Engine Knocking Noise Problems of Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado owners have reported 27 problems related to engine knocking noise (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 12/01/2005

: the contact stated the abs engages at low speeds of 20 mph and below. As a result, the stopping distance was increased. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05v379000, regarding the abs. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall because of the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer cleaned the wheel speed sensor, replaced the pads and rotors. However, those replacements did not correct the problem. Additionally, a knocking noise was heard in the engine. The dealer inspected the engine although, no repairs were made. The passenger sie window was inoperative. Updated 03/28/06.

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2 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 06/13/2005

I have a 1999 chevy Silverado that has been diagnosed with piston slap. This all started shortly after I purchased the vehicle in 1999. However, the dealer refused to fix it, stating that it is normal noise. (normal? then why didn't the engine make this noise when I first drove it off the lot)? I continued asking the dealer about the noise but they continued to say that it was normal noise. Finally, I took the vehicle to another gm dealer on April, 2004. The vehicle had 48,799 miles. I asked the mechanic and service representative to listen to the engine, both determined the noise was not normal, and needed repaired. They performed numerous engine repairs that seemed, at that time, to make the noise go away. In June, 2004, the vehicle now had 49,023 miles, the noise had returned, and the gm dealer again stated the noise was not normal. They then replaced the long block of the engine, that seemed to have taken care of the problem. As of this date, the vehicle is back at the gm dealership with the same engine noise, which is a loud ticking/knocking noise. I am, again, being told is "normal" for this engine. (this is statement is being quoted by general motors, as being "normal". Initially, when I recently took the vehicle to the gm dealership, the service technicians indicated the noise was not normal. . . Until the engineers at general motors conveyed the noise as being "normal". ).

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3 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 07/08/2004

We purchased a 2000 Silverado 2500. There is a knocking noise in the engine. We took it back to the dealership to look at and nothing could be done about it. Gm is well aware of the knocking noise in the vortex 6. 0 engine. They told us that this was a common problem. It does not matter if it is a cold start or if it runs all day.

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4 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 01/01/2004

I own a 2000 5. 3 vortex v8 in my Chevrolet and the engine makes horrible noise when its cold, referred to as slapping of the piston sleeve. What can be done about this if anything. Seems like an on going problem for many gm owners and something that is only resolved once a big stink is made of it before any possible action is done. I really love my truck but, this in conjuntion with the noise I get in cold weather going over speed bumps or unleveled surfaces in the shock or the frame. I had all kinds of parts replaced and it still comes back in cold weather, along with the knocking noise on cold starts. Any advise out there for a resolution? thanks nhall.

5 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 11/24/2003

: updated 10/25/2006 - everytime the vehicle was started and the engine was cold, it made a knocking noise, which continued until the engine warmed up. There were no warning signs prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken tot he service dealer who said the noise was carbon build-up on the piston. The dealer tried running cleaner into the engine twice but the noise was still there. The dealer said it was piston slap making the noise and that it was ok to drive.

6 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 03/01/2003

Brand new 2002 Chevrolet truck makes knocking noise since new. Chevrolet agrees its a problem but will not fix it. The knocking is heard when starting vehicle. Gm needs to correct this issue before it cause engine failure.

7 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 01/03/2003

Consumer states there is knocking noise in the engine while driving the vehicle. Dealer and manufacturer offered a 100. 000 miles extended guaranty. Consumer declined. Please provided further information. Ts.

8 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 12/02/2002

Complaint on 2001 Chevrolet Silverado extended-cab. The vehicle made a knocking noise when it was first started or after being fully warmed up. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that gm was fully aware of the problem and that they were in the process of re-designing and manufacturing a new cylinder piston for the engine because it seemed the pistons were causing the problem. The consumer was informed that a combination of a timing adjustment or decarbon of the engine or valve adjustment would possibly take care of the problem for the time being, however the consumer stated the engine noise became louder. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer and this time he was told that gm stated the engine noise was normal.

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9 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 12/01/2002

There is knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. Due to missing piston from the engine please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. Ts.

10 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 12/01/2002

Engine was making a knocking sound while idling. The consumer was told by the dealer that gm was aware of the problem, however there was no fix. The dealer also stated the problem was due to a piston slap.

11 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 09/02/2002

Consumer states that the vehicle will start to surge while the consumer is driving, there is also a knocking noise in the engine. Contacted dealer and they cannot find the problem. Nlm.

12 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 07/05/2002

My complaint is regarding a knocking noise coming from my engine of my 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. It sounds like the pistons are hitting the cylinder wall of my engine. I do have 140,000 miles on it but the problem started about 3-4 years ago. The reason I didn't complain because dealers have always said that it was normal. But from online forums I hear that I am not the only one having this problem. My engine has lost a significant amount of power and I think that is the reason why.

13 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 07/04/2002

When starting the vehicle, there is a knocking noise coming from the engine caused by piston slap, if not fixed, this could cause piston to break and damage the engine. Consumer is concerned that the engine will fail in the future.

14 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 04/22/2002

Knocking noise from beginning-dealer stated "cold startup"-wrong! manufacturer said not detrimental to engine-they had to replace my engine @ 25,000 miles-still knocking. Grinding in rear end at take off-had to replace my driveshaft-still grinding. My truck has been in 4 times for engine knocking and 5 times for rear end grinding. I'm now fighting with gm and bbb for a buy back-my truck qualifies under the lemon law-33 total days in shop so far. Will never buy another!!!.

15 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 02/01/2002

When starting vehicle in cold tempertures, there is a knocking noise coming from engine. After a while the noise will go away. Contacted dealer who noted that it was normal.

16 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 09/06/2001

Consumer stated that after 12,000 miles the engine was having a knocking sound. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that there was no solution for the vehicle, and the manufacturer was exploring ways to remedy the defect.

17 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 07/06/2001

When warming up the engine in the mornings a loud knocking noise was heard.

18 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 12/02/2000

There is a knocking noise in engine when consumer is driving. It will happen only when vehicle is being driven. Contacted dealer, and dealer is not willing to do anything.

19 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 07/02/2000

Car has been in service twice for knocking noise heard in engine.

20 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 06/10/2000

There was a knocking noise coming from engine. Problem only happens when starting vehicle in morning. Contacted dealer.

21 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Failure Date: 08/30/1999

From the very begining, the engine, (5. 3l), has made a ticking/knocking noise at start up (similar to what "noisy lifters). I was told by the dealer some time ago, that is was faulty pistons, ("piston slap"), with no solution yet. I have since also heard this from addtional automotive resources. It has continued to get worse. I spoke to the dealer again today, and am meeting with him tomorrow, leaving my truck so they can start it in the morning. I just anticipate a lot of problems. He has told me that they have had many trucks come back for the same reason, and have even replaced entire engines. But he also said it could be "carbon build up". I don't think so, because it was doing this from the first day off the lot. I hope I am wrong, but expect a very difficult battle to get the engine replaced. Any information or help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have talked to numerous other truck owners with the same problem. Some have had major repairs like new lifters, without success. But those who let the dealer do major repair, then later were told Chevrolet would not take the motor back and put a new one in, because the dealer had already "broke" into the engine. (didn't mean to write a book, but really would like some help/support. This is a very new and expensive truck, and I should not have an engine knocking with 40,000 miles on it, particularly from day one. I take meticulous care of this truck and change the oil like clock work every 3500 miles. Thanks so much for any help or direction you can provide! sincerely, doug malawey.

22 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

I purchased my vehicle and 1 week after purchase the engine began making a knocking noise which proceeded to get louder. I phoned my dealership and they made an appt to bring in the vehicle for inspection. I was told at that time that the vortec engine made that sound and there was nothing they could do. I disagreed as it didnt knock when I purchased it. They did a top engine clean and returned the vehicle. I drove it to wyoming and the same day I picked it up it was knocking and missing. I phoned the dealership and they said to bring it in when I got home and gave me gm cares number in case it broke down. I took the vehicle back in and they have now had it for 16 days. Nothing has been done to repair it . I phoned gm they said 1 out of 4 vortec engines have this problem. . They have no fix for it but I should get at least 36 thousand miles from the engine. I told them that was not acceptable I paid 28 thousand dollars for the truck and was told I should get at least 200 thousand miles on the engine. They were aware of this problem before I purchased the vehicle but never disclosed this to me. The transmission is also spinning in gear. I was at a stoplight and at the green light accelerated but the transmission spun then jumped into gear and almost threw the truck into the vehicle in front of me. Also towing my horse trailer the transmission doesnt shift properly.

23 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Engine knocking noise. Took to dealership twice, and they DE-carbonized the engine (which is a hoot!).

24 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

When the vehicle was first started, the engine had a knocking noise.

25 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Vehicle is experiencing problems with engine making a knocking noise and the brake system malfunctioning.

26 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

A very loud knocking noise is coming from the motor, we have had the lifters replaced, but it still has failed to correct the problem we have contacted the bbb about this problem we are waiting to see where we go from here.

27 Engine Knocking Noise problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

Upon starting vehicle there is a knocking noise in the front end that stops after 3 minutes. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated it was normal. Also, parking brake problem. The vehicle had a knocking noise coming from the engine as well as a problem with the parking brake.


Other Common Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of Chevrolet Silverado


Fuel Economy of Silverado Vehicles
Silverado Service Bulletins
Silverado Safety Recalls
Silverado Defect Investigations