2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck appreciated for its towing and hauling capabilities. Available engine options include the 6.0L Vortec V8 (360 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque), the 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 (397 hp, 765 lb-ft of torque), and the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options are the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission and the 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the truck’s powerful engine options and workhorse capability, but some common complaints involve the infotainment system, ride quality, and occasional diesel engine emissions issues.

Engine

6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 (LML)

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination, “Service Exhaust Fluid System” message, reduced engine power, and potential engine shutdown due to DEF quality sensor failure, DEF heater failure, or clogged DEF injector.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty DEF sensor, DEF heater, DEF injector, or flushing the DEF system. Software updates to the engine control module (ECM) may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the component and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, white smoke from the exhaust, decreased fuel economy, and difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injector(s). Requires specialized tools and knowledge due to high-pressure fuel system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+ depending on how many injectors and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, whistling or screeching noises from the engine bay, and increased oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+ depending on the parts and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, low oil pressure warning.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals and/or piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $5000+ depending on extent of repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, slipping between gears, and potential overheating of the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter and flushing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ depending on labor and parts used.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hard Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifting, especially between 1st and 2nd gear, can be caused by worn valve body components or degraded transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Valve body repair or replacement, transmission fluid flush and filter change.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sits lower than normal, reduced load-carrying capacity, and potential bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the springs used and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front End Clunking/Popping
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises coming from the front suspension when going over bumps or turning the steering wheel. This is often caused by worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar end links.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the parts needing replaced and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MyLink infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes intermittently.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the infotainment system module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+ depending on the repair required.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with various sensors around the vehicle. Most notably, the ABS sensors and TPMS sensors are subject to failure and will cause warning lights to illuminate on the dash.
  • Solution: Replace the failed sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per sensor to replace.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Material Separation
  • Description/Symptoms: The cloth or leather material on the seats separates from the underlying foam, particularly on the driver’s seat.
  • Solution: Re-upholstering the seat or replacing the seat cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the damage and material.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD can be a reliable workhorse, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues, particularly those related to the diesel engine’s emissions system and the transmission. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as fuel injector replacement on the diesel engine, can be quite costly. Inspecting the DEF system, transmission performance, and suspension components is advisable before purchasing a used 2015 Silverado 3500 HD.