2016 Denali 5.3 w/8spd...any issues, problems, known troubles ?

[Joe98]

Been a long time observer here.  Admire all the absolutely gorgeous rigs some of you folks drive, and how you've modified them(wheels/tires/levels/lifts) to make them even nicer looking.  I have'nt been a pickup owner for around 15 years, really miss it.  I drive all kinds of them at work.  Most recently we have a 18 Ford 3.5 Ecoboost back at dealer for 10spd auto tranny issues.  Currently using the Ram Eco diesel 1500 and have to say it's a pretty good truck.  I wanted to ask about 16 model year Sierra Denali with a 5.3 and 8spd trans.  Were there any issues with this combination ?  I know in the past many folks had the shuddering problems and I'm not sure exactly what years were effected ?  Also the rusting frames, were they only 14 and 25 model years.  Was there much changed from 2016 to 2018 in the Denali's ?  I'm looking at a 16' without the Ulitmate package, and it's got the 22" wheels.  Are they very harsh riding ?  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated .  Thanks in advance...

 

Joe

[1SLOW1500]

8speed is a issue! motor is good. 

***********catch can and and get Printed out DTC/SES any time you leave dealer ***********

 

[Nasty]

45 minutes ago, 1SLOW1500 said:

8speed is a issue! motor is good. 

***********catch can and and get Printed out DTC/SES any time you leave dealer ***********

 

This

[TRKLGND]

My 8 speed has no issues.  I have no shuddering and no frame rusting.  I have a 2018 1500 DC 4x4 LTZ 6.2L

My 2014 1500 CC 4x4 LT 5.3L had no shuddering or frame rusting.  I did have the seat movement issue.  Felt like you were sitting on jello.  No oil consumption issues.

[neokonig]

I have a '15 Denali, which I have had since new, it's the 6.2 with the 8sp, but other than that should be somewhat comparable. 

 

The 22s do ride harsh in comparison with many other vehicles, you can tell they are also quite heavy wheels when hitting bumps, but they look dang good.  

The transmissions software is not great, I don't think it will kill longevity, but be ready for some clunks. 

 

My truck has been in for numerous issues since owning:

-A new torque converter -> it was vibrating in small specific speed intervals 

-Starter shield was hitting something on startup making loud buzzing

-Slow coolant leak in heater connection

-Transfer Case Control Module makes high pitch noise

-Leaf springs making popping noise on slow bumps

-Steering assist recall

-Airbag update or something (don't remember)

-GPS Antenna replacement - was getting a GPS error

-Wheels are hard to balance - went in multiple times for balancing

 

Overall, it's a nice truck, but I am still unhappy with the build quality and all the issues I have encountered. I still have things that bug me that the dealer likely won't fix/replicate to my liking, things like rattles and slow infotainment. 

 

As always, I will highly recommend looking for a 6.2, love the extra power. 

 

[GuyGene]

Thanks for this post. I found a local 2017 GM SLE, 4.6 V6, 6 speed 2WD extended cab I'm interested in. Only has about 6,000 miles, so wonder why they're selling it. Asking $36k for it. Has 20" wheels. I'd check it out if it had V8!

[dkjbama]

2 hours ago, GuyGene said:

Thanks for this post. I found a local 2017 GM SLE, 4.6 V6, 6 speed 2WD extended cab I'm interested in. Only has about 6,000 miles, so wonder why they're selling it. Asking $36k for it. Has 20" wheels. I'd check it out if it had V8!

Too much $$$ IMO. I think you could get a new 2018 LT CC 5.3 6-speed 4x4 for close to that number if you shopped around.

[Hankintu]

I have a 2016 Silverado LTZ/ Z71 with the 5.3 and 8 speed. 35K miles and it has been fine so far. I traded a 2013 LT and it had frame rust issues. The factory tires were pretty good for mileage, not with traction, got Nexen AT's.  Will have to see with the 16 but good so far. Love my truck.

[sabre364]

Is the highway vibration still an issue with the late model K2s?  I know not all trucks had it, but curious whether the out of balance driveshaft, u joints, etc were sorted out for 2017+?  I suspect there will be some very good deals on 2019 K2s soon if not already.