If you have noticed a distinct ticking noise coming from the top end of your newer Chevrolet or GMC truck or SUV, you aren’t just hearing things. General Motors has officially acknowledged the issue with Chevy Silverado engine noise in a newly released Preliminary Information Service Bulletin PIP6101.
Issued in February 2026, this bulletin (PIP6101A) targets a top-end ticking noise affecting a massive swath of the 2025 and 2026 GM lineup. It specifically involves vehicles equipped with the 2.7L L3B (TurboMax), 2.5L LK0, and 2.0L LSY engines.
What is Causing The Chevy Silverado Engine Noise?
The annoying metallic tick comes down to internal engine debris. According to the GM bulletin, debris from the valve rocker arm can make its way inside the hydraulic valve lash adjuster. Once that debris gets inside, it prevents the adjuster from properly pumping up with oil. This creates what GM refers to as a “soft” hydraulic valve lash adjuster, which directly results in the audible ticking condition.
The Affected Vehicles
This condition impacts a wide variety of 2025-2026 North American models across all four core GM brands. If you own one of the following, pay close attention to how your engine sounds at idle:
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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500 (2.7L L3B)
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Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon (2.7L L3B)
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Chevrolet Traverse & Buick Enclave (2.5L LK0)
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GMC Acadia (2.5L LK0)
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Chevrolet Blazer & Buick Envision (2.0L LSY)
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Cadillac CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, XT6 (2.0L LSY / 2.5L LK0)
The Dealership Fix
If you bring your truck in for this issue, dealership technicians are instructed to first verify that the ticking noise is actually coming from the valvetrain area by using a stethoscope or similar diagnostic method.
Once verified, the fix isn’t just a simple patch job. Technicians must remove the camshaft carrier and manually inspect for a soft adjuster by pushing down on each valve rocker arm where it rests on the adjuster. They are required to check every single one on both the intake and exhaust sides.
If the technician discovers even one soft hydraulic valve lash adjuster, GM dictates that they must replace all 16 hydraulic valve lash adjusters and all 16 valve rocker arms.
Because this is a significant internal engine repair, GM notes that the replacement is fully covered for vehicles still operating under the standard Powertrain warranty coverage.
But if you’re handy and out of the powertrain warranty for whatever reason, the Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjuster – GM (12663277) mentioned in the repair only run under $5 each at your local dealer. Unfortunately they are currently running on a 7-10 day backorder as of March 6th, 2026.
Join the Conversation
Are you hearing this tick on your newer rig? Head over to our forums to check your build dates and discuss the fix with other owners:
Zane Merva is the Executive Editor of GM-Trucks.com and the President of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). A veteran automotive journalist with over 26 years of experience, Zane is a designated ‘Car Talk’ Expert and has been a contributor to The Boston Globe. He possesses a unique evaluative perspective, having road-tested more than 2,000 vehicles across every major manufacturer. While he is a recognized authority on General Motors truck platforms—including the Silverado, Sierra, and Colorado—his expertise is grounded in decades of deep competitive analysis that few in the industry can match. His commentary has been featured by major OEMs and media outlets, including Hyundai and PR Newswire