2020 GMC / Chevy Dependability?

Waylon78 · April 8, 2021

So I bought a new Chevy Z71 in 2004. It ended up being one of the best trucks I have ever owned. Last month it turned 380k miles. Original engine and I didn't replace the transmission until around 360k miles. The truck was unbelievable. I sold it just last week and bought a new GMC X31. So far I love the new truck. Really hated to sell it but it was time. The family needed something a little bigger for trips (Z71 was an extended cab, new GMC is crew cab) and it was just time after 17 years.

Here is my question. Do you guys think these new trucks can last as long as the old GM trucks? All this new technology is worrisome to me. I am not one to trade vehicles all the time because financially it just doesn't make sense to me. Would love to hear from some of you that are racking up miles on the 2019 models and up that are having success. I keep reading about a bunch of problems..... Give me some hope!

RPaul · April 8, 2021

Im at 30k miles so far and just minor issues. Sometimes power steps stay open, have had occasional issues with window switches or sensor possibly. Those are real dumb issues if you ask me.

Really worried about the lifter failures Ive seen mentioned a few times. I pray to god they are not as common as it seems, as the last job I want to begin is a lifter/cam replacement.... best thing you can do nowadays is figure out basics on fixing your own vehicle. Most fixes are pretty easy(once out of warranty) and Youtube is actually a pretty good resource. Sometimes just throwing parts at a problem can be cheaper than dealer work. Sometimes it ends up being more expensive to throw parts at a problem, rather than a real mechanic fixing first time.If you have a basic set of tools, simple issues like plugs, coil packs, alternator, etc are real easy things to work on. Just get a code reader...

Truck has been flawless though.

Edited April 8, 2021 by RPaul

ericarenee · April 8, 2021

I have a 2020 Bought back in Aug of last year. But i only have 3700 miles on it . I Still Driving my 04 and will run it until it totally dies. I can only hope this truck will last half as long as the 04 EXPRESS 3500 HD has and still in great shape. Its a TANK .

Many people come on here when they have issues about there truck , You rarely see the higher mileage happy owners. They do not think about forums or talking about something that just never lets them down...

I think the trucks are reliable and will last.. No they are not built as well any a o3 o4 truck..

Good Luck .

gregus73 · April 10, 2021

My 2020 already has over 10,000 miles on it. One small issue but was fixed with a firmware update. Occasional slowness in getting to the navigation, and slowness in loading the profile. Other than that was been working flawlessly so far. No concerning issues yet. Have had more issues on my wife’s Lexus with 8000 miles.

Edited April 10, 2021 by gregus73

Colossus · April 10, 2021

Those were some of the best years of GM Trucks... the GMT-800 platform. Not perfect, but an awesome fairly reliable power train. (the 5.7L from the previous gen too) Do I think these trucks can last as long? Maybe, but don't have as good of a feeling about them. So much crap on them now to meet tight emissions standards and to squeeze every bit of fuel economy out of them that they can.. Which means the more things that can go wrong. Actions taken to reduce weight and cost of build, because the materials for the cost of build has gone up along with inflation and all that other stuff.

There is a reason behind why Crapota doesn't have the best fuel economy in their trucks- they hang onto their power train a lot longer than most other manufacturers. It gives them time to work bugs out, and then to reap the reliability and longevity awards that come with that. And it works. The first 2-3 years of their new design are plagued with reliability issues just like any other manufacturer but then they go another 5-8 years before major refresh or upgrade vs another 3-4 years like the big three are doing now, continuing to try to one up each other. They may not sell as many units as Ford, GM, and Dodge, but they sell enough to remain profitable and build a good return customer base and new customer base from those fed up with all the issues that the big three suffer.

mcgee500 · April 12, 2021

I have had my 2020 Chevy Silverado Z71- LTZ a year now. This truck is miles ahead of my 2018 a truck I truly hated. I have had no problems at all and I have just over 16000 miles so far. This truck is every thing that I every wanted in my truck. I'm retired and when we go it's always in the truck. First thing I did was change the stock wheels and tires. I went with BF Goodrich K02 285/65/18 and KTM wheels.

Gangly · April 12, 2021

I have a 2020 5.3 Z71 with over 30K miles and the only issue I have had is a bad battery from the factory which was corrected in the first 2 weeks of ownership. The truck has been flawless otherwise and I have been pleasantly surprised with its durability. The rear seat rattles slightly over substantial bumps, but otherwise there isn't a squeak or rattle anywhere in the suspension, drivetrain, or trim. The 5.3 and 6.2's are known bulletproof engines, the long term affects of DFM are the only unknowns on the platform but I hope GM has learned lessons from the AFM systems and corrected accordingly.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Gangly

SteveCZ · April 12, 2021

A small batch of issues with the 10 speed tranny. I was one of them. 1900 miles, 3rd gear shift solenoid in the valve body crapped out. Replaced under warranty, been fine since (15k now).

The talk about the failed lifters begs me to ask the question, is normal maintenance performed on these trucks, and is the proper oil used when maintenance is required? The reason I ask, first, is I don't know, and secondly, I had a 5.3 with AFM (2014), with 110k on the motor. I changed the oil when it told me, with a DEXOS approved oil, in the proper weight (not naming brands, it shouldn't matter), and that motor was flawless. The ONLY problem I had with it was a few of the exhaust manifold bolts let go, so I had a leak. I got that fixed and all was good.

loud_pipes · April 12, 2021

29k on my 2020 AT4. 5.3L 10 spd. No issues whatsoever so far.

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Mandalorian · April 13, 2021

These are some of the most mass produced vehicles on the planet, there are going to be some quality issues here and there. You'll hear about them more, especially at places like this just due to the sheer scale of sales. However, a 2020 or 2021 truck should be very reliable and last a very long time as long as you follow the maintenance schedule. The most serious issues tend to come in the first model year of a new generation, which you don't have.

RPaul · April 14, 2021

Forgot to mention, not necessarily reliability related, but have never had a vehicle with such crappy paint on front end. Have never seen so many paint chips so quickly, front end is completely covered. Truck is ceramic coated and other paint looks great, just seems to be real thin, or possibly the material on front end is more delicate (plastic)

Transient · April 16, 2021

Forgot to mention, not necessarily reliability related, but have never had a vehicle with such crappy paint on front end. Have never seen so many paint chips so quickly, front end is completely covered. Truck is ceramic coated and other paint looks great, just seems to be real thin, or possibly the material on front end is more delicate (plastic)

Several years ago GM changed to a different paint that is thinner and chips more easily. My wife's 2017 Traverse is atrocious, but that doesn't affect reliability.

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the wanderer · April 16, 2021

This is why I stick with chrome bumpers on trucks.

winks79 · April 17, 2021

The trucks are good trucks. Is this 5.3 as good as the 2006 and back non AFM/DFM? Doubtful. But this is what we have now from GM. I have no doubt that the engines will outlast the rest of the truck. I'll take my chances as GM has served me well for 35 years of driving. It is a much better driving and handling truck than the previous generations, as long as you get rid of the crappy Rancho shocks. That is really my only complaint, but Bilstein's cured that, so I'm very happy!

The answer to your question is YES!

Edited April 17, 2021 by winks79