Is it really that bad?

kwoodwo · April 11, 2016

I am about to purchase a 2016 ltz z71 tomorrow but I am a bit worried about all of the vibration issues I keep reading about.

I have read through several hundred pages of posts about the issue and need some assurance that things aren't as bad as they seem. I swore off buying another GM vehicle back when my old 2005 z71 tahoe developed head issues due to the dexcool fiasco....but these new trucks have sucked me back in.

Have the vibration issues been fixed for the 2016 model or are they still prevalent? It appears that a lot of these trucks develop the chevy shake after a few thousand miles. Is there anyway to test drive the truck to ensure I got a good one?

Thanks,

Kevin

O_J_Simpson · April 11, 2016

Nothing has changed for 2016. You either get a good one or bad one. That is why the high speed extended test drive is for. Let the hurry up and buy people have the vibrators.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · April 11, 2016

Well all you can do is test drive it and hopefully you'll be able to test it on the interstate. I got my '14 in late April of '14 so might as well say 2 years and has just a tad under 24,000 miles on it and I never had any kind of vibration, not even a little one. You can't go off forums because when you look at the ones with the problems compared to how many trucks are on the road you'll see that less than 1% has any major issues. I wouldn't worry about it unless it starts to vibrate. Try to enjoy the truck instead of worrying that it might give trouble.

20L8TSierra24 · April 11, 2016

You'll be fine. Just take a test drive. There are thousands of them to pick from if the one you drive shakes. I have 30k on mine now and I couldn't be happier with a truck.

KLRV6 · April 11, 2016

Nothing has changed for 2016. You either get a good one or bad one. That is why the high speed extended test drive is for. Let the hurry up and buy people have the vibrators.

It appears that the rear leaf springs may have changed on some models.

I agree, take it for a test drive. see if you can upgrade to the best tires offered for that model. The factory GY SRA and LS2 leave a fair amount to be desired.

Donstar · April 12, 2016

I am about to purchase a 2016 ltz z71 tomorrow but I am a bit worried about all of the vibration issues I keep reading about.

I have read through several hundred pages of posts about the issue and need some assurance that things aren't as bad as they seem. I swore off buying another GM vehicle back when my old 2005 z71 tahoe developed head issues due to the dexcool fiasco....but these new trucks have sucked me back in.

Have the vibration issues been fixed for the 2016 model or are they still prevalent? It appears that a lot of these trucks develop the chevy shake after a few thousand miles. Is there anyway to test drive the truck to ensure I got a good one?

Thanks,

Kevin

You're reading the wrong threads! Read the ones where people talk about how smooth and quiet their trucks ride! I have read "hundred(s)of pages" of posts as well and they have reinforced my appreciation of my truck!

redhot1.4 · April 12, 2016

I have a 14 model 5.3 with 12k on it no issue and there are 3 other gm trucks in my family no vibration in any of them

I think you will be fine. Just test drive it at all speeds

tnchevy · April 12, 2016

Every truck forum has a section for problems. The majority of the trucks, like all other brands, are problem free. I would strongly suggest doing an 2 day test drive of the truck you want. If the dealer will not let you take it home over night then find another dealer. This goes just not for a GM but for any vehicle brand you may look at.

BigBadSierra · April 12, 2016

The mass majority of complaints actually filed are on the 2014 and 2015 GMC Sierra headlights.

The actual number of vibration complaints is low.

You have to remember people come to the forums looking for help so a few people can make it seem like a bigger issue.

Everyone I know with this new style of truck have had no issues with vibrations.

So what you are reading about is skewed from reality.

Like others said they seem to vibrate from day one so just head to the highway and open it up.

I've also been seeing more people reporting that GM has finally fixed the issue on their truck.

fondupot · April 12, 2016

the 2016 loaner I am driving right now is smooth as glass.

(my 2014 is in the shop having the radiator replaced under warranty per a TSB).

My 2014 is also smooth, no vibrations.

Tattooo · April 12, 2016

Not sure if an extended test drive would be 100% accurate....My 14 didnt start vibrating until 18K.....my 16 don't vibrate but I am only around 5K.....fingers crossed

CadillacLuke24 · April 14, 2016

It appears that the rear leaf springs may have changed on some models.

I agree, take it for a test drive. see if you can upgrade to the best tires offered for that model. The factory GY SRA and LS2 leave a fair amount to be desired.

Or avoid Goodyears in general. They must not learn very much from all the "research" they do in motorsports. I've had Goodyears on my Cadillac for the last 5 years due to a good sale when I first got them, and due to road hazard warranties have replaced all 4 tires at some point. Sure, I've had a couple nail punctures, and worn struts didn't help, but they do NOT tolerate harsh conditions very well. Even had a runout. My dad had the same problem on his old Escalade at 50k miles with the factory tires.

Chevor · April 14, 2016

I think them led liners up front are hideous. I would never own a vehicle with those lights. So in my opinion, yes the 2016 are that bad.

GMC-AT · April 14, 2016

There are probably a few million of these 2014-2016's on the road now. 100 people complaining isn't a drop in the bucket.. keep things in prospective.