Chevrolet Silverado HD problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

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.

CarWhere lists 8 documented Silverado HD issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Silverado HD generations at a glance

Chevrolet Silverado HD generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
GMT9002007–2014Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) · Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure (LML Duramax)
K2XX2015–2019Engine block heater cord can short (L5P recalls) · Rear fuel tank can collapse on dual-tank diesels (recall)
T1XX2020–presentHood latch striker can fail (2020 recall) · Power-release tailgate can unlatch on its own (recall) · Steering gear shaft can fracture (2024 recall) · Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (diesel recall)

GMT900 Silverado HD problems (2007–2014)

Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) (2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
GMT900 (2009–2014)
Years:
2009–2014
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2009–2014 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks because the passenger frontal air bag inflator uses a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant that can degrade after long exposure to heat and humidity and rupture in a crash. The campaign was split by model year and by climate zone (hot, humid states first), so 21V-050 is one of several related campaigns (21V-051 through 21V-054 cover later years). Dealers replace the inflator free of charge.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs; the inflator can look and work normally until a deployment

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Note where the truck has been registered: hot, humid states were prioritized

NHTSA recall: 21V050 (2021-02)

Sources: [1][2]

Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure (LML Duramax) (2011–2016)

Major repair
Generation:
GMT900 and K2XX (2011–2016)
Years:
2011–2016
Powertrain:
6.6L Duramax LML

The LML Duramax uses a Bosch CP4.2 injection pump. A class action alleged the pump is not lubricated well enough by US diesel fuel and can wear and shed metal into the fuel system, which can ruin injectors, rails and lines. GM did not concede a defect, but a settlement covering 2011–2016 trucks bought in certain states received final approval in 2025 and included repair reimbursement and a limited pump warranty that ran until May 7, 2026 or 200,000 miles.

Symptoms

  • Sudden stall or no-start
  • Low rail pressure codes
  • Metal glitter in the fuel filter

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the CP4 pump or fuel system has been replaced and with what parts
  • Inspect the fuel filter for metal debris
  • Scan for fuel-rail pressure codes

Sources: [3]

K2XX Silverado HD problems (2015–2019)

Engine block heater cord can short (L5P recalls) (2017–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2017–2019)
Years:
2017–2019

Recall 19V-328 covered 2017–2019 Silverado 2500/3500 trucks with the L5P and the optional block heater because the heater cord or its terminals can short circuit, with a fire risk. Dealers replaced the heater and rerouted the cord. A second recall, 21V-496, replaced block heaters and cords again, including on trucks where the feature had been disabled.

Symptoms

  • Burnt smell or melted plug at the block-heater cord
  • Block heater that stops working

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Confirm both 19V-328 and 21V-496 are closed

NHTSA recall: 21V496 (2021-07)

Sources: [4]

Rear fuel tank can collapse on dual-tank diesels (recall) (2017–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2017–2019)
Years:
2017–2019

Recall 23V-047 covers 2017–2019 Silverado 2500/3500 trucks with the dual-tank option because the rear tank can collapse and stop fuel transferring to the front tank, which can stall the engine. Dealers inspect and replace the tank and pump module as needed and add a vent hose.

Symptoms

  • Engine stall when the front tank runs low
  • Fuel gauge that does not drop on the rear tank

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 23V047 (2023-02)

Sources: [4]

T1XX Silverado HD problems (2020–present)

Hood latch striker can fail (2020 recall) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2020)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All engines

Recall 20V-142 covers certain 2020 Silverado 2500/3500 trucks because the hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated, so the hood could open while driving. Recall 20V-324 caught trucks that were not properly repaired the first time.

Symptoms

  • Hood that does not latch firmly
  • Hood flutter at speed

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Confirm 20V-324 as well as 20V-142

NHTSA recall: 20V142 (2020-03)

Sources: [5]

Power-release tailgate can unlatch on its own (recall) (2020–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2020–2024)
Years:
2020–2024
Powertrain:
All engines (power-unlatching tailgate)

Recall 24V-060 covers 2020–2024 Silverado 2500/3500 trucks with power-unlatching tailgates because water can short the exterior release switch and pop the tailgate while parked, so it may open while driving and drop cargo. Dealers replace the touchpad switch; recall 24V-894 expanded the campaign to more 2024 trucks.

Symptoms

  • Tailgate found open or unlatched after parking
  • Tailgate release that triggers without being pressed

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Confirm the tailgate is fully latched before driving

NHTSA recall: 24V060 (2024-02)

Sources: [5][6]

Steering gear shaft can fracture (2024 recall) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2024)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All engines

Recall 23V-549 covers certain 2024 Silverado 2500/3500 trucks because the steering gear shaft can fracture and disconnect from the steering arm, causing a loss of steering. Dealers inspect and replace the steering gear as needed.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or looseness in the steering
  • Steering that stops responding

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 23V549 (2023-08)

Sources: [6]

Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (diesel recall) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2020–2022)
Years:
2020–2022

Recall 24V-797 covers 2020–2022 diesel Silverado 2500/3500 trucks because a transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels. Dealers install new transmission software that also detects a defective valve, with GM special coverage for transmissions it flags. Recall 26V-083 (1,055 vehicles) re-does some 2020 HD trucks that got the wrong software.

Symptoms

  • Sudden rear-wheel lockup or skid
  • Transmission warning or limp mode

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • On 2020 trucks, also confirm 26V-083

NHTSA recall: 24V797 (2024-10) · 461,839 vehicles

Sources: [5][7][8]

Related Silverado HD research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Silverado HD was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet Silverado HD VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Silverado HD years have the CP4 fuel pump?

The 2011–2016 trucks with the 6.6L LML Duramax use the Bosch CP4.2 pump. A class action settlement over pump failures received final approval in 2025.

Does the L5P Duramax have recalls?

Yes. 2017–2019 L5P trucks had block-heater cord recalls (19V-328 and 21V-496), and dual-tank trucks had a rear-tank collapse recall (23V-047).

Why does my 2020–2024 Silverado HD tailgate open by itself?

Water can short the power-release switch. Recalls 24V-060 and 24V-894 replace the exterior touchpad switch for free.

Is the Silverado HD part of the 10-speed lockup recall?

Yes. 2020–2022 diesel HD trucks are covered by 24V-797, and some 2020 trucks need the follow-up 26V-083.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — NHTSA
  3. Faulty Diesel Fuel Pump Settlement Will Cost GM $50M — GM Authority
  4. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — NHTSA
  7. Recall acknowledgement 24V-797 (part 573 summary) — NHTSA
  8. GM's 10-Speed Transmission Recall Just Got Even Messier — The Drive

More Chevrolet tools

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.