New vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are expected to be trouble-free, but sometimes that’s not the case. During the first three years of driving, you shouldn’t have to worry about more than regular maintenance, but there are some models that show problems during this time. Knowing which vehicles could cost a lot to fix or give you problems once the warranty has expired is an important part of buying your next vehicle.
17 most common problems that could cause trouble for you
GMC Sierra 1500 | GM Authority
According to Consumer Reports, there are 17 trouble spots on each car that could be a problem for you during the first few years of driving. Those areas are:
- Engine Major – requires engine rebuild or replacement along with other major repairs
- Engine Minor – problems with belts, pulleys, computers, and other minor issues
- Engine Cooling – trouble with the radiator, cooling fan, water pump
- Transmission Major – a rebuild or replacement would be required
- Transmission Minor – trouble with the gear selector, computer, sensor, or solenoid
- Drive System – difficulty in the driveshaft, axle, CV joint, or differential
- Fuel System/Emissions – sensors failing, emission-control devices failing
- Electrical System – problems with the alternator, battery, or related systems
- Climate System – trouble with the air conditioning or heating system for the cabin
- Suspension/Steering – shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, etc. that fail to work
- Brakes – ABS, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, and rotors that fail
- Exhaust System – trouble with the muffler, pipes, catalytic converter
- Paint/Trim – fading, peeling, or cracking paint
- Body Integrity – strange noises, seals that leak, and worn weather stripping
- Body Hardware – trouble with the windows, locks, latches, and doors
- Power Equipment and Accessories – cruise control, electronic systems, monitoring systems
- In-Car Electronics – problems in the systems used for comfort and entertainment
As you can see, there are many items that could go wrong with your new ride, but during the first few years, you shouldn’t have to face these issues.
Thankfully, the percentages are low
2019 Kia Forte | Getty Images
When you see the models listed that match up with the most common problems, you might think you need to avoid those vehicles at all costs. An example of this is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are listed as the vehicles with the most Major Engine issues. Even though this is true, these trucks only show engine issues on this level at a four percent rate. That’s a very small percentage.
Other examples you might be interested in reviewing are the results for Transmission Major, which is listed as the 2019 Kia Forte, which has this problem in 6.5 percent of the models. When you look down to the Transmission Minor and see the vehicle listed, you might want to steer clear of the 2019 Ford Mustang. This car has this problem in 5.7 percent of the models that were built.
These small percentage numbers should serve as a warning and not a hard and fast rule for you to avoid certain vehicles.
More information can only aid in your decision making
The battery and engine of the Mercedes-Benz E300 hybrid | Mercedes-Benz
When it’s time to buy your next vehicle, you might want to supplement the advice given by Consumer Reports with information from other sources as well. The team at Motor Junkie has put together a list of models you will want to think twice about buying, whether you want to buy these vehicles new or find one that’s been around for a few years.
Gather your information for the right vehicle to drive
2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss | Chevrolet
Whether you want to drive a pickup truck like the Chevrolet Silverado or you want to get behind a small car like the Kia Forte, you’ll want to gather information from several sources to make sure you’re selecting the vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Avoid the most common problems mentioned when you can and pick out the vehicle that will give you several years of daily driving pleasure.
Keyword: Most Common Problems; Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra Trouble Spots