Whether you’re driving a Silverado, Malibu or Equinox, understanding the most common Chevrolet issues can help you spot warning signs early and avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
The five most common Chevrolet issues are oil consumption and Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter wear, transmission shudder/harsh shifts, coolant leaks, evaporative emissions (EVAP) faults and wheel bearing hub failures.
This view reflects what we’re seeing at Jerry after helping 400,000 drivers across the U.S. manage repairs and maintenance, combined with current shop-quote and repair-price data matched to year, mileage, ZIP and shop type. CTA If you want local ranges for your car, just enter your year/trim and ZIP into the Jerry app.
With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now to fix common problems with their Chevrolets. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need to take their Chevy to a pro.
Repair Job
Date
Customer Name
Car
Location
Part cost
Labor time (min)
Labor cost
Total cost
Repair Job
Date
Customer Name
Car
Location
Part cost
Labor time (min)
Labor cost
Total cost
Cooling System Flush
11/28/25
Mattie M.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Lawrence, KS
90
$204.40
$204.40
Strut Assembly – Rear
11/28/25
Edwin H.
1998 Chevrolet Camaro
Barnstable, MA
$98.38
130
$209.20
$307.58
Clean Throttle Body
11/28/25
Rosa T.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Memphis, TN
$6.98
120
$256.11
$263.09
Heater Core
11/28/25
Hettie M.
2016 Chevrolet Express 3500
Hannibal, MO
285
$574.94
$574.94
Wheel Stud – Passenger Side Front
11/28/25
Curtis M.
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Traverse City, MI
$14.82
60
$110.61
$125.43
Wheel Hub Assembly – Driver Side Front
11/28/25
Clayton C.
2001 Ford F-150
Hardeeville, SC
$240.98
75
$167.00
$407.98
Throttle Position Sensor
11/28/25
Gregory G.
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Lancaster, OH
$103.93
35
$83.06
$186.99
Repair Job
Date
Customer Name
Car
Location
Part cost
Labor time (min)
Labor cost
Total cost
Repair Job
Cooling System Flush
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Mattie M.
Car
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Location
Lawrence, KS
Part cost
Labor time (min)
90
Labor cost
$204.40
Total cost
$204.40
Repair Job
Strut Assembly – Rear
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Edwin H.
Car
1998 Chevrolet Camaro
Location
Barnstable, MA
Part cost
$98.38
Labor time (min)
130
Labor cost
$209.20
Total cost
$307.58
Repair Job
Clean Throttle Body
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Rosa T.
Car
2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Location
Memphis, TN
Part cost
$6.98
Labor time (min)
120
Labor cost
$256.11
Total cost
$263.09
Repair Job
Heater Core
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Hettie M.
Car
2016 Chevrolet Express 3500
Location
Hannibal, MO
Part cost
Labor time (min)
285
Labor cost
$574.94
Total cost
$574.94
Repair Job
Wheel Stud – Passenger Side Front
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Curtis M.
Car
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Location
Traverse City, MI
Part cost
$14.82
Labor time (min)
60
Labor cost
$110.61
Total cost
$125.43
Repair Job
Wheel Hub Assembly – Driver Side Front
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Clayton C.
Car
2001 Ford F-150
Location
Hardeeville, SC
Part cost
$240.98
Labor time (min)
75
Labor cost
$167.00
Total cost
$407.98
Repair Job
Throttle Position Sensor
Date
11/28/25
Customer Name
Gregory G.
Car
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Location
Lancaster, OH
Part cost
$103.93
Labor time (min)
35
Labor cost
$83.06
Total cost
$186.99
Last Updated Nov. 29, 2025
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Transmission shudders or shifts harshly, especially around 35–50 mph
Likely cause
Degraded fluid or torque-converter clutch issue
Typical fix
Full fluid exchange with correct Mobil 1 LV HP; replace converter if shudder persists
Typical cost (parts+labor)
$400–$900 (service); $1,200–$2,800 (converter)
Coolant smell and low reservoir with temperature creeping up at idle
Likely cause
Water pump/thermostat, coolant leak
Typical fix
Replace leaking component, bleed cooling system
Typical cost (parts+labor)
$350–$800
Check Engine Light and rough idle right after refueling
Likely cause
Stuck EVAP purge valve or loose gas cap
Typical fix
Replace purge solenoid and check/replace gas cap; smoke test if needed
Typical cost (parts+labor)
$150–$300 (purge); $20–$50 (cap)
Growling wheel noise that changes with speed, sometimes with ABS/traction lights
Likely cause
Worn wheel bearing hub (sensor often integrated)
Typical fix
Replace affected hub assembly
Typical cost (parts+labor)
$400–$750 per wheel, hubs typically include ABS sensor
If you’re shopping or negotiating, confirmed diagnoses and written estimates should create leverage.
Quick checks for the top issues above
Oil level drops between changes or a ticking noise on cold start: Check dipstick weekly on a cold engine, then look for fresh oil around the valve cover and oil pan or drip spots on the driveway.
Transmission shudders or shifts harshly, especially around 35–50 mph: On a gentle test drive, hold steady throttle at 40 mph and feel for rhythmic vibration.
Coolant smell and low reservoir with temperature creeping up at idle: With a cold engine, check the reservoir level and look for pink/orange crust near the radiator or thermostat.
Check Engine Light and rough idle right after refueling: After a fill-up, listen for stumbling idle and ensure the gas cap clicks tight.
Growling wheel noise that changes with speed, sometimes with ABS/traction lights: At low speed, weave gently on empty road; a louder growl while loading one side points to a wheel bearing on that side.
Maintenance that reduces risk for these issues
Stay on a consistent schedule by marking maintenance for the following in the Jerry app:
Change oil and filter on time (or earlier if you go on short trips) to help control consumption and lifter/timing wear.
Refresh coolant at the recommended interval to reduce water pump and thermostat failures.
Replace spark plugs on schedule; misfires can stress converters and transmissions.
Flush brake fluid every 2–3 years to protect ABS modules and calipers.
Avoid “topping off” fuel; a single-click stop protects EVAP components.
If your car’s history is unknown, baseline at 30k/60k/100k miles. Ask shops to combine labor (e.g., pump and thermostat together) and remember that documented maintenance can merit a small premium.
When to stop driving to avoid bigger bills
If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to keep driving, pull over and call a mechanic or tow. Jerry customers have found that new warning lights, severe new noises or smells, or fluids pouring out are all ‘stop now’ signals. Other common situations where stopping immediately is the right move:
Temperature warning or visible overheating/steam
Flashing Check Engine Light with power loss or shaking
Brake warning lights or a suddenly hard/soft pedal
Red oil-pressure light or loud knocking
If you’re using the Jerry app, you can run a quick triage in Diagnose before you tow, then compare price ranges at local shops for the likely repair.
JEREL'S CORNER
I recently worked on a 2017 Silverado that felt like driving over rumble strips while moving with traffic. I took the truck to the highway and kept the throttle steady while climbing a long hill and there it was, the teeth chattering torque converter shudder. I explained to the customer that it was a common problem for this model and that the right way to start would be to go to the dealership for a complete system fluid replacement with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP, plus the latest software update from GM.
It was about time for their next oil change when the customer returned and mentioned the fluid service made a huge difference for about 4,000 miles, but that the shudder was slowly creeping back. They opted for me to replace the torque converter with an OEM replacement to save a little on labor charges vs. another dealership visit since the software update had already been completed.
My oil level drops between changes—should I use a thicker oil?
Check for PCV faults and external leaks. A slightly thicker oil within spec can reduce burn, but it won’t fix underlying wear or leaks.
Will an EVAP code make me fail emissions?
Yes. If a fault code turns on the Check Engine Light, a smoke test will find leaks or a stuck valve.
My 8-speed only shudders after a long highway drive–will a drain and fill fit it?
A noticeable reduction in symptoms may come from this service, but a proper Mobil 1 LV HP fluid exchange typically runs $400–$900 and is the best place to start. Some models also need a software update.
Do I need OEM parts for wheel bearings and sensors?
OEM parts offer the best fitment and longevity. Reputable hub assemblies (often with integrated ABS sensors) from trusted aftermarket brands are usually fine, but ask for a parts and labor warranty.
Is deleting AFM on my 5.3L a good idea?
No. Under U.S. federal law (Clean Air Act), removing or disabling any emissions related device is illegal, even if the vehicle passes tailpipe testing. AFM is considered part of the emissions package, so a delete is not emissions compliant. Many owners repair with updated lifters and continue with proper maintenance.
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Our experts
Jerel Lawrence
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
See more
Everett Cook
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
