I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine lifter/Active Fuel Management (AFM) failure in my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle experienced a lifter failure that caused significant engine problems and created a potential safety concern while driving back from shopping: loss of power, engine misfire, severe shaking, ticking, check-engine light, stalling, inability to maintain speed, etc. The vehicle had approximately 200k miles at the time of the failure. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic, which diagnosed the problem as collapsed/failed lifter. The repair required/will cost approx. 3k or more estimated My concern is that this does not appear to be an isolated failure. Other owners of 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks equipped with GM's Active Fuel Management system have reported lifter failures, including failures resulting in engine damage and sudden loss of engine power or propulsion. A sudden lifter or related engine failure can create a significant safety hazard, particularly when it occurs at highway speeds, while merging into traffic, crossing an intersection, or in another situation where the driver depends upon the engine to maintain acceleration and vehicle speed. I am reporting this in hopes that GM can be held accountable as they knew about these defective lifters but did nothing but hide it.
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: sudden loss of power
62 of the 1,111 complaints about the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 62
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,000
- typical mileage
- 54,000
- recalls
- 0
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality for approximately 1 minute. The failure had occurred while the steering wheel was straight or turning towards the left or the right, and the steering wheel was jerking during the failure. The “Power Steering” message was displayed, and there was an audible chime intermittently. The dealer was contacted, and the issue was discussed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 158,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an undisclosed repair. The vehicle was picked up and driven for seven minutes down the road, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the following day the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failed steering angle sensor. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket; however, after the repair, the issue reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 216,300.
Vehicle has electrical issues with headlamps flickering and power steering loss (which is electronic) at lower speeds. Power and radio intermittently cut out momentarily and on occasion a "stabilitrac loss" warning flashes. Looking online, many consumers experience this issue which appears to be due to faulty ground or battery connections and many have reported complete loss of power at highway speeds resulting in accidents. This appears on several Chevrolet vehicles, but especially on the Silverado and GMC Sierra 2014-2017 models. I am very surprised a recall has not been issued yet for this very dangerous and potentially fatal issue.
I am the original owner of a 2015 chevrolet silverado 1500. The vehicle's brake vacuum pump has failed, resulting in a sudden, significant loss of power braking assist. This requires excessive pedal force to stop the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. General Motors previously issued special coverage adjustment N192210240 ( or N182202780 ) to address this specific component failure, extending warranty coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles. I never received notification of this coverage or the potential safety defect. The dealership has confirmed the vacuum pump failure but denied coverage because the 10- year window has recently expired. I contacted GM Corporate on 12/16/2025 and 12/17/ 2025 they declined GoodWill Assistance. I believe it is unreasonable to deny coverage for a know safety defect on a vehicle owned by the original purchaser who was never properly notified of the extension on N182202780.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving and turning, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle regained power steering functionality upon depressing the accelerator pedal on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there would be a charge for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Component that failed Lifter failure causing camshaft damage. I was driving my truck at the time the engine failure and loss of propulsion. The problem was later linked to lifter failure. Car started to lose power and surge forward while I was in oncoming traffic. I pulled over and had my truck towed to the Jamestown Chevy Dealership. I have had all of my services done at the certified Chevrolet dealership. Their professional diagnosis was lifter problem with camshaft damage. The vehicle was inspected by mechanics at Sierra Motors in Jamestown Ca. No prior warning to the vehicle failure. Once the truck lost propulsion and was surging the check engine light and road traction light came on.
Experienced a problem with electrical theft deterrent system and it shut the vehicle off while driving. I tried to start the vehicle and nothing happened except it said theft deterrent system. I took the key out tried starting again and it turned over immediately. The dash said theft deterrent and I clicked dismiss but the dash icon (a car with a lock light) remained on. I then drove 11 miles home. I turned on my directional proceeded to brake upon approaching my driveway. As I attempted to turn the steering wheel the vehicle completely shut off. The info system stating theft deterrent active. I lost power steering and brakes. I needed to press the brakes with great force because the vehicle was headed towards the sidewalk and a road sign. Steering was virtually unresponsive. Vehicle stopped as the tires reached the curb and approximately 1 ft from the sign. Placed vehicle in park and started it back up. Pulled into my driveway and the info system stated I need to roll the drivers window down and the up to deactivate. I have checked all battery connections are intact and tight. The battery, starter and alternator were all checked and fine. I have no idea what caused this dangerous behavior. The incident happened on MA Rt. 126 988 S. Main st Bellingham MA 02019
On 5 separate occasions during the last week my truck steering wheel became difficult to steer while executing a slow turn and then I lost all power almost causing me to crash. After my vehicle stopped I was able to restart it. I took my vehicle to a repair shop where they were unable to find any codes indicating a problem and suggested taking it to a dealer. I was able to find many people posting similar issues online and a service bulletin PIT5405C from January 2017. 2015 to 2017 Silverados were impacted according to this bulletin. When I contacted the Chevrolet Service department they could not find a recall for my vehicle.
While driving at 55-60 mph on Saturday, [XXX], the vehicle made a distinct engine sound and lost power, but continued to run with a pronounced misfire, and a ‘check engine’ light came on. Our safety was put at risk because we were merging into high speed traffic and I had to abruptly slow and move as far out of the travel lane as possible. I had the vehicle towed to Champion Chevrolet in Reno on Wednesday October 16 for evaluation. The mileage in was 44,252. I was told that the camshaft and some lifters had failed, and I opted to have the engine replaced with a remanufactured unit at the total cost to me of $14,660. I picked the vehicle up on 10/28/2024 with 44,259 odometer miles. I have since learned on the internet that this particular ‘Active Fuel Management (AFM)’ failure is known to Chevrolet corporate office and is the subject of a class action lawsuit against Chevrolet. I have also learned that there is the possibility of repayment to affected owners in early 2025. I am submitting this letter to bring my situation to your attention so that I am included in any list of owners that may be reimbursed as a result of this known engine issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I heard a sharp click like metal on metal, then I lost all power from the engine. I was on the highway close to rush hour and I was trying to move to the right side of the road and get off on the shoulder, the engine would start long enough to get off the road and then that was it. The engine was dead. I called for a flatbed tow truck through my insurance. I had no idea as to what had happened. However, I have read many reports of engine failure concerning the 5.3 v8 engine which I have. The Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton pickup was towed on a flatbed truck to Chevrolet, They found that the engine had dropped a valve in the #7 cylinder and some rocker arms, etc also had broken. The final billing was $7092.89 I was in traffic going around 60mph when the engine died and put me in an emergency situation. This could have caused a wreck. Several warning lights came on because of a dead engine. I do not believe any rep. has inspected the parts as this has become a common serious problem, it is all over the internet however I have not seen a Recall at this time. I sincerely believe GM should be responsible for this as it has been happening for years and years. Thank you for listening
Three or four instances of loss of power steering while making a right hand turn. Power steering failed momentarily except for the last time, steering failed completely while turning into a parking lot and I ended up in the snowbank. All electrical to the vehicle shut off to the vehicle and could not be restored until a new battery was installed. The new battery was completely discharged overnight. Possible related incidents are that several times I have had a message that the security system has been compromised, and I have been locked out of my vehicle spontaneously. I found that there is a recall for this year and model for this issue, but my VIN does not connect to any recall issued. I am afraid to drive this vehicle until this is corrected.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
62 of 1,111 owner complaints about the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (6%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
There are 0 recalls and 260 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Power steering loss 64Brake failure 55Check engine light 41Stalling 34Jerking 28Headlights 24Spongy pedal 23ABS 21Engine failure 21Harsh shifting 20No deployment 18Fire or smoke 18Misfire 15Shudder 15Slipping 13Steering lock-up 13Transmission failure 13Knocking 12Hesitation 12Fuel pump 11Seat belt 11Won't shift 9Airbag light 8Grinding brakes 8Overheating 8Door locks 5Fuel leak 5Won't start 5
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