What years did Chevy have oil consumption problems?
Chevrolet oil-consumption problems were most notable for certain 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines in full-size pickups and SUVs, primarily in the mid-2010s. Model years roughly from 2014 through 2019 are the ones most frequently cited by owners, regulators, and service literature.
In this article, we explain which Chevrolet models and years were affected, how General Motors responded, and practical steps for owners who want to understand or address oil-consumption symptoms. The information reflects consumer reports, manufacturer service notices, and regulatory data up to 2024 and may vary by VIN, region, and mileage.
Overview of the issue
Oil consumption problems occur when an engine burns oil at a higher-than-normal rate, leading to more frequent oil top-ups and, in some cases, engine damage if unchecked. For Chevrolet, the most widely reported instances involved the EcoTec3 5.3L V8 and, to a lesser extent, the 6.2L V8 options used in full-size pickups and large SUVs. Symptoms can include the need to add oil between changes, warning lights, and in extreme cases, blue smoke or rough running. GM and its dealers have addressed these reports through service bulletins, warranty guidance, and, for some vehicles, extended coverage programs.
Root causes and common symptoms
Industry observers and service notices point to several potential factors that can contribute to higher oil consumption in these engines, including piston-ring seating, valve-guide wear, PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system behavior, and high-demand driving patterns. Common symptoms reported by owners include noticeable oil loss between oil-change intervals, louder engine sounds, and, in some cases, reduced engine performance if oil level drops too low.
Affected Chevrolet models and model years
Here's a concise catalog of Chevrolet models and approximate model-year ranges where owners most frequently reported excessive oil consumption, based on consumer complaints, NHTSA data, and GM service literature.
- Chevrolet Silverado and Sierra with 5.3L V8 (EcoTec3) — roughly 2014–2019 model years
- Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban with 5.3L V8 (EcoTec3) — roughly 2015–2019 model years
- Chevrolet Silverado and Sierra with 6.2L V8 (EcoTec3) — roughly 2014–2019 model years
- Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban with 6.2L V8 (EcoTec3) — roughly 2015–2019 model years
The list reflects the engines and platforms most commonly cited in reports of excessive oil consumption among Chevrolet’s mainstream, large-vehicle lineup during the mid-to-late 2010s. Individual experiences vary, and not every vehicle within these ranges experiences the issue. Always verify specifics with a dealer or GM customer support for your VIN.
In practice, the problem was most visible on older 5.3L engines within these families, with some 6.2L variants also affected, particularly when the vehicle saw high-mileage use or severe driving conditions. Consumers should consult GM service records and NHTSA complaint data for the most current vehicle-specific information.
GM's response and guidance
GM’s response to oil-consumption concerns has included technical service bulletins, diagnostic procedures, and, for certain vehicle families and VIN ranges, extended coverage and warranty guidance. Owners experiencing rapid oil loss are advised to contact their Chevrolet dealer to diagnose against the vehicle’s specific service history and warranty status. The following summarizes general categories of GM guidance observed in the period.
- Technical Service Bulletins describing diagnostic steps, error codes, and potential repair actions for affected engines, including piston-ring-related concerns and PCV-system checks.
- Warranty and extended-coverage guidance for qualifying vehicles and VIN ranges, with variations by model year, region, and mileage. Availability can depend on dealership discretion and program terms.
- Consumer-resource guidance emphasizing regular oil-level monitoring, timely maintenance, and reporting of oil-consumption symptoms to a dealer for assessment and potential service.
Owners should verify current status with their local Chevrolet dealership and review any GM customer-support communications or official recalls/service campaigns related to their vehicle’s year and engine option. Details can vary by location and vehicle history.
How to check oil consumption if you own a Chevy from these years
If you suspect your vehicle is consuming oil more quickly than normal, use this practical checklist to assess the situation and prepare for a dealer visit.
- Track oil level and consumption over an interval (between oil-change intervals). Note how much oil is added and the miles driven.
- Watch for signs of excessive consumption, such as repeated top-offs between scheduled changes, blue smoke on startup, or unusual engine noises.
- Check for related symptoms such as rough idling, misfire, or warning lights that may indicate engine issues beyond usual consumption.
- Bring your logs to a Chevrolet dealer or GM-certified shop to help diagnose whether the consumption exceeds typical expectations for your engine and driving conditions.
Precautions and next steps: If abnormal consumption is confirmed, the dealer will typically run diagnostic checks, review service history, and determine whether a warranty-related repair or service bulletin applies. Documentation of oil-loss patterns can aid the process.
Summary
In the mid- to late-2010s, Chevrolet saw the most notable oil-consumption issues in its 5.3L and, to a lesser extent, 6.2L V8 engines used in Silverado/Sierra pickups and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs, with affected model years broadly around 2014–2019. GM responded through service bulletins, diagnostic guidance, and, for some vehicles, extended coverage arrangements. If you own a vehicle from these years and notice rapid oil loss, consult your dealer promptly, review any relevant GM notices, and keep a detailed log of consumption to support diagnostics and potential warranty considerations.
For readers seeking the latest, model-specific information, check with the Chevrolet customer assistance portal, your local dealership, and NHTSA complaint databases, as coverage and findings can evolve with new data and regulatory updates.
