When did GM stop using the 4.3 engine?

GM largely ceased offering the 4.3-liter V6 in its mainstream pickups and SUVs by the early 2010s, with model year 2013–2014 typically cited as the last for most passenger models. Since then, the engine has largely disappeared from new GM vehicles, persisting only in limited non-automotive uses for a time.

The 4.3L V6—part of GM’s long-running small-block family—powered a wide range of Chevrolet, GMC, and other GM vehicles for decades. This article traces the engine’s automotive arc, explains when GM stopped using it in new models, and looks at what happened to the engine afterward.

Historical context and lifecycle

Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 4.3-liter V6 was designed as a compact, relatively efficient alternative to larger V8s for light trucks, vans, and SUVs. Over the years, GM refined the engine, branding it at times as the Vortec 4300, and kept it in production across multiple generations before gradually exiting the lineup in the 2010s as GM shifted to newer powertrains.

Below is a concise timeline of the engine’s automotive usage and its discontinuation in GM’s mainstream lineup.

The following milestones highlight when the 4.3L V6 existed in GM's automotive lineup and when it was phased out from new vehicles.

• 1985: GM introduces the 4.3-liter V6 for light-duty trucks and vans, providing a smaller-displacement alternative to V8 options.


• Late 1990s: GM rebrands and updates the engine as the Vortec 4300, adopting improved fuel delivery and refinements while preserving its role as a base V6 in pickups, SUVs, and vans.


• Early to mid-2000s: The 4.3L V6 remains a common base engine in full-size GM pickups and SUVs, often paired with automatic transmissions and various options.


• Model year 2013–2014: The 4.3L V6 is largely phased out of new GM passenger vehicles, with 2013 commonly cited as the last widespread model year for the engine in GM’s mainstream lineup; some fleet or limited production may appear in 2014.


• Post-2014: Availability in GM’s automotive lineup diminishes; the engine persists in non-automotive applications (such as marine or industrial uses) for a time before ultimately being retired from new production in those sectors as well.

In summary, GM’s mainstream usage of the 4.3-liter V6 wound down in the early 2010s, with the 2013–2014 window marking the end of its typical presence in new GM trucks and SUVs. The engine lingered in specialized applications for a time, but it is no longer a listed option in modern GM passenger vehicles.

What replaced the 4.3L in GM’s lineup

As GM retired the 4.3L V6 from most consumer models, the company shifted toward newer, more versatile powertrains to meet evolving emissions and efficiency goals. This shift included a heavier emphasis on updated V8 platforms for base configurations and, in more recent years, the introduction of modern inline-six options in some trucks and larger SUVs.

• Expansion of larger V8 family options (such as updated 5.3L and 6.2L engines) to handle base and mid-range power needs in pickups and sport-utility vehicles.


• Introduction and adoption of newer inline-six and other modern powertrains in more recent GM trucks and crossovers, reducing reliance on older V6 designs.


• Continued use of the 4.3L V6 in non-automotive sectors (marine, industrial) for some time after its automotive discontinuation, before those programs also wind down.

These shifts reflect a broader industry move toward engines that meet stricter fuel economy and emissions standards, along with the integration of newer technologies across GM’s powertrain family.

What this means for buyers and collectors

For prospective buyers, the 4.3L V6 is generally not available in new GM vehicles today. If you’re shopping used GM trucks or SUVs from the 2010s era, it remains possible to encounter a 4.3L-equipped model, but the engine’s availability will depend on the year, trim, and region. For collectors or owners of older GM vehicles, documentation and VIN-based verification are helpful to confirm the exact engine specification.

Bottom line

The 4.3-liter V6 served GM for more than two decades, but its automotive run effectively ended in the early 2010s, with model years around 2013–2014 marking the last widespread presence in new GM vehicles. Beyond that, the engine lives on only in limited non-automotive uses for a time before being retired from production altogether.

Summary

GM’s 4.3-liter V6 was a mainstay in trucks, vans, and SUVs from the mid-1980s until the early 2010s. By the 2013–2014 model years, it had largely disappeared from new GM vehicles, replaced in most lineups by modern powertrains and other engine configurations. While a few non-automotive uses persisted for a while, the 4.3L V6 is no longer a standard option in GM’s current passenger-vehicle lineup.

Is the Chevy 4.3 L V6 a good engine?

Yes, the Chevy 4.3L V6 is generally considered a good and reliable engine, known for its longevity and durability, especially with proper maintenance. While older versions can have issues with fuel injection systems, and newer versions have had some problems with Active Fuel Management (AFM), the core engine block and internals are very strong. It's a dependable and easy-to-maintain engine, with many owners reporting high mileage without major issues.
 
Pros of the 4.3L V6

• Reliable and durable: The engine is known for its solid and reliable design, with many examples reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles and beyond on the original block and internal parts. 
• Easy to maintain: It is relatively simple to work on, and parts are readily available and affordable. 
• Good for its class: It provides ample power for daily driving and light hauling, though it may not be the fastest engine on the market. 

Common issues and considerations

• Older models (TBI/CPI): Some older versions with the Central Point Injection (CPI) system can have issues with the "spider" injector, but replacing the system is often straightforward and inexpensive. 
• Newer models (EcoTec3):
  • Active Fuel Management (AFM): Newer versions of the engine feature AFM, which has been known to cause lifter and other issues, though the 4.3L generally fares better than the larger V8s. Disabling AFM with a device is recommended to prevent potential problems. 
  • Direct Injection: Direct injection can lead to carbon buildup on intake valves and issues with the fuel system. Installing a catch can can help mitigate these problems by reducing oil recirculation. 
• Fuel efficiency: While not as poor as some other engines, its fuel economy isn't considered great by modern standards, especially on the highway. 

How to ensure longevity

• Maintain proper maintenance: Regularly changing oil and filters is crucial for the engine's health. 
• Address issues promptly: Be sure to replace any worn or failing components, such as the water pump or distributor, as they wear out. 
• Consider disabling AFM: On newer models, disabling AFM can prevent potential long-term engine damage. 

When did GM stop using Vortec engines?

Chevy did not stop using Vortec engines at a single point, but rather phased them out gradually, with most versions being replaced by the EcoTec3 engine family around the 2014-2015 model year. While some specific Vortec engines were discontinued earlier, the last ones were retired around 2014, with the 5.3L Vortec 5300 engine's production ending in 2014, and the last 4.3L Vortec V6 engine being used in the 2014 model year. 

• Most large vehicle Vortec engines: Were replaced by the EcoTec3 engine family around 2014-2015. 
• Specific engine timelines:
  • 4.3L Vortec V6: Its last model year was 2014. 
  • 5.3L Vortec V8: The specific engines in the 2010-2014 range were replaced by the EcoTec3 in 2014, according to Jalopnik. 
  • 6.0L Vortec 6000: The work truck version was produced until 2019, but was phased out of half-ton pickups earlier, after 2009. 
  • 8.1L Vortec 8100: The last of the big-block Vortecs, it was discontinued in 2010. 

What was the last year of the 4.3 V6?

The last model year for the original 4.3L V6 engine was 2014. This engine, a variation of the traditional small-block Chevy design, was phased out and replaced by GM's newer 4.3L EcoTec3 engine, which was a completely different design.
 
This video explains the history and reliability of the 4.3L Vortec engine: 54s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jan 6, 2023

• Original 4.3L: Production of the original 4.3L V6 (the "Vortec") ended in 2014. 
• Replacement: It was replaced by the 4.3L EcoTec3, which is part of a new engine family, and a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder also became an option for the Silverado and Sierra. 
• Engine legacy: The original 4.3L V6 had a long production run, dating back to 1985. 

This video compares the performance of the 4.3L V6 with other engines: 59sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Jul 26, 2022

Did Chevy discontinue the 4.3 V6?

The original engine family was phased out in early 2014, with its final use as the 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 engine used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans. Its phaseout marks the end of an era of Chevrolet small-block engine designs dating back to the 1955 model year.