2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is widely praised for its rugged build quality, powerful towing capabilities, and comfortable interior. It is offered with a variety of powertrain options, including a 6.0L V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, a 6.6L gas V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 with 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic and a 10-speed automatic.
Engine
6.0L V8
Intake Valve Failure Description/Symptoms: The intake valves can fail prematurely, resulting in loss of power, rough idle, and increased oil consumption. Solution: Replace the intake valves. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V671000
Cylinder Head Warping Description/Symptoms: The cylinder heads can warp over time, leading to coolant leaks, oil leaks, and engine overheating. Solution: Replace the cylinder heads. Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $4,000+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 19V011000
6.6L Gas V8
Active Fuel Management Failure Description/Symptoms: The Active Fuel Management system can fail, causing the engine to run rough, lose power, and experience increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the Active Fuel Management solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 18V571000
Exhaust Manifold Cracking Description/Symptoms: The exhaust manifolds can crack over time, resulting in exhaust leaks and reduced engine performance. Solution: Replace the exhaust manifolds. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+ Recalls: None Found
6.6L Duramax Diesel V8
Fuel Injector Failure Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough, lose power, and experience increased smoke production. Solution: Replace the fuel injectors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Turbocharger Failure Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, resulting in a loss of power, increased exhaust smoke, and whistling noises. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Torque Converter Failure Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, and difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V670000
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure Description/Symptoms: The TCM can fail, resulting in shifting problems, loss of power, and limp mode. Solution: Replace the TCM. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+ Recalls: None Found
10-Speed Automatic
Shift Solenoid Failure Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoids can fail, causing delayed or harsh shifts, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the shift solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Valve Body Failure Description/Symptoms: The valve body can fail, resulting in shifting problems, loss of power, and limp mode. Solution: Replace the valve body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Rear Leaf Spring Failure Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs can fail, causing a loss of ride height, rough ride, and handling issues. Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Ball Joint Failure Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can fail, resulting in a loss of steering control, clunking noises, and excessive tire wear. Solution: Replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, resulting in a loss of electrical power, battery drain, and difficulty starting the vehicle. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic draw. Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Exterior
Headlight Condensation Description/Symptoms: The headlights can develop condensation inside the lens, reducing visibility and compromising safety. Solution: Replace the headlights. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Tailgate Cable Failure Description/Symptoms: The tailgate cable can fail, causing the tailgate to fall down unexpectedly. Solution: Replace the tailgate cable. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ Recalls: None Found
Interior
Center Console Lid Failure Description/Symptoms: The center console lid can break or become misaligned, making it difficult to open or close. Solution: Replace the center console lid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Instrument Cluster Failure Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can fail, resulting in loss of gauges, warning lights, and other important information. Solution: Replace the instrument cluster. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 20V177000
Summary
While the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is a capable and reliable vehicle, it has some potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most common problems are related to the engine, particularly the intake valve and cylinder head issues with the 6.0L V8. Transmission problems, such as torque converter and TCM failure, can also be costly to repair. Electrical issues, including alternator failure and battery drain, are also reported. Suspension problems, such as leaf spring and ball joint failure, can affect the vehicle’s handling and stability. While some interior issues can be minor annoyances, instrument cluster failure can be a more serious problem. The severity and cost of the issues vary, but potential buyers should factor these potential problems into their decision-making process.