The 4 Most Common Chevy EcoTec3 6.2L Engine Problems

Meet Jake
Jake is a founder of 8020 Media and has been creating automotive content online since 2017. He has been the lead writer for Chevy Trucks and has transformed it from the old and outdated site it was into what it is today. Jake creates a ton of GM related content for the 8020 Media YouTube channel and specializes in Duramax and Vortec information but has a wealth of knowledge across all GM cars and engines. Jake believes the L5P is the best diesel on the market today.
The 6.2L EcoTec engine was released in 2014 to power GM’s performance vehicles and as the highest tier engine option for Silverado and Sierra trucks. Powering some of the most expensive GM vehicles, reliability is a big factor.
Unfortunately, the 6.2L EcoTec3 is prone to a number of common and serious problems such as lifter failure and bent pushrods due to active fuel management. It also suffers from some less serious problems like carbon build-up, fuel pump and injector failure, intake manifold gaskets, and a few transmission related issues.
While the 6.2 V8 engine isn’t unreliable, there are certainly some major problems to be aware of. This guide is going to discuss overall engine reliability, each common problem in depth, and provide a breakdown of each version of the engine so you can be aware what problem affects what version.
6 Engine Variations
- LT1:
- 2014-2019 Corvette C7 (455hp and 460tq)
- 2016-Present Camaro SS (455hp and 460tq)
- LT2: successor to the LT1 and designed specifically for mid-engine placement on the new Corvette’s
- 2020-Present Corvette Stingray (490hp, 465tq)
- L86 & L87: version of the LT1 slightly modified for use in trucks. 420hp and 460tq
- 2014-2018 Siliverado and Sierra
- 2014-2018 Yukon and Escalade
- 2014-Present Suburban and Yukon XL
- L8T: 401hp and 464tq
- 2020-Present Silverado HD and Sierra HD
- 2021-Present Express and Savana vans
- LT4: features 1.7L Eaton Supercharger
- 2015-2019 Corvette Z06 (650hp, 650tq)
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V (640hp, 630tq)
- 2017-Present Camaro ZL1 (650hp, 650tq)
- LT5: features 2.6L Eaton Supercharger
- 2019 Corvette ZR1 (755hp, 715tq)
6.2L EcoTec3 Engine Problems
- Carbon build-up
- Lifter collapse / bent push rods
- A8 Transmission shuddering or vibrating
- Other smaller / less common issues
- Fuel injectors / fuel pumps
- Engine mounts
- Manifold bolts
- Lower intake manifold gasket
If you would rather consume this content via a video, check out our GM 6.2L EcoTec3 Common Problems video below:
1. Carbon Build-up
Unlike the predecessor Vortec engines, the new EcoTec3 engines use direct fuel injection instead of port-injection. On direct injection vehicles, the fuel is sprayed directly into the engine cylinders, completely bypassing the intake ports. Because there is no highly pressurized fuel going through the intake ports, there is nothing preventing them from getting gunked up.
As the gunk fills the intake ports, the volume of air that those ports can hold decreases. Ultimately, the engine can end up not getting enough air as necessary for it to function optimally.
Symptoms of Carbon Build-up
- Poor idling
- Slight performance & acceleration decrease
- Engine misfires
- Rich air to fuel ratios (will probably only be slightly rich)
Carbon build-up is going to naturally start to occur on day 1 of vehicle ownership. It usually won’t become noticeable or cause any performance implications until around the 80,000 mile mark, but this can depend on the type of gasoline and oil you are running.
The is one way to “prevent” this problem and one way to “fix” the problem if you are having performance issues. The prevention method is to install a catch can to capture the unused oil. The “fix” for the problem is to walnut blast your engine which shoots a bunch of highly pressurized walnuts through the intake ports to completely clean them out.
2. Lifter Collapse / Bent Push Rods
AFM deactivates four cylinders under certain driving conditions via a system of complex lifters, to improve fuel efficiency. These lifters are prone to collapsing due to oiling issues caused by AFM which can then lead to bent push rods.
If the lifters collapse or the push rods bend, the cylinder will not be able to open and close properly, leading to various performance and driveability related issues. While these issues are almost a guarantee on these 6.2L engines, they are covered under warranty.
The best bet to prevent serious repairs from bent rods or lifters is to disable AFM.
Disable AFM/DFM to Prevent Lifter Failure

Active and dynamic fuel management are the primary causes of problems on these engines. They create oiling related issues that lead to collapsed lifters and excess oil consumption that can cause further internal engine damage.
The best way to improve reliability on the 6.2 EcoTec3 is to disable fuel management. In addition to improved reliability you’ll also get better performance and a smoother driving experience.
For just $149 it’s an affordable way to drastically improve longevity and mitigate expensive repairs. We recommend using the Boost AFM/DFM disabler device – it’s made in the US and the best device on the market.
Price: $149
Buy Here: Boost AFM/DFM Disabler
3. A8 Transmission Shuddering & Vibration
The A8 8-speed transmissions have been known to be problematic on both trucks and even the sports cars like the Corvette with this transmission. Most drivers will notice a vibration while driving, will feel the transmission shuddering or jerking during shifts, and will overall have noticeable poor driveability due to the transmission shifts.
The rough shifts are usually most noticeable from first to second gear and then from second down to first. The problem became so common among A8 transmissions that a class action lawsuit was filed. Since then, Chevy has posted TSB 18-NA-355 relating to the issues and the fix. Chevy claims that the issue stems from the moisture content of the transmission fluid that was used from the factory. In most cases, a fluid flush and filter replacement will get the trick done. If this doesn’t solve the problem, the torque converter will need to be replaced.
While most problems in general tend to occur later on, this problem tends to occur within the first 20,000 miles of the transmissions life.
4. Other Smaller / Less Common Issues
There are a number of other issues I have heard of and seen around on these engines, but I haven’t heard about them enough to classify them as common. So I’m going to cop-out and list them here as less common but prevalent issues. These include:
Fuel Injectors & Fuel Pumps
These are direct injection related problems. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering highly pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors. The injectors then spray the fuel into the cylinders. The fuel is usually sprayed at approx. 1,500psi of pressure, which is extremely pressurized. Because of the high pressure nature, the fuel pump and injectors are heavily stressed parts.
When the fuel pump fails, it can no longer adequately deliver fuel to the injectors. When the injectors fail, they can fail completely open or stuck closed which can cause serious fueling problems. The end result will be extremely poor engine performance, misfires, jumpy acceleration, engine noise, etc.
Engine Mounts
The engine mounts are known to go bad more frequently than engine mounts should. The constant 4WD puts a lot of pressure on the drivetrain and this results in the mounts wearing down a bit more frequently. I’ve read about people saying this is more prevalent on the driver side mounts, but have also seen it happen to the passenger side.
Bad motor mounts will cause a lot of rattle and vibration from the engine. It will usually get more noticeable as RPM’s increase.
Manifold Bolts
Common on the Vortec 5.3 and 6.0 engines as well, the exhaust manifold bolts are known to break off. Broken manifold bolts will create an exhaust leak which will make the exhaust sound noticeably louder. If the leak is large enough, you will get a check engine light, probably some extra vibrations, and slightly worse fuel economy.
Intake Manifold Gaskets
The lower intake manifold gaskets are known to go bad which can create air leaks or vacuum leaks in the intake system. This can cause poor idling, sluggish acceleration, and overall decreased performance.
Chevy EcoTec3 6.2L Reliability
On a scale of 1 to 5, I’m going to put the 6.2L reliability at a 3. Lifter failure is extremely prevalent on these vehicles, despite engine age, and the transmission issues have also proven to be extremely common as well. While both of these issues usually occur earlier in the engines life and covered by warranty, the prevalence of the issues hurts my reliability score. Additionally, AFM continues to be an issue despite having been around for some time now.
However, outside of these few common issues, these engines have proven to be strong and capable. However, Chevy chose to not include the 6.2’s as an option on the HD 2500/3500 trucks because they do not expect it to be able to live up to the duty cycle required for their HD series work trucks, which are used more commercially. While this isn’t necessarily a negative, it just tells me that these engines were not meant to be workhorses and should not be used if you’re primary purpose of getting a truck is frequently towing heavy things.
These engines aren’t unreliable by any means. I believe the engine itself, the block, internals, etc. and the transmissions (with the fluid/torque converter problem fixed) are capable and have proven to be capable of lasting to 250,000 miles and beyond.
Very helpful. Thank you very much, Jake. I’ve saved your informative article. My pickup truck is a 2020 GMC 1500 Sierra SLT 6.2L 420 hp V8.
I agree, very informative article. I just turned in my 2018 5.3L Silverado LTZ that performed flawlessly during my time with it and took delivery of a beautiful new 2020 6.2L triple white loaded Silverado LTZ.. I respect your research but I’m pretty optimistic I will have the same good fortune with the new beautifull beast now occupying my driveway..
My 2015 Silverado 6.2 has had lifter/push rod failure 3 times in the last 15,000 miles. The last interval between failures was 3000 miles. The first time was two lifters, the second was one whole side lifter/ push rods , and now after 3 weeks at the dealership all in the engine will be replaced. The engine has 49,000 miles on it.
From my experience this is a wholly unreliable engine.
My 2015 GMC 1500 MAX TOW just failed at 75000mi I purchased the truck with 66000 on it and am trying to get the rest of its history. $4100 dollars and that’s just one side of the motor. I was told by West Herr GMC in East Aroura ,NY that GM now requires the entire bank to be torn down even if only 1 lifter fails… all lifters and push rods replaced on that side or bank. I am also experiencing the shifting slip and clanging / banging…
I hade 3 transmission rebuilds and two new transmissions before 80k miles and I’m still ya e issues and GM or the dealer are not backing it. The dealer I purchased it from had my truck for 183 days in 2019. I’ve also had push rods go on me and I only get about 9 miles to the gallon.
My 2014 Denali 6.2 has lost lifter/ push rode 3 times in 15,0000miles as well. As I type this it has done it again but I’m stuck at the beach 09/10/21 the last time this happen was 7,000 miles. This truck will be heading to the sell lot as soon as I get home.
WHY WERE ALL THE LIFTERS AND RODS NOT REPLACED THE FIRST TIME?
Just read this. Purchased a ’15 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L (73k miles) in order to tow my travel trailer. Have already replaced A/C condenser, Brake Boost, Electronic Throttle Body, Tranny Fluid (Chevy Shake) and now have a valve lifter problem. All covered under warranty, which only lasts so long. This truck is VERY unreliable vs. my old ’03 Tahoe. Considering cutting it loose. Thanks for writing this article.
Thank you for your input.
My 2016 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L recently ceased. It has 100,247 miles on it. It looks like I am out of warranty. What would you suggest? Looking into getting engine rebuilt but it is very costly for me especially when I am still paying for the vehicle.
I am too upset over the matter. My last 2007 Yukon XL engine died a 102,004 miles. Is it my imagination or are these cars programmed to died just over 100k miles?
If I were you I’d try and find a L9H 6.2L best engine of gm no AFM so no top end issues and the swap should be very straight forward. You can pick one up from a wreaker and get it rebuilt or not,up to you but if I were in your shoes that’s exactly what I’d do. Good luck in whatever you choose.
I’ve got a 2009 GMC Sierra Denali lots of power and no issues over 100000 on it and going strong I’ll never get rid of this truck.
I just test drove the 2015 Denali 1500 with 6.2 with 108k miles. It had the trany shudder and vibrate. Felt in steering wheel and on the floor has anyone else had that happen with such high mileage?
It’s a thing with the 8spd transmission
Replace your transmission fluid with Mobil 1 hp with the blue label on the box, NOT the black label. I am in the oil business and deal with a number of transmission shops and rebuilders. They chased this problem for a while and this fluid should fix the shudder. Don’t use the ac delco stuff from the dealer, it does not fix the issue.
I have a 2021 Silverado Eclipse edition with only 10,000 miles on it. It is in the shop right now with bent lifters and who knows what else. Dealership said they have six more there with the same problem and cannot get parts and have repaired over 200 of them. Said I might not have back in a month. I will never buy another GM product!
Bought my first truck in 2017. It was advertised as a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ with 5.3, but the second I heard the truck turn over I knew it was special. It was in fact a 6.2 engine and I was sold. I purchased the vehicle with around 40k miles and had no issues until early 2020 when AC condenser blew, back of the driver and passenger seats fell apart then the Friday before Christmas my engine failed. Luckily I was able to get it home only to be put on a tow truck Christmas Eve. After diagnosis the AFM cylinder ceased which made the AFM manifold fail, ruined lifters, rods, camshaft… everything. This is what I get for taking care of my vehicles and completing routine maintenance, a busted motor. So it’s either $6k to have “fixed” motor or I have to be forced to trade it in. Oh and to dig the knife in deeper I’m being forced to go under because my trade in value is lower than what I owe due to the repairs. Almost timed too perfectly at 110k just out of warranty and forcing payment.
Just bout a 2018 GMC Sierra Denali with the 6.2. I had the shudder and the dealer replaced the fluid when I bought it at no cost. So far so good. The warranty on the engine and transmission was just out because of the mileage (74,000). I bought an extended warranty bumper to bumper to cover the issues it seems are inevitable to happen. I think I will try the catch can thing after I get the intake cleaned of course. Start from zero. I plan on having this truck forever. Very informative article. Thank you. I have been a GM owner forever and realize no car is perfect because human beings who are not perfect built them.
They were supposed to replace the torque converter as well… if it starts it again fluid flush a torque converter replacement should be the repair.
My brothers 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L, SLT3, Z71, All Terrain, Max Tow w/3.73 rears
Transmission replaced by GM @ less than 20,000mi. Currently has 86000mi on it.
Mine a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L, SLT3, Z71, MAX TOW w/ 3.23 rears
Replaced at 75000mi both front hub assemblies both front springs and struts rt. side half shaft, rear shocks, both seat bottom heaters, drivers side power seat track as the seat would move 1/4 inch to the left or right turning a corner. $3800
Now lifter jumped off? Bending pushrods and damaging AFM manifold. Tearing down the entire left side of the motor. Replacing all pushrods & lifters on that side along with a new AFM manifold… $4100
It seems car manufacturers are just putting out junk. It shouldn’t be this many problems but I digress. So far the fluid change is holding up and I bought a AFM bypass to keep it in 8 so it doesn’t ruin the lifters and afm system which is prone to go bad.
Bought my 2015 Silverado 6.2 new soon after retiring. It listed for over $54000.00. Since I don’t have to dive much I was hoping it would be the last truck I would have to buy. At 4 years and 11 months (1 month left on power train warranty) and only 23,000 miles on the truck, I had a collapsed lifter and bent rod while I was at the dealership getting new custom wheels installed. I also had the trans. reprogrammed twice. Sometimes when coming to a stop the trans. would shift so hard that it would feel as if I had been hit from behind. I also began getting the shuddering (like running over rail road tracks on a perfectly smooth road). After almost 3 weeks in the shop it now drives much better however I have experienced a couple of hard shifts and something feels just a little off. A little rough when accelerating. It almost feels as if it has a slight miss or its slightly out of tune. After reading info on this site I now would be willing to bet it is carbon buildup on intake ports. With the warranty expiring I now feel like I have to trade this like new truck in or possibly be stuck with expensive repairs in the future. I have owned other GM trucks in the past with very few if any issues.
Bought my 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV new and from day one had a transmission shutter but very inconsistent. Changed the oil every 4,000 miles and kept it in pristine condition. last week Friday got off work went to the car wash came home parked for 2 hours and later I remote started the vehicle came outside truck sounded like a real light engine knock on the passenger side it was a sound I never heard that sound like that before. Took it to the dealer and just like you stated in your article Collapsed lifter, bent pushrod, damaged camshaft and a lot of carbon build up. Luckily I got an extended warranty and my vehicle is being repaired.
hello all, my 2015 gmc all terrain, 6.2 eco ,a couple weeks ago I did a brake torque burn of at work with the reaction control and stabilitrak off. shortly afterward driving home i turned my reaction control back on, however the stabilitrak light came on aswell as the engine light blinking. running very rough now and those two lights haven’t gone off and appears to have an excess of white smoke/steam blowing out of exaust and smells like paint. any advise is appreciated. – bill
Lifters jumped off causing the AFM manifold to fail probably bent pushrods as well just happened to myself… bought a 2015 @ 66000 mi. Now at 75000mi both front hub assemblies, drivers side half shaft (torn cv boot) both bottom seat heaters, drivers seat power seat track, struts & springs up front and shocks in the rear $3800 Then a week later a lifter jumps off damaging a push rod taking out the AFM (fuel Mgt.) manifold. GM says tear down the entire bank replace all lifters & pushrods in that bank passenger/left side replace AFM Manifold… $4100.
Thank god I purchased an aftermarket warranty from Allstate with this truck! Two $100 deductibles. They still have my truck 3 weeks in now… waiting on lifters.
Sounds like you may have blown a head gasket. This is where the white smoke and chemical smell point to. Check the oil to see if there is a chocolate milk lol to it or have a combustion test done.
that’s what I was thinking and hoping I was wrong. that’ll be expensive. ugh..
thank you Rob.
Thank you for the info. I just had lifters go out on my 2021 Trailboss 6.2 with only 17,000 miles on it. Very disapointed about it. I love he truck and the power, but if this problem doesn’t get fixed in the near future, this Chevy will be the last Chevy I ever buy. Its all under warranty but now I’m just thinking when this will happen again and it will be on my dime which im not looking forward to.
Same happened to me I’m guessing I’m at 800 miles 10 days owning it
Purchased my 2020 Z71 LTZ Club Cab with the 6.2 this past October. Beautiful truck however, complete lifter failure with only 8,600 miles on it. Will be in the shop for a month before it sees my driveway again. I’ve had a poor reliability experience with the 2014 I traded in for this train wreck. This is my last Chevy product and while I know other trucks manufacturers will have their issues, I’ve simply lost faith in the Chevy product. I’ll trade this off when I get it back.
I purchased a 2017 Callaway Silverado…. It developed the shudder, but until I read this, I thought I was crazy…. It only does it at certain speeds and part throttle loads…. Not heavy throttle and not light…. I’d say 25%ish throttle. It’s been doing it quite a while but I never knew what to do about it… I do all my routine maintenance, so I figured trying to explain this to a service department would get me the world’s largest eye roll.. THANK YOU!!!!
2021 GMC 6.2.. 1800 miles.. lost the lifters and Rods… not happy with a fix and will not allow it… I have a $100,000 special edition Rock now… I will never trust this truck to travel…
I’m looking at a new 2021 Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss w/ 6.2. Dealer says the new 21 models they “have” are still at the factory awaiting valve lifter recall fix, under warranty and vehicle will receive full factory warranty after the recall fix.. They are starting to ship 22 models now. My question is, should I wait for a 22 and did they incorporate into the 22 models whatever the fix is they still have to do to a bunch of new unsold 21 models?
I wanted to pull a medium (not large) travel trailer, maybe a car trailer. I didn’t see the Trail Boss as a work truck, it’s a toy with some practical value. Salesman is not pushing the 6,2. My 2013 Tahoe has the AFM and 5.3 engine, haven’t had failures yet at 108K. Thoughts?
I have a 2014 Denali crew cab with a 6.2 L engine that exploded at 134k miles with no prior warning. I have it routinely serviced by the dealership and had it in the GMC dealership 60 days prior to this event for front end work and oil change. The dealership did a full inspection of the truck with all systems functioning properly. In addition, I had the GMC app which also provides feedback if anything is wrong, or maintenance is needed.
My truck is in Hammond, LA and I live in Dallas, TX. The malfunction happened while coming home from vacation in Florida. I am lucky in the fact no one got hurt, and I was able to safely pull of the highway. GMC responsiveness to the situation has been very frustrating. It took them three weeks to tell me I had to buy a new engine at 13k and they might help pay for a rental car. I have had GM trucks for 25 years and this is how I get treated. This is the last GM product I will ever buy.
Jake,
I was just about to purchase a 2020 Tahoe Premier RST until I read this article!
Thanks for sharing!!!
2021 GMC Sierra with 6.2. Lifter issue at 9400 and again at 25k. Supposedly GM wouldn’t authorize them to fix both sides the first time around, so I the bonus trip to the dealer when the other side went. 300 miles later after the second lifter fix, and now I have oil leaking everywhere, soot all over the tailgate of the truck, and engine light on for emissions issue.
A 3 is an awfully generous rating. Tell me it’s a 3 next time your lifters go at 70mph with a truck load of shit and getting stranded on the Edens expressway downtown Chicago at 1am. This engine is a zero out of 5. It is not reliable and neither is GM.
(I am a lifelong GM customer but probably not for long).
Lifters just went at 84,000 miles, brought to dealer for repair. Was told highly unusual as the 6.2 is a good engine. Then I stumbled onto you!! Seems like a lot of problems with the AFM on the 6.2 plus everything else. Called GM’s hot line and got a call back just this afternoon he stated they had problems with the 6.0 but not really on the 6.2. Sent me an email to file a claim. I’m thinking class action
I have a 5.3 in a YukonXL and bought the AFM delete the day I brought it home. I was also thinking of trading in my 2009 LTZ with the L92 6.2 on a 2021 High Country with a 6.2 ecotech. After reading these posts, I think I’ll wait until the 2022’s. My 6.2 is a LS with no AFM. Great engine have over 150K and runs like a top. Cheaper to Keepher.
I purchased a Pulsar LT module which turns off Dynamic fuel management system, my 6.2l has 24,000 miles and no issues, I’f I have a problem I will have a DFM delete kit installed, it is ridiculous that the dealer keeps installing the same crappy parts and that they don’t remove the system entirely.
Isn’t the Pulsar LT module supposed delete the DFM? What is a delete kit, compared to a Pulsar?
What is the best used car warranty to get for a GMC to get for a GMC Dinali 2020 6.2 liter with76000 miles ???
Is this still happening with the 2023 6.2 motors??????
I was getting ready to buy a new 2023 LTZ, so please help.
There are still some lifter issues with the newer engines – can’t really speak to 2023 specifically since they are very new of course. I’d recommend just getting a disabler.