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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Find out if your Chevy Silverado 1500 has been recalled. If it has, we'll walk you through the steps you'll need to have your vehicle repaired.

By Charlie Gaston - June 2, 2015

This article applies to the Chevy Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

No consumer wants to learn that his or her vehicle has been recalled due to a safety concern by the manufacturer. However, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are put into place to alert you to a possible risk concerning your vehicle so you can take the appropriate steps to prevent a mishap. If your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is recalled, you'll need to contact your local GM dealer. The process for getting your vehicle repaired is very straightforward, so you won't have to worry about becoming lost in the shuffle. Keep reading to find out which recalls and TSBs have been issued and what you'll need to do to have your vehicle serviced.

Recalls

Two Defects Might Cause Vehicle to Roll Away

In 2013, General Motors recalled a staggering 54,686 2013 vehicles, including Silverado 1500 and HD models. The components covered under the recall include:

  • Steering column
  • Powertrain

"The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the off position, this may cause the vehicle to shift from Park.

Recalled vehicles may shift out of Park when the brake pedal has not been applied and the vehicle is turned off, causing the vehicle to roll away when the vehicle is not in use or attended by the driver. There is a serious risk for a possible collision and/or serious injury to others, including the driver, other motorists and passengers.

Figure 1. The Silverado has had a few recalls.

Inaccurate Fuel Gauge

GM recalled 2012-2013 Silverado HD models due to a faulty fuel gauge. According to Cars.com, "The transfer pump, which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank, could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading."

Affected vehicles run the risk of stalling and causing a possible collision.

Figure 2. An inaccurate fuel gauge is another problem.

Scheduled Maintenance

Make sure to top off your fluids regularly, rotate your tires every six months and follow your maintenance schedule.

  • Change engine oil and inspect brake system after 7,000 to 7,500 miles.
  • Inspect major systems, including the suspension, brake system, Shift Lock system and cooling system after 15,000 miles.
  • Inspect major systems as well as replace fuel filter and cabin air filter after 25,000 miles.
  • Replace brake system after 37,500 miles.
  • Have a complete inspection of your entire vehicle, including all major systems as well as replace filters and fluids after 45,000 miles.
  • Replace automatic transmission fluid and filter after 52,500 miles.
  • Replace fuel filter after 60,000.
  • Replace clutch fluid after 67,500 miles.
  • Have vehicle serviced at 75,000 miles.

Common Questions

Should I contact GM if I hear about a recall for my model year?

You may contact GM at any time to inquire about a recall campaign or other service issue. To speak to a service representative, call 1-800-458-8006.

Will GM notify customers directly if a recall is announced?

Yes! If your vehicle is recalled, GM is required to notify you in writing within 60 days of the recall announcement.

Are recalls announced by model year?

Yes! However, only those vehicles which have been identified by their vehicle identification number (VIN) will be part of the recall and eligible for free repairs.

What happens if a technical service bulletin is issued for my vehicle?

Use the information provided to help your mechanic identify the problem with your Silverado. Unfortunately, you are responsible for paying for your repair costs.

Common Issues

Catalytic converter replacement

A bad catalytic converter will produce a foul-smelling order, which many describe as being similar to rotten eggs. Visit your mechanic for a replacement.

Transmission repair

If your transmission slips and engages harshly while you are changing gears, the most likely culprit is a faulty transmission. Contact your local GM dealer to have your vehicle inspected.

Speedometer replacement

If your speedometer is faulty, meaning it is giving a false reading, contact your local GM dealership. In 2004, GM recalled certain Silverado model years due to faulty instrument panels. If your vehicle is part of the recall, your repair costs will be free.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

A number of TSB's have been issued for the Chevy Silverado. The most commonly reported TSBs were for components relating to the steering system and powertrain. Each of these TSBs included Silverado 2006 to 2013 model years, and the majority were updates to the problem. Here is the information related to the actual defects noted for the effected vehicles.

NHTSA Item Number: 10052379
Service Bulletin Number: SB-13-02-32-001
Date of Bulletin: Aug 01, 2014
Component: Steering - Fluid leaks and noises

NHTSA Item Number: 10037409
Service Bulletin Number: PI-0310
Date of Bulletin: Nov 01, 2013
Component: Power Train - Trouble shifting and noises

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