Why does my 5.3 shake so much??

FADEC · February 19, 2017

Have a 2016 Sierra 4x4 crew cab with the 5.3 V8. 12.5k miles on it. I am the original owner. Driven normally. This has got to be the roughest idling engine I have ever had.

Doesn't matter if in drive or in park the engine will shake the body, seats, cab, etc. Pretty strongly. It has always done this but seems to have gotten worse lately. Feels like when I was a kid I changed out some plug wires and got a couple or three on wrong plugs!! It's a deep in the engine sensation.

No check engine light or anything else.

Seems hard to believe that in 2016 a manufacturer can't build a V8 that doesn't shake like an old Harley. I have always ran top tier fuel.

I will see about taking it in for service this week.

This truck has the roughest powertrain in any vehicle I have owned. Strong vibration in console and seats at interstate speeds, and a harsh shifting 8 speed auto. Backed into a parking spot yesterday with the front end popping like I was in 4 high (I wasn't).

Beautiful truck otherwise.

Garykk · February 19, 2017

It might just be in 4 wheel drive. I just had a recall done on mine for 4whi lockup. Recal the ECM

diyer2 · February 19, 2017

You've driven it for 12k miles like this?

scott19677 · February 21, 2017

Possible bad motor mount. Some are experiencing spark plug wires coming loose/off but I would think that would throw a code. Standing still, at what if any rpm does the engine smooth out at?

Severado · February 21, 2017

+1 on motor mounts.

Have the front struts checked.

Since you have an 8 speed transmission with 4x4, have the torque converter checked as well.

There may be a TSB for your issue.

FADEC · February 22, 2017

+1 on motor mounts.

Have the front struts checked.

Since you have an 8 speed transmission with 4x4, have the torque converter checked as well.

There may be a TSB for your issue.

Thanks for the replies!! Going to the dealer next Monday to be checked out.

Smooths out around 700rpm. But also have some good shake on the console at interstate speeds.

SavageSierra · February 24, 2017

Thanks for the replies!! Going to the dealer next Monday to be checked out.

Smooths out around 700rpm. But also have some good shake on the console at interstate speeds.

Im having the same issues as you with the rough idle and shaking, my truck has almost 30k on it. I have had both motor mounts replaced (under warranty of course) to no avail. Let me know if you find a solution.