2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: excessive oil consumption

Filed Jun 28, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving uphill in my 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power, accompanied by a flashing check engine light, ticking noise, and loss of oil pressure. The engine began to shake violently and I nearly rolled backward into another vehicle before I was able to shut it off. After restarting the truck, it began jerking and misfiring, making it completely undriveable. The issue occurred without warning and required a tow. Symptoms Observed: •Low oil pressure warning •Ticking/knocking noise from engine •Engine shaking and loss of power •Jerking and severe misfire when restarted •Flashing check engine light •Diagnosed failed/stuck AFM lifter in cylinder 6 •Engine misfire isolated to cylinder 6 (confirmed by unplugging ignition coil with no change) •Oil consumption and burning smell over prior months •Possible camshaft damage due to lifter failure Shops Involved: 1.Pep Boys (North Clairemont, San Diego) – Charged $400 and claimed to fix the issue, but symptoms returned immediately. 2.Rosecrans Automotive (San Diego) – Confirmed the issue is likely due to AFM system failure (collapsed lifter/cam damage). Estimated repair cost: $4,500+. Additional Impact: •Required towing after complete loss of drivability •Rental car for over a week (ongoing) •Potential lost income due to inability to commute to work •Total cost between diagnostics, failed repair, and upcoming repairs is significant Safety Concerns: •Sudden power loss occurred while climbing a steep hill—nearly caused a rear-end collision •Jerking, misfire, and engine instability made it unsafe to control •No prior warning; failure happened instantly Why I am reporting: This is clearly a systemic issue with GM’s Active Fuel Management system, especially in 5.3L V8 engines like mine. It poses not only a major safety risk to drivers and other vehicles, but also an enormous financial burden on consumers. Based on online forums an

Filed Jun 27, 2017 · Engine · 165,000 miles · MS

Started using oil all check engine lights came on an now is knocking motor no good.afm sucks.

Filed Aug 21, 2015 · Engine · 146,202 miles · MI

Excessive oil consumption found when changing oil at 3,000 miles and no oil was in the engine at all.

Filed Jun 27, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Motor knocks and is using oil a lot of oil and the dash light flicker with the switch.

Filed Feb 25, 2014 · Engine · 145,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that engine oil was being consumed prematurely. The contact had to replace the oxygen sensor more than once due to the premature oil consumption. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle had exceeded the mileage that provided the newly designed oil pin and new valve covers that they were offering. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.