I have a 2019 SIerra with a 5.3 engine with 78,000 miles. Up until last week, it was a great vehicle. Out of nowhere, I suddenly had a real bad misfire, scary sounding ticking sound and a flashing check engine light. Onstar then told me I needed immediate service. I brought to the nearest dealer and they diagnosed as bad lifters. Once they had it apart, they said the camshaft was damaged and the engine needed either a complete rebuild or replacement. They opted for replacement. The total bill for the repair is over $12000. This happened 4 hours from home while on a business trip requiring a rental car during the duration of the repair.
GM has offered to help with the cost, In spite of being out of warranty, no one should have an engine failure with only 78,000 miles. Out of warranty at this point should mean an alternator, waterpump or brakes. I have owned 15 GM vehicles the last 13 have lasted over 200,00 miles. That is what I have come to expect.
This vehicle was serviced at a local dealership religiously using the proper Dexos oil. It was properly serviced. The mileage is 80% highway miles. Again, there is no reason for this type or repair being needed outside of a true manufacturing defect.
There has to be a design flaw.
