMT900 (2007–2014), K2XX (2015–2020), T1XX (2021–present) | 10 | 6 |
| Chevrolet Equinox problems | 2nd gen (2010–2017), 3rd gen (2018–2024), 4th gen (2025–present) | 9 | 6 |
| Chevrolet Traverse problems | 1st gen (2009–2017), 2nd gen (2018–2023), 3rd gen (2024–present) | 9 | 5 |
| Chevrolet Colorado problems | 2nd gen (2015–2022), 3rd gen (2023–present) | 9 | 5 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems
The biggest documented Silverado 1500 issue is the 6.2L L87 engine recall (25V-274) on 2021–2024 trucks, still under NHTSA review. Earlier trucks carry AFM/DFM lifter failures, 5.3L oil consumption on 2011–2013 models, 8-speed shudder on 2015–2018 trucks and a 2014–2018 brake-assist recall. Check open recalls by VIN.
Chevrolet Silverado HD problems
The best-documented Silverado HD problems are the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump on 2011–2016 LML Duramax trucks, block-heater and fuel-tank recalls on 2017–2019 L5P trucks, and on 2020+ trucks a power tailgate that can unlatch, a hood-latch recall and a diesel 10-speed rear-wheel lockup recall. Check every VIN for open recalls.
Chevrolet Tahoe problems
The Tahoe shares its documented problems with the Suburban. The most serious is recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 on 2021–2024 models, still under NHTSA review. Earlier Tahoes carry 5.3L oil burning (2011–2014), AFM/DFM lifter failures, A/C condenser leaks, MagneRide shock wear and a 2015–2018 brake-assist recall.
Chevrolet Equinox problems
The best-documented Chevy Equinox problem is oil consumption on 2010–2013 models with the 2.4L four-cylinder, which GM addressed with piston-ring coverage and a class settlement. The 3.0L V6 can stretch timing chains, wiper linkages fail on 2010–2017 models, and 2018–2024 Equinoxes carry driveshaft, transmission, fuel and door recalls.
Chevrolet Traverse problems
The best-known Chevy Traverse problem is timing chain stretch on 2009–2014 models with the 3.6L V6, and 2009 models can lose reverse from a cracked transmission wave plate. First-generation trucks also carry air bag and liftgate recalls, 2018–2019 models can show a false "Shift to Park" message, and 2024+ 2.5L turbo models are under a stalling investigation.
Chevrolet Colorado problems
The best-documented Chevy Colorado problems are torque-converter shudder on 2017–2019 trucks with the 3.6L V6 and 8-speed, wiring-harness chafing on the 2.8L Duramax, and 2015 power steering recalls. On the 2023+ Colorado, the 2.7L turbo has GM bulletins for harness chafing near the turbo, plus emergency braking, hub bolt and fuel pump recalls.
Confirm how a used Chevrolet was ordered before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Chevrolet problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 6 Chevrolet models covered here, the most documented items are passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated psan) on the Silverado 1500; passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated psan) on the Silverado HD; passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated psan) on the Tahoe. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Chevrolet for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or Chevrolet’s owner site, or ask a dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years by owner-complaint volume reported to NHTSA, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- GM newsroom — General Motors
More Chevrolet tools
- Chevrolet tools & data hub
- GM engines guide (LS, LT, Duramax)
- Chevrolet trim levels explained
- Chevrolet model histories
- Free Chevrolet VIN decoder
- Chevrolet window sticker by VIN
- GM options by VIN
- GM RPO option codes
- Chevrolet paint codes
- Chevrolet specs by model
- Chevrolet reliability
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.