The Worst Problems and Helpful TSBs for Every Chevrolet Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Chevrolet problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. 5.3L Vortec 5300 Engine Oil Consumption

    From 2010-2014 GM's Vortec 5300 engine had multiple design flaws that led to an excessive oil consumption responsible for soiled spark plugs, bent pushrods, and timing chain wear to name a few. The problem was compounded by an inadequate oi…

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  2. Engine Power is Reduced

    Defects with Chevy's accelerator pedal sensor and electronic throttle control system are triggering a sudden and dangerous 'Engine Power is Reduced' warning message which can lead to the car suddenly losing power and having limited accelera…

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  3. A/C Condenser Leaking

    GM used leaky air conditioners that buckle under pressure in many 2014-2017 trucks and SUVs. Whether it's busted hoses or leaky condensors, thousands of GM owners are showing up to work with sweat stains down their back. It's such a widespr…

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All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sometimes it's easiest to just tally up all the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are.

Worst Issues

Worst Topics

Worst Years

The Least Reliable Chevrolet Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

  1. Chevrolet Cruze

    Reliability
    40th out of 40
    PainRank™
    58.13
    Complaints
    1023
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  2. Chevrolet Equinox

    Reliability
    39th out of 40
    PainRank™
    53.08
    Complaints
    2325
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  3. Chevrolet Trailblazer

    Reliability
    38th out of 40
    PainRank™
    49.84
    Complaints
    2158
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  4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

    Reliability
    37th out of 40
    PainRank™
    43.89
    Complaints
    688
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

Key Numbers

  1. 40 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 87 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 30 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 29,043 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 64,420 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 995 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

  1. 1st Generation Cruze

    Years
    2011–2015
    Reliability
    80th out of 80
    PainRank™
    48.27
    Complaints
    940
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Cruze

  2. 8th Generation Impala

    Years
    2000–2005
    Reliability
    79th out of 80
    PainRank™
    40.95
    Complaints
    3317
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  3. 2nd Generation Equinox

    Years
    2010–2017
    Reliability
    78th out of 80
    PainRank™
    40.41
    Complaints
    1254
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Equinox

  4. 3rd Generation Silverado 1500

    Years
    2014–2018
    Reliability
    77th out of 80
    PainRank™
    39.88
    Complaints
    586
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Silverado 1500

Recent Chevrolet News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Tagged
    #lawsuit
    Posted on
    Source
    carcomplaints.com

    Another owner is suing GM following their decision to cap the Bolt's battery capacity at 90%, even if that's a temporary fix to prevent fires.

    The automaker recalled the Chevy EVs last November after learning that the batteries can spark a flame as they are charging and nearing 100%. By temporarily capping them at 90%, GM can stop those fires while they search for a more permanent solution.

    But a plaintiff in Michigan says Bolt owners need to contend with range anxiety and diminished resale value while they wait. Call me crazy, but a temporary restriction on range feels a lot more desirable than a permanently charred engine.…

  3. Tagged
    #lawsuit
    Posted on
    Source
    carcomplaints.com

    Toss another lawsuit onto the ever-growing pile of GM Vortec oil consumption cases.

    The Missouri based class-action is the latest in a series of suits saying the 5.3L Vortec engine churns through oil because of defects in the low-tension piston rings. The problem is compounded by GM's questionably designed oil life monitoring system which doesn't warn owners when oil levels get dangerously low.

    In fact the system doesn't monitor oil levels at all, just the quality of the oil itself. So while the engine may be dry and on the verge of collapse, rest assured that last quart of oil is still in tip-top shape. 👍🏼…

  5. Tagged
    #recall
    Posted on
    Source
    carcomplaints.com

    GM may have used the wrong bolts to secure the seat belts in certain 2020 and 2021 Chevy models.

    Could the new bolts work? Maybe. But when it comes time to rely on the seat belts, it's better knowing the right parts were used to tether them to the frame.…

  6. Tagged
    #recall
    Posted on
    Source
    carcomplaints.com

    Chevrolet has recalled 460 Bolt EVs to fix leaky front-left brake calipers.

    The automaker believes the calipers weren't cast properly, allowing them to leak during hard stops. Losing brake fluid is never great, but the real concern is that the caliper could eventually fracture and no-one enjoys a sudden loss of braking power.…

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Vehicle

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint