Should I avoid GM? Questions on Vibration Issue from new buyer

maxxx power · July 27, 2017

Hi,

I see there is a very lengthy thread on the vibration topic but I wanted to start one to get a high level summary and answers to a few questions for folks like me - those just coming into this world and just hearing about this for the first time. Looking through 700+ pages is quite daunting.

Quick background - I have been driving a BMW 5 series for about 8 years but with my son getting older it's time for us to get a truck. I have a 67 Chevelle and had a 91 and 2000 Blazer all with no problems so of course I was buying a Silverado or a Sierra.

I was about 90% done in my evaluations (even test drove a Ram) and was about to pull the trigger on a 2017 Sierra SLT 4WD crew when by happenstance I came across the vibration issue online. I did not notice it on either the Silverado or Sierra I test drove.

So here are my questions.

Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Silverado Crew 4WD LTZ?
Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Silverado Crew 4WD LTZ Z71?
Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Sierra Crew 4WD SLT?
Is it limited to the full size or does it also affect the Canyon?
Are 100% of the truck models that have this issue affected or is it just a small percentage of the affected models?
Is this an issue that reveals itself immediately or after some use?
Has GM identified a cause/fix yet?
Should I steer clear of a GM truck until the next platform update?

I sincerely appreciate your time and answers to help ensure I don't buy a POS. Lord help me, I don't want to look at a Ford...

Pinnacle · July 27, 2017

Answer is no. Vibration only one big issue

Colossus · July 27, 2017

Don't look at those silly looking Fords. go back to Ram, or get a Crapota, or one of those hideous looking Titans. Or take your chances with a Sierra.

silveradosid · July 27, 2017

my brother has had 2 gmc sierras and not one single problem with his 2014 and well his 2017 is to new to tell, but my 2014 shakearodo has had just about as many problems as you can read on these forums. so if you are going new i think you will be ok. my 2014 was problem and shake free until 45k miles and now everyday is a new adventure

aseibel · July 27, 2017

No need to avoid GM. You can't let a small number of complaints on a forum scare you. Remember that there are nearly 1,000,000 GM trucks sold each year. There is a tiny fraction of them with this reported issue. Every make/model vehicle will have some kind of defect if you look hard enough. Ask most of the GM truck owners, they will tell you they are more than happy with their vehicle.

To make yourself confident, just make sure you test drive your truck up to the normal highest speed you drive on an interstate. If you don't feel any vibrations, you are fine.

for your other questions:

I'm not aware that anyone has narrowed the vibrations down to any particular trim level.

If someone complains, the usual treatment is to "road force" balance the tires, or replace them. Some have had improvements by replacing the drive shaft, it may be slightly bent.

But again, feel the truck with your own a$$ in the seat. if you don't feel anything, you are fine.

BigBadSierra · July 27, 2017

Have you checked the other forums. Ram guys reporting vibrations, Ford guys reporting vibrations There is a bigger issue with the 2016 Tundra's vibrating in the steering wheels.

It's the same on all though just a small number of people with the actual issue.

The thing with forums is the people with issues are the most vocal as one would expected.

So you have to see this and keep that in mind.

You read all of this here but look and it's often the same group of people talking about it.

I had a 2014 no issues now a 2016 no issues.

elementaltoad · July 28, 2017

I just bought a 2017 Silverado LT 4x4 CCSB with the 20s. I can tell you that these trucks are stiff, and I think that is in part causing more people to think that they have a vibration when they don't. I have had no issues with vibrations or shakes, but you will feel the road more than you would in say a 2000-2007 GMT800 truck, those were always too soft and wallowy for me.

Mine seems to have a "rumble" when in v4 mode, which seems pretty normal, and you have to be driving in silence with the radio off to notice. I do have a pop in the front when turning left, and a clunk in the rear when coming to quick stops. Both of those I have read about and will have the dealer look at when I get the oil changed. The transmission is also rather picky until you put some mileage on it and let it learn when and where to shift. Mine is great, unless you are on slow back roads, but it has gotten better outside a harsh downshift at low speeds every now and then.

This is my 6th GM truck, I've had GMT400s, GMT800s including a Duramax, and still have my 1993 Yukon GT 4x4. The 2017 ride and handling is in another universe, it feels like a truck should. I'm also extremely familiar with the LS and LT engines and transmissions, so buying a Ford or Dodge is not an option. I love my Silverados, and this one is no exception.

Test drive one, see if they will let you take it for a day, feel for vibrations, find one that feels right to you and see how you like it. I think you will love it.

JimCost2014 · July 28, 2017

Hi,

I see there is a very lengthy thread on the vibration topic but I wanted to start one to get a high level summary and answers to a few questions for folks like me - those just coming into this world and just hearing about this for the first time. Looking through 700+ pages is quite daunting.

Quick background - I have been driving a BMW 5 series for about 8 years but with my son getting older it's time for us to get a truck. I have a 67 Chevelle and had a 91 and 2000 Blazer all with no problems so of course I was buying a Silverado or a Sierra.

I was about 90% done in my evaluations (even test drove a Ram) and was about to pull the trigger on a 2017 Sierra SLT 4WD crew when by happenstance I came across the vibration issue online. I did not notice it on either the Silverado or Sierra I test drove.

So here are my questions.

Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Silverado Crew 4WD LTZ?

Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Silverado Crew 4WD LTZ Z71?

Does this vibration issue occur on the 2017 Sierra Crew 4WD SLT?

Is it limited to the full size or does it also affect the Canyon?

Are 100% of the truck models that have this issue affected or is it just a small percentage of the affected models?

Is this an issue that reveals itself immediately or after some use?

Has GM identified a cause/fix yet?

Should I steer clear of a GM truck until the next platform update?

I sincerely appreciate your time and answers to help ensure I don't buy a POS. Lord help me, I don't want to look at a Ford...

If you truly have this many concerns with GM, you will have similar concerns with the other brands. Buy with your gut, if you liked the GM products, get one. In my personal experience, when needed, GM has been by far the best (yes I know there will be horror stories going the complete opposite way) when it comes to fixing or making things right with their warranty service.

Silver16 · July 28, 2017

2500HD

Z45 · July 28, 2017

It is the internet, and it is full of people that repeat what they hear and read, 99 percent is BS.

Sir Dan · July 29, 2017

I would wait for the next GM truck generation due in late next year. The vibration problem seems to span all full size truck trim and body styles and it's just a crap shoot if you'll get one or not. The problem seems to show up after some mileage. Some before 10,000 mi and some not till later with no sure fix from GM yet. Hope this answers your questions. Good Luck!

Loco-diablo · July 30, 2017

I have a 2017 LT z71 midnight edition. At a month old and just over 3000 miles, I have no shake or vibration. Truck has 18" Goodyear duratracs (not sure if wheel size is a factor), 5.3, double cab

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Donstar · July 31, 2017

Welcome to this forum! You can shop for a new truck (GM. Ford,RAM) confident you'll be getting a good truck. If it performs poorly during a test drive, pick another! If it starts to perform poorly after purchase it will have a warranty. I personally prefer the looks and features of GM but appreciate the other brands.

maxxx power · August 1, 2017

Thanks to all for your reply. There are some good points here to consider.

As for looks, I look at a Ford or Ram and think (it's not bad) but when I see a Silverado or Sierra it moves me. 100% my heart is with GM. Always has been. My mind and wallet just want to be sure. lol.

I am thinking a good option might be for me to lease a Sierra SLT. If at the end of 3 years I don't like it I get a new truck. If I love it, I buy it.

Anyone here ever lease their truck?

Again, thanks to all for the advice and input.

pmhinatl · August 1, 2017

I just found and bought a 2015 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab made in Mexico, and so far have had no serious complaints. I did have a leaking rear axle seal replaced (under the drivetrain warranty) but that's it. Unlike you, I did not know anything about the various reported issues like the infamous shake, wonky transmission shift points, etc. I've been driving a little paranoid, but can't say I have experienced any of the common complaints. So for me, it's just the usual owner maintenance and wear items at 40k miles. So far, so good.

Good luck!

/M