New Truck Blues

[Atlas]

I definitely feel like my 2014 was a higher quality truck than the 2020 I bought earlier this year. Silverado crew 4x4 LT w/ Z71 and All-Star, 5.3. Both trucks are of similar configuration, although my 2014 didn't have the Z71 package.

 

The ride of the new truck is very different. It rides very softly. In fact, it floats. And when the bumps become too much, it just bounces and floats all over the place. The rear-end, especially, pogos. It reminds me of a 1970's Cadillac sedan on worn shocks. My 2014 was much firmer, and it rode harder. GM probably took feedback over a harsh ride in the previous generation, just a little too far.

 

<2k miles on mine and there are a few rattles over pumps. One was the seat belt buckle knocking on the plastic door pillar trim. I haven't tracked down the other, yet, but it's coming from the back seat area.

 

The software bugs are what are unnerving to me.

Seems like every 30-60 days the radio is asking me to re-input my OnStar password. I don't even have Onstar, but I do have a mychevrolet account, and apparently it needs that, or else.

The radio has forgotten its presets a few times. The battery has never been disconnected since buying it, and I do keep it charged.

The automatic headlights have failed to come on twice now.

The "fob left in vehicle" reminder is DISABLED. And yet I still get the triple-honk, randomly, sometimes when getting out and closing the door, and sometimes when getting in, and closing the door. Key in my left pocket always. This is a personal preference, but this truck makes me hate RFID keyfobs and keyless ignition.

 

And the damn thing doesn't need to prime the fuel pump when I randomly walk up and open one of the non-driver doors, does it, really?

 

[GullLakeMi]

I just switched from '16 Denali to '21 AT4.  I expected the AT4 to ride worse than it does with it's shots and tires.  Our other car is an Audi Q7 with 45 sidewall tires.  AT4 arguably has a smoother ride.

 

I suspect paint is thin, but this has been happening to various brands for years.  I've hand clayed and waxed and didn't find any issues, but it is gray so good color for hiding stuff.  Our dealer stopped their car wash routine during Covid.  Thank goodness!  I always order them to "no carwash!", but they occasionally forget.

 

I have all the electrical noises.  Fuel pump when you approach, noises under the dash when you turn it off.  I don't think God even knows what all is going on in there.  I've decided to ignore it. 

 

Radio has a weird boot up routine.  Sometimes it starts out blaring before settling in to user preferences.  

 

No issues with glass yet.

 

I noticed full size trucks were the worst category for all vehicles in Consumer Reports latest.  I always cringe when the auto makers say "we've been making cars for 100+ years", because certainly they leave a little to be desired!!!

[voided3]

2 hours ago, GullLakeMi said:

I just switched from '16 Denali to '21 AT4.  I expected the AT4 to ride worse than it does with it's shots and tires.  Our other car is an Audi Q7 with 45 sidewall tires.  AT4 arguably has a smoother ride.

 

I suspect paint is thin, but this has been happening to various brands for years.  I've hand clayed and waxed and didn't find any issues, but it is gray so good color for hiding stuff.  Our dealer stopped their car wash routine during Covid.  Thank goodness!  I always order them to "no carwash!", but they occasionally forget.

 

I have all the electrical noises.  Fuel pump when you approach, noises under the dash when you turn it off.  I don't think God even knows what all is going on in there.  I've decided to ignore it. 

 

Radio has a weird boot up routine.  Sometimes it starts out blaring before settling in to user preferences.  

 

No issues with glass yet.

 

I noticed full size trucks were the worst category for all vehicles in Consumer Reports latest.  I always cringe when the auto makers say "we've been making cars for 100+ years", because certainly they leave a little to be desired!!!

Yeah, the fuel pump priming, brake booster cycling, and random OnStar/infotainment weirdness on startup are all normal.

 

I also have noticed that in Consumer Reports that the full size trucks, especially GM, are on blast and end up at the bottom lately, though to be fair that's one publication's poll findings.

 

I honestly think there is just too much expected of 1/2 ton trucks both from the super wide variety of consumers who buy them and from regulatory bodies, as well as budgetary restrictions for manufacturing cost. As a result, they become jacks of all trades but masters of none and no one is entirely happy with the end result, despite massive sales numbers.

 

They can't tow/haul as well as a 3/4 ton despite inflated towing numbers in some cases over 13,000 pounds, but they don't ride/handle/stop/maneuver as well as an average family SUV they may be replacing. They are more fuel efficient than they used to be, but at the major expense of reliability and durability that people used to associate with trucks, and in a big picture way, still are not very fuel efficient (perhaps not including the 3.0 Duramax, but long term reliability is unknown and modern diesel emissions systems are complex and typically are the Achilles heel).

 

We bought our truck to tow a modestly sized travel trailer. I've debated going overkill and getting a 3/4 ton truck just so I can have something more reliable, but then I'm stuck daily driving a school bus that rides like a shopping cart and doesn't fit in our garage. I've debated getting a full size SUV, but they have lower payload ratings and have the same questionably reliable powertrains as their 1/2 ton truck counterparts. I'd love to try an F150 Lighting EV, but it would never work (currently) for towing a travel trailer more than 150 miles round trip. So we're stuck with a gas 1/2 ton truck, and so are a lot of other people.

[Kilgore Trout]

On 11/22/2021 at 9:24 AM, Byrds8 said:

Yeah I know. Shows me that they should take greater care of the product they are selling. Get some OCD ass like me walk in and make them fix it all lol.

 

It isn't OCD to expect a flawless truck when you buy it new.  If it isn't flawless, it REALLY isn't OCD to expect them to make it flawless stat.

 

The whole point of buying new, versus used, is the flawless thing.

[Byrds8]

I will most definitely demand them to fix it all. I dont want to hear "as intended" either. It wont fly. I have called higher ups before and Ill do it again if need be. Hopefully it will not come to that.

[Transient]

I've had a 2020 Silverado Trail Boss LT w/ 6.2 for about 18 months.  I've put 21,000 miles on the odometer already.  Here's my take on your list. 

 

1. After a little bit of wear the socks will settle and the ride will become smoother.  Dealer can't fix this.  Your other option is to replace with non-OE shocks.  Many people seem to enjoy Bilsteins. 

2. It's not a sports car.  It's a truck.  It's the weight and size of the vehicle.  It's not a 2013 Camaro. 

3. I don't know if they're suppose to do this since I have tow mirrors.  Have you tried going through your settings in the radio?  Maybe it's not a feature that exists anymore?

4. Clean it.  Sounds like hard water dried on it. 

5. Clay bar and polish.  Paint GM more users is water based and much thinner.  Dealership doesn't care.  They'll say it's adequate and undamaged. 

6. Good luck getting that fixed. 

7. I wish a picture had been provided for this one. 

8. Are you sure it's an HD radio and not a HD radio screen?

9. Rattle in the rear is the rear head rests.  Pull them out, pull the parts apart a little bit, and reinsert.  Rattling should go away. 

10. I've never encountered this. 

11.  Goes away after awhile.  There's nothing the dealership can do.  Be patient.

 

I can't wait for you to notice the body line don't flow on the driver side between cab and bed.  You'll probably say the bed is misaligned.  That isn't the case at all.  GM says it's just a difference in the manufacturing process.  However, their fix is to disconnect the cab from the frame and install washer between the frame and cab to raise the cab and assign the body panels.  $57k isn't a lot of money today.  The hyperinflation were now experiencing means your dollar doesn't go as far.  Elections have consequences, and they affect business decisions, too.  GM has to make a profit, too.  They'll either cut corners to save costs, or charge you more for their product.  I think it's a combo of both.  Imo, if you want it perfect, make it yourself.

 

Harassing executives won't get you the solutions you want.  I know from experience there are customers that can't be made happy.  They usually get a click from me hanging up the phone.  They can post a negative review and I can respond so the public sees both sides of the story.  You sound like one of those people I don't enjoy dealing with, one of those where Reality and Expectations are never going to meet. 

Edited November 26, 2021 by Transient

[Byrds8]

1 hour ago, Transient said:

I've had a 2020 Silverado Trail Boss LT w/ 6.2 for about 18 months.  I've put 21,000 miles on the odometer already.  Here's my take on your list. 

 

1. After a little bit of wear the socks will settle and the ride will become smoother.  Dealer can't fix this.  Your other option is to replace with non-OE shocks.  Many people seem to enjoy Bilsteins. 

2. It's not a sports car.  It's a truck.  It's the weight and size of the vehicle.  It's not a 2013 Camaro. 

3. I don't know if they're suppose to do this since I have tow mirrors.  Have you tried going through your settings in the radio?  Maybe it's not a feature that exists anymore?

4. Clean it.  Sounds like hard water dried on it. 

5. Clay bar and polish.  Paint GM more users is water based and much thinner.  Dealership doesn't care.  They'll say it's adequate and undamaged. 

6. Good luck getting that fixed. 

7. I wish a picture had been provided for this one. 

8. Are you sure it's an HD radio and not a HD radio screen?

9. Rattle in the rear is the rear head rests.  Pull them out, pull the parts apart a little bit, and reinsert.  Rattling should go away. 

10. I've never encountered this. 

11.  Goes away after awhile.  There's nothing the dealership can do.  Be patient.

 

I can't wait for you to notice the body line don't flow on the driver side between cab and bed.  You'll probably say the bed is misaligned.  That isn't the case at all.  GM says it's just a difference in the manufacturing process.  However, their fix is to disconnect the cab from the frame and install washer between the frame and cab to raise the cab and assign the body panels.  $57k isn't a lot of money today.  The hyperinflation were now experiencing means your dollar doesn't go as far.  Elections have consequences, and they affect business decisions, too.  GM has to make a profit, too.  They'll either cut corners to save costs, or charge you more for their product.  I think it's a combo of both.  Imo, if you want it perfect, make it yourself.

 

Harassing executives won't get you the solutions you want.  I know from experience there are customers that can't be made happy.  They usually get a click from me hanging up the phone.  They can post a negative review and I can respond so the public sees both sides of the story.  You sound like one of those people I don't enjoy dealing with, one of those where Reality and Expectations are never going to meet. 

1. If thats the case with the suspension thats fine, but I have to ask.

2. No kidding its a truck, the 2016 Silverado was too but stopped much better.

3. Seriously? Of course its a setting. This is why its not working. It moves up and left instead of down.

4. Would have never tried that /sarcasm. Multiple different cleaners to include claying the glass.

5. Piss poor paint is no excuse for them running through the wash and causing this.

6. Wont need luck.

7. Didnt bother taking one.

8. Yes, I am sure, it says HD radio right there on the screen. Its a button to push.

9. No, its not. It seems to be in the headliner.

10. Doesnt me it doesnt happen. My wife and my Dad have both heard it.

11. Actually it doesnt. doesnt seem just me having this issue. Its in the forums. Some have said they believe its a pulley misalignment.

 

Taking things up the chain will absolutely get things accomplished. In cases where it was warranted Ive done it in the past. Glad you hang up on customers. Glad you're expectations are low in this world, however mine are not. You can just go on well this sucks and accept the poor quality as you see fit. If that makes you happy so be it. However, my expectations for things I purchase are not in the gutter and I expect a quality product. Blaming everything on inflation and cutting corners to make a profit is just a cop out. There is no need for you to reply to anything else I ask about. Have a great day.

[1997SierraSLT]

GM doesn’t need to build a quality vehicle as long as they have a loyal customer base.  They know this.  GM is simply banking on their customer to get so sick and tired dealing with quality / reliably issues that the loyal customer will take it in the shorts and trade up to the newest model and start the process all over again.  

[Transient]

1. "Asking" requires a question.  You haven't asked a question.  You started a thread to piss and moan.  Where's the question?

2. 2016 was a 10 year old chassis using 20 year old brakes.  Look it up.  The standard brakes for 2007+ were the police package brakes for the generation preceeding it.  They just bolted on. 

3. Yes I'm serious, and that's why I was very clear about the fact that I have tow mirrors and not the standard mirrors.  I'm not an expert on everything.  I don't work for GM.

4. Feel free to post up how claying the glass works for you.  /sarcasm

5. Piss poor paint and running the truck through the same car wash they've used for hundreds or thousands of vehicle over the years will indicate the carwash isn't the problem.  Accept it. 

6. We don't need whining.

7. A picture would help us to help you.  Clearly, this thread exists to whine.

8. Yes, I am sure, it says HD radio right there on the screen. Its a button to push.

9. If that's the case, then i don't recommend doing it yourself.  A solution MIGHT involve removing the spoiler and reinstalling it.  Failure to replace the clips/bolts with new ones could cause water leakage. 

10. Step 1 - her 100%.

11. Search my posts and you'll see I recently made an observation about a pulley misalignment, and fraying on an edge of the belt.  However, that would be a squeaking sound, not a "ticking sound on cold start".  The known squeaking sound goes away within a few seconds after startup, whereas it takes the engine several minutes to get up to temperature.  Ticking is coming from under the valve covers. 

 

I'm responding because you aren't asking a single question.  Go look at your initial post.  It's nothing but crying like a toddler that didn't get their way.  You also take many liberties with your comments, and it's time for you to man up.  You can piss, moan, and whine, or you can be a man about it.  My expectations are high in life.  As such, I'm also educated enough to understand there's a business term known as "satisficing".  There's a dollar value associated with it.  "Perfection" is too expensive.  I doubt you could afford it.  Remember, you bought a Chevy, not a Bugatti.  The difference between you and I is that I roll up my sleeves and get real results.  This is dog so knows how to learn new tricks.  I'm not a squeaky wheel that demands others do it for me.  Men solve problems.  Men find the right hammer to pound a square peg into a round hole (engineers will understand that one).  There are times when you will be required to accept that what is is.  Your demand could be excessive, and the only way to actually solve it to your liking is to do it yourself.  Your preferences may be beyond what is "within tolerance".  And, pointing out inflation is not a "cop out" (how dare you insult the find police officers that are underpaid and unappreciated).  Nor did I justify corner cutting.  Inflation is real, and explains why you spent $57k on a truck you clearly aren't satisfied with.  If it had been cheaper would you complain less?  Likely not, because the valuation of currency is still in play regardless of its purchase power.  Oh, and you don't get to tell me whether I get to respond to you on a forum.  Go look up the word "forum" in the dictionary and you'll see I enjoy the same equality in posting as you do.  However, you do have the freedom to IGNORE me.  I'll let you figure out how to do that, or you can run it up the flagpole and demand they do something for you.  They'll likely give you instructions on how to go into your settings to put me on your ignore list.  Problem is, you'll still have to do it yourself.  Start by rolling up your sleeves and learning something new today. 

[Transient]

On 11/26/2021 at 11:11 PM, 1997SierraSLT said:

GM doesn’t need to build a quality vehicle as long as they have a loyal customer base.  They know this.  GM is simply banking on their customer to get so sick and tired dealing with quality / reliably issues that the loyal customer will take it in the shorts and trade up to the newest model and start the process all over again.  

Toyota, Honda, Ram, Ford, Tesla, BMW, Audi, Volkswagon and a few others all seem to be the same way.  Those who are unsatisfied with 1 brand usually end up moving to another where the experience other inconveniences.  It's a matter of people figuring out which unconveniences they can cope with in their imperfect lives.  I prefer GM because I have the knowledge and skills to overcome their imperfections, except with automatic transmissions.  I could rebuild the engine in my truck.  I don't understand turbocharged V6s or diesel engines.  And, electric cars will require learning many new things.  Others have their own preferences and skill sets, which influence their buying decisions.  One of my neighbors just bought a 2018 F-150.  That's his preference due to previously being a Ford owner.  I'm not brand loyal.  I'm brand comfortable.

[KARNUT]

As a multiple vehicle owner I never been without at least one GM vehicle. Most of my classics have been GM. Now my oldest vehicle is GM. My next new vehicle will not be GM. 

[Byrds8]

13 hours ago, Transient said:

1. "Asking" requires a question.  You haven't asked a question.  You started a thread to piss and moan.  Where's the question?

2. 2016 was a 10 year old chassis using 20 year old brakes.  Look it up.  The standard brakes for 2007+ were the police package brakes for the generation preceeding it.  They just bolted on. 

3. Yes I'm serious, and that's why I was very clear about the fact that I have tow mirrors and not the standard mirrors.  I'm not an expert on everything.  I don't work for GM.

4. Feel free to post up how claying the glass works for you.  /sarcasm

5. Piss poor paint and running the truck through the same car wash they've used for hundreds or thousands of vehicle over the years will indicate the carwash isn't the problem.  Accept it. 

6. We don't need whining.

7. A picture would help us to help you.  Clearly, this thread exists to whine.

8. Yes, I am sure, it says HD radio right there on the screen. Its a button to push.

9. If that's the case, then i don't recommend doing it yourself.  A solution MIGHT involve removing the spoiler and reinstalling it.  Failure to replace the clips/bolts with new ones could cause water leakage. 

10. Step 1 - her 100%.

11. Search my posts and you'll see I recently made an observation about a pulley misalignment, and fraying on an edge of the belt.  However, that would be a squeaking sound, not a "ticking sound on cold start".  The known squeaking sound goes away within a few seconds after startup, whereas it takes the engine several minutes to get up to temperature.  Ticking is coming from under the valve covers. 

 

I'm responding because you aren't asking a single question.  Go look at your initial post.  It's nothing but crying like a toddler that didn't get their way.  You also take many liberties with your comments, and it's time for you to man up.  You can piss, moan, and whine, or you can be a man about it.  My expectations are high in life.  As such, I'm also educated enough to understand there's a business term known as "satisficing".  There's a dollar value associated with it.  "Perfection" is too expensive.  I doubt you could afford it.  Remember, you bought a Chevy, not a Bugatti.  The difference between you and I is that I roll up my sleeves and get real results.  This is dog so knows how to learn new tricks.  I'm not a squeaky wheel that demands others do it for me.  Men solve problems.  Men find the right hammer to pound a square peg into a round hole (engineers will understand that one).  There are times when you will be required to accept that what is is.  Your demand could be excessive, and the only way to actually solve it to your liking is to do it yourself.  Your preferences may be beyond what is "within tolerance".  And, pointing out inflation is not a "cop out" (how dare you insult the find police officers that are underpaid and unappreciated).  Nor did I justify corner cutting.  Inflation is real, and explains why you spent $57k on a truck you clearly aren't satisfied with.  If it had been cheaper would you complain less?  Likely not, because the valuation of currency is still in play regardless of its purchase power.  Oh, and you don't get to tell me whether I get to respond to you on a forum.  Go look up the word "forum" in the dictionary and you'll see I enjoy the same equality in posting as you do.  However, you do have the freedom to IGNORE me.  I'll let you figure out how to do that, or you can run it up the flagpole and demand they do something for you.  They'll likely give you instructions on how to go into your settings to put me on your ignore list.  Problem is, you'll still have to do it yourself.  Start by rolling up your sleeves and learning something new today. 

At first I wasnt going to bother to reply to this but after thinking on it, I have to. First off, no one was whining or moaning, I was pointing out things I have found. Of course, no one ever does that on this forum. I said you didn't need to bother to reply because its just a waste of your time, but feel free to do whatever you like, its a free country. You say real men do for themselves instead of expecting others, I expect the dealer to take care of the issues I found under warranty. That's what it is there for. Its not a matter of what I can or cannot/will not do for myself. Insult police etc never happened. I have the utmost respect for police, first responders, military etc. If your butt hurt because of a saying that has been around for a long while, well that's for you to deal with because I really do not care about your feelings. As for affording "perfection" guess that depends on what each individuals personal vision of perfection is. What it is to one may not be to another. But it is funny you question my financials. As for "asking a question," no one said I was asking anyone here anything. I said I have to ask not had. Had is past tense meaning I already asked something, which I did not. I was referring to asking the dealer about the bouncy ride. Again, have a nice day.

[Byrds8]

10 hours ago, KARNUT said:

As a multiple vehicle owner I never been without at least one GM vehicle. Most of my classics have been GM. Now my oldest vehicle is GM. My next new vehicle will not be GM. 

Almost every vehicle I have ever owend were GM products. Dont think Ill be switching as most of them were pretty good. Id have to say out of all of them, the Sunfire was the worst.

[Tahoe02]

Any update on your Dealer visit?

[Byrds8]

Not as of yet. I had to schedule a different dealer. I scheduled the appointment but then no one ever looked at it after it sitting for days. One tech had a chunk taken out of his leg due to spider bite and another was sick. Its a small GMC dealership. So I scheduled with a larger one just down the road about 30min. Ill drop it off on the 20th.