Chevrolet Silverados are the most popular consumer truck in the US. In fact, the Silverado line has been the top-selling truck nationally for more than three decades. However, popularity isn’t always correlated with quality. 2023 Silverado models have been out for a year, and it’s become clear that these trucks have some concerning problems.
If you’ve purchased a brand-new Silverado, keep an eye out for electrical, engine, and powertrain issues. We’ve tracked down some of the most common issues reported by people who’ve purchased or leased a Chevy Silverado in the past year. Not every truck will have the following problems, but many 2023 Silverados do. If you notice them, you may be eligible to file a lemon law claim against Chevrolet.
Four Common 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Defects
Some defects are inevitable when a manufacturer makes hundreds of thousands of trucks. However, you shouldn’t just accept the problems with your 2023 Chevy Silverado. If you notice these four issues while your truck is under warranty, you likely have the right to request Chevrolet repair them at no cost to you:
1. Headlights That Won’t Turn Off
The NHTSA reports one recall for 2023 Silverados, but it’s a big one. The truck’s headlights are designed so that the running lights turn off when the headlights turn on. However, this doesn’t happen in many trucks. As a result, the headlights are substantially brighter than they should be and may pose a risk to other drivers on the road by making it harder to see at night. Chevrolet recalled over 740,000 vehicles for this issue alone.
2. Faulty Electrical Systems
When a model line has a problem that isn’t immediately grounds for a recall, manufacturers issue technical service bulletins (TSBs) instead. In just one year, Chevrolet has published a hundred TSBs for the Silverado’s electrical system alone. These TSBs cover faults such as:
- Battery bolts that prevent the car from starting
- Faulty cooling fans that could cause engines to overheat
- Wiring problems that lead to rough transmission shifts and faulty blinkers
While your vehicle is under warranty, you can often get TSB problems repaired at no cost. However, if a dealership charges you for a repair and the problem returns, you may have grounds for a lemon claim.
3. Leaky Engine Seals
Silverado owners have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about problems with their trucks’ engines and seals. Apparently, the 2023 trucks may have an issue where faulty seals lead to oil leaks within the engine. Not only does this pose a fire risk, but it substantially increases the likelihood that the engine seizes up and needs to be replaced entirely.
4. Clunky Powertrains
Many owners report a “clunky” or “jerky” shifting experience when changing gears. They also say that their trucks seem to “hesitate” before shifting into higher gears. This may be a problem with the transmission control module related to the faulty electrical system. If it’s caused by a manufacturing defect, it’s likely grounds for a lemon claim.
When a Defective Truck Becomes a Lemon
If you own a Silverado with any of the defects listed above, you may be able to hold Chevrolet accountable for the problems you’ve experienced. California has some of the most substantial protections for car owners in the entire country. Under state law, carmakers are responsible for repairing any manufacturing defects that appear while the car is still under warranty.
But what if a defect is repaired and the problem comes back? That’s when you may be eligible to file a lemon claim. According to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, manufacturers have to replace or refund defective vehicles that they cannot adequately repair in a reasonable number of attempts. You could get the money you’ve spent on your defective Silverado refunded entirely.
However, there are a few criteria your truck needs to meet before it’s eligible for a lemon claim. The Act states that a carmaker needs to refund or replace vehicles that meet the following standards:
- The vehicle must have been purchased in California. State laws regarding warranties only cover vehicles purchased within California. However, if you bought your truck in California, but you’ve since moved away, California’s warranty laws still apply.
- The defect occurred within 18 months OR 18,000 miles of lease or purchase, whichever occurs first. This is a short window of time, so make sure you take your truck to the dealership for any problems as soon as possible.
- The defect must materially affect the truck’s safety, utility, or value. A minor scratch in the paint does not substantially affect a car’s value, even if it keeps coming back. However, paint that continually peels off large portions of the truck would affect its worth and may be grounds for a lemon claim. So can problems like faulty drivetrains and leaky engine seals.
- The carmaker must have had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue. A “reasonable” number depends on the type of issue. For defects that affect value or utility, manufacturers have four chances to fix the problem. If it comes back a fifth time, the car is a lemon. However, if a defect causes a substantial safety issue, carmakers only have two chances to repair it. If there’s a third strike, the manufacturer has to replace or refund the vehicle.
If your Silverado meets these terms, it’s likely eligible for a lemon claim.
Talk to the Experts About Your Defective 2023 Silverado
Silverado trucks are the most popular pickups in the US. If you’ve invested in a brand-new Chevy truck only to find out it’s defective, you’re right to be upset and disappointed. However, you don’t need to accept that your truck doesn’t work.
Instead, consult with the expert lemon law attorneys at Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys. We can help you determine if you’re eligible for a claim and fight Chevy for the refund you’re owed. Learn more about how we can help you by scheduling your consultation today.
