Silverado 1500 (2014–2018) Problems to Check Before You Bid

The 2014–2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 (and its twin, the GMC Sierra 1500) is everywhere at Copart and IAA. That's good news for a flipper: lots of supply, lots of parts, and buyers who want them fixed. But this generation has a few well-known problems, and if you don't price them in, a "cheap" truck stops being cheap.

You usually can't drive an auction truck, so you're buying on what you can see, hear and research. Here's what to look for.

011. AFM lifter failure (5.3L and 6.2L V8)

Active Fuel Management shuts off half the cylinders to save fuel. The special lifters that make that happen are this generation's best-known weak spot, especially on 2014 trucks.

• Signs: a ticking or tapping noise, a misfire code, rough idle, loss of power. On a "Run and Drive" listing video, listen for a tick.
• Why it matters: a collapsed lifter can damage the camshaft. A proper repair is lifters, often the cam, and gaskets. That's a serious cost that can run into the thousands at a shop.
• Price it in: if there's any tick, assume a lifter job.

022. 8-speed transmission shudder (2015–2017 especially)

Trucks with the 8-speed automatic often developed a shudder that feels like driving over rumble strips, caused by the torque converter clutch and the original fluid.

• Signs: shudder at 25–80 mph under light throttle, harsh shifts.
• Fix: GM issued service bulletins calling for a transmission fluid flush with an updated fluid; some trucks needed a torque converter.
• Check: whether the fix was done (service records, if you can get them after purchase) and assume you may need the flush.

The 6-speed trucks are generally the safer bet.

033. AC condenser leaks (2014–2016)

Weak or no AC from a leaking condenser was a common complaint around 50,000–70,000 miles. It's not a deal-breaker, but on a front-end hit you'll likely be replacing the condenser anyway.

044. Front-end hits: what's really damaged

Front-end damage is the most common listing. On these trucks a front hit can include the radiator support, condenser, radiator, headlights, bumper, grille, hood and fenders, plus airbags and sensors if they deployed. Look for:

• Airbags deployed? Front airbags, seat belt pretensioners and the airbag module add up fast.
• Frame: a front hit that pushed the frame horns back is a different repair from bolt-on parts. Zoom in on the frame horns and the gaps between the cab and the fenders.
• Coolant on the ground in yard photos means the radiator's done.

055. The usual truck checks

• Rust: rocker panels, cab corners, wheel wells and brake lines, especially on trucks from the salt belt.
• 4WD: check the listing says 4x4 and look for the transfer case selector.
• Hail: hail-damaged trucks can be bargains if the buyer is fine with dents, or worth a lot more after paintless dent repair.
• Title type and keys: always. See how to read a Copart listing.

06How to bid it

Find out what the truck is worth fixed in your market (same trim, cab, bed, 2WD/4WD, mileage). Subtract: parts for the visible damage, a lifter-job reserve on any V8 that ticks, a transmission flush reserve on 8-speeds, buyer and gate fees, transport, and your profit. That's your maximum bid. See Copart vs. IAA for fees.

This generation is still one of the best trucks to flip. Just bid like you already know about its problems, because the other bidders do.

Sources (2)

MotorBiscuit: Common Silverado 1500 problems; Rohnert Park Transmission: Silverado engine problems.

Photo: '16-'18 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab by Bull-Doser, Public domain.

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