2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

In May 2023, my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure at 82,986 miles. The failure involved the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and other internal components. I paid $7,319.63 out of pocket to have the engine disassembled and repaired by a certified mechanic. I recently learned GM issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 24V266) for 2021–2024 vehicles with the same engine due to internal engine failures caused by crankshaft and rod bearing defects. Although my 2018 model isn’t included, the failure I experienced closely mirrors the conditions cited in that recall. I believe the same defect may exist in earlier models like mine. I’m submitting this complaint to urge NHTSA to consider whether the recall should be expanded to include additional affected years.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the lifters collapsed. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, who informed them about the diagnosis and the cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I well maintained my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, and now the motoer is failing, loss of power and just started smoking from exhaust, my mechanic said that the motor is in the process of blowing up. I made every oil change, and maintained the vehicle because I wanted it to last and be the last vehicle I had to purchase. It failing almost caused a bad accident on the interstate, but luckily I was able to avoid an incident and get to safety.

An independent service center confirmed that the water pump failed and fell apart. This water pump is a 4-groove pulley (part number 12685259) specific to my vehicle. Most other Silverados have a 6-groove pulley system. This 4-groove pulley water pump is unavailable from the dealer or any of the part stores, as they are on back order with no resolution or availability date. GM has notified some parts stores that this part has been discontinued and is no longer available. This truck is less than 10 years old. There are no other parts, either aftermarket or otherwise, to replace my water pump. The water pump is a vital engine component needed to prevent significant engine damage, and without it, the truck can not run independently without overheating. It is essentially the heart of the automotive cooling system, because the truck water pump function is to continuously circulate the engine coolant from the radiator to the engine and back to the radiator. I have had my truck in an independent service center since January 2025, waiting for this part, which is unavailable. I do have the original part at the shop available for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure; it just started making a clanking sound, and I immediately took it to a shop, and have been out of a vehicle for 5 months.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was slow to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. While driving, the rear end locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping, and the vehicle shut off while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and spark plug wires with a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact stated that the fluids were replaced at an unknown local dealer prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

I purchased a used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 24,375 miles. On the day of pickup, the truck felt like it was driving over rumble strips. Dimmitt Chevrolet flushed the transmission and used the updated Mobil 1 HP LV fluid. This worked temporarily, but the shudder returned. CarMax then sent the truck to Burke’s Transmission in Sarasota, where they replaced the torque converter. However, the shop declined to rebuild the transmission, citing its complexity. I later brought the truck to Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton. Despite clearly describing the shudder, harsh shifting, and driveline clunk, they told me the behavior was “normal” and refused to investigate further, stating, “We’ll look into it once the unit fails completely.” The symptoms have worsened. Harsh 1–2, 2–3, and 3–4 shifts are back. Shifting into Drive causes a loud clunk and forward lurch. Cold starts cause bucking and sudden stopping. I’ve replaced the tires, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks, and front suspension parts, but the problem persists. I signed on to a class action lawsuit against GM over the 8L90 transmission, but my claim was denied. This issue is well-documented and matches reports from many other owners. It affects drivability, safety, and long-term reliability. GM and its dealers have failed to properly address this known transmission defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate further. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)