Chevy reliability is dragged down by the GM 5.3L/6.2L Active Fuel Management (AFM/DFM) lifter failure debacle, the worst-performing Chevy Cruze 1.4L turbo (2011-2019), and infotainment glitches across the lineup. Silverado 1500 is generally a strong truck if you opt for the 6.6L gas V8 or 3.0L Duramax diesel and avoid AFM-equipped engines. Tahoe/Suburban share the same DOD lifter risk.
J.D. Power's 2024 dependability study placed Chevrolet below the industry average. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet in the bottom half for predicted reliability.
Inline-6 diesel; no AFM; mid-30s MPG; 400 lb-ft torque.
No cylinder deactivation. Workhorse big-block, simple and reliable.
Battery has been replaced under recall; reliable EV for cheap.
LT1 V8, no DFM, manual eliminates 8L90 issues.
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Coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), valve cover, PCV. Highest complaint volume in compact class.
DOD lifter collapse - class action filed 2021. $4,000+ engine job.
Catalytic converter / piston issues; CEL after 60K is common.
GM 5.3L/6.2L AFM/DFM lifter collapse (2014-2024 still occurring), Cruze 1.4L coolant system failures, 8L90 8-speed transmission shudder (TSB and class action settled 2024 for $108M), Bolt EV battery fire recall (2017-2022, GM replaced packs).
Average $649/year per RepairPal. Lifter-failure repairs frequently exceed $5,000. Truck resale is strong; sedans depreciate hard.
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Mixed. Heavy-duty trucks and non-DFM V8s are reliable. AFM/DFM 5.3L and 6.2L engines have a documented lifter failure pattern. Cruze is the brand low point.
Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) collapses lifters, scoring the cam. Affects 5.3L/6.2L 2014-2024. Class action ongoing.
Only if it has the 6.2L without DFM, or the 6.6L gas V8 in HD trim. The 5.3L AFM is the bigger risk.
Usually not past 100K. Coolant leaks, transmission, and PCV repairs stack up faster than the car's value.
Both have transmission issues (10R80 is shared). Chevy has worse engines (AFM), Ford has worse infotainment.
Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L L8T or 3.0L Duramax. No cylinder deactivation. Simple and durable.