7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$160
Average Mileage:
66,750 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. gm not solved! (1 reports)
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problem #9

May 222019

Silverado 1500 LT 4.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Well, first off thank you for taking the time to truly read this. I live and take care of my uncle and he's disabled, a retired USMC vet. He has difficulties with computers and I myself take care of my uncle, remodeling his house.

I had no idea GM actually built an engine to last to around 300k lmao. Now, I'm more of a classic car guy , sbc or bbc, well they can last forever if taken care of, you see alot of older cars driving but it's sad to think these geniuses actually took who knows how long in designing a POS engine. Now, I bet a lot of funds went into developing that, more than just building an efficient engine, but my uncle’s 2012 Silverado only has at this point 84k on it.

I'm not the sharpest but when it lost 2.5 quarts of oil after an oil change and no oil light or engine light, but it doesn't leak out and doesn't smoke and I read they say it's from oil continuing to fill cylinders while engine is off, but wouldn't it smoke when exhaust heated up? But it's happened multiple times and I replaced the pcv valve built into the valve cover, god forbid ya make it changeable like most are. I may be wrong but the 5.3L engine is the same as 4.8L V8 but with different heads for most part, and nowhere could I find anything about the 4.8L V8.

A manufacturer doesn't want to take responsibility for their vehicle issues but they sure collect that money when a customer buys from them. But then issues arise with vehicle electronics or engine - it's sad they don't stand behind what they design or vehicle. And we honestly probably never have had an engine light even if it had an issue.

Thanks for reading and my apologies if my message was erratic and confusing. If I wouldn't have seen new recalls on so many vehicles but on Silverado, and Silverado used to be hellava truck? What happened GM f**, lol. Thank you and have a good evening.

- allendanny65, Carterville, US

problem #8

Dec 192020

Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,458 miles

My oil gauge was low and oil life is on 64%, so I checked my dip stick and it was dry, and then my engine light came on.

- wilsonalvin, Saint Helena Island, US

problem #7

Mar 162013

Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

My 2012 Silverado has used a Gallon of oil between oil changes since it was new. It also idles rough. I am sure the plugs are fouled had to change them 2 times already. After some research I learned it's a common problem with 5.3 engine. I am curious as to why no recall.

- Henry P., WINGATE, NC, US

problem #6

Jul 302018

Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,699 miles

Checked all the fluids before a trip. Oil couldn't tell on the spiral stick. Took to the dealer after trip and they said oil was low, only after I asked to check prior to changing. So now I know my 2012 Silverado LTZ 5.3L is using oil between a 4mo/4k oil change. Dealer never has said anything about oil usage or why is does it. Dealer maintained since new, according to dealer. I take to dealer for oil changes. Now I have to worry about my oil between changes and ask for the dealer to tell me the level prior to change. GM is going to lose a family of customers!

Update from Oct 11, 2018: GM wants me to take to dealer for check.

I have taken to the dealer for every oil changes and some other checks.

I want to know about the oil usage between an average of 2700 miles oil changes.

- Miles C., Decatur, IL, US

problem #5

Oct 022017

Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Check engine light came on. With 29% engine oil life left. Had to add 3 quarts of oil. No leaks.

Noticed I'm not the only one with problem.5.3 engine.

Update from Mar 26, 2018: Replaced valve cover & PVC> Still using 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles.

- mlbauer, Point Pleasant, US

problem #4

Mar 192016

Silverado 1500 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,352 miles

Engine uses approximately 3 quarts of Valvoline max life 5W-30 dex-os approved oil between 3000-5000 miles, when I change oil. Originally was throwing code that spark plug was fouled per dealer. I replaced all spark plugs with new ac delco plugs. Less than a month later it threw foul code again. Dealer proceeded to replace valve cover, citing Chevy bulletin that claimed it would solve problem. Has not fouled plug yet, but still using excessive amounts of oil. Now has 124538 miles, idles rough, and slow acceleration. I have to check oil at every fuel up just to make sure I don't go low. How can Chevrolet allow loyal customers to suffer with these problems?

- Matt M., Douglas, WY, US

problem #3

Aug 252014

Silverado 1500 Z71 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,120 miles

Bought vehicle used. Did not expect this type of problem, so did not check oil as I should have. Took in for oil change, discovered almost no oil in engine. Low oil light never came on at all. Watching close since then and have to add a quart on oil between 750 and a 1000 miles. For a low mileage engine (42K) this is way to much. I also own a 1995 Suburban with a 5.7 and 249K miles, still not using any oil. Love the Silverado, just hate the excessive oil consumption.

- gundoc43, Lamar, CO, US

problem #2

Jul 152016

Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,975 miles

i have a 2012 silverado with the 5.3 in it . at 39k the motor was rebuilt from oil consumption and excessive blow bye. i now have 42k on it and pulled number one plug out and theres oil on it . i checked the oil and it was a quart low . i will not allow gm to rebuild it again it needs to be replaced .

- Robert B., Oshkosh, WI, US

problem #1

Oct 152013

Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

I purchased a 2012 Silverado. My first oil change the truck didn't have a drop of oil in it. It burns 2 quarts every 3000-3500 miles. I have been doing oil consumption tests and finally the dealership removed that carbon from the engine which they stated only works 2 out of 10 times but its the first step before GM will let them rebuild the top end of the motor.

This issue stems from the fuel economy aspect of switching from 8 cylinder to 4 cylinder operation and there is blow by and the oil burns off. There are many people experiencing this and I don't understand why there has not been a recall to fix the issue considering it is prevalent on a specific motor GM produced.

Hard to find any company that stands behind their products anymore and GM is certainly one who doesn't unless you go through a ton of BS to finally get them to take responsibility for their worthless workmanship. I now have 42000 miles and still have issues and continue to do these dumb ass oil consumption tests until it meets their guidelines. What a crock. I'll never buy another GM truck.

- Troy S., Bartlett, TN, US