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Chevy Tahoe Stabilitrak Problems

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Comments

  • texcyntexcyn Member Posts: 3
    I have over 43,000 miles on my Tahoe that I purchased on June 1, 2011. It is my business car that is used for showing properties. Miles add up fast in Texas. I have another car that I use for my personal business. So if the warranty is only good for 36,000 miles, the Tahoe is no longer is protected.
  • texcyntexcyn Member Posts: 3
    Stabilitrak and Traction Control service messages when driving my 2011 Tahoe had been sporadic until now. Since the beginning of 2013 the warning indicator would come on about two times per week and go off just as randomly as it would appear. There was nothing predictable or constant about it. Luckily NEVER has the engine slowed or shifted to a lower gear like I read about in other posts. In fact, performance is not in any way impacted that I can tell. However, this week the same service indicator light started coming on and staying on. For now my Tahoe is garage parked until I can get it in to the dealership next week. Thank goodness I have another vehicle to drive.
  • gmlikesjapangmlikesjapan Member Posts: 21
    FYI , I understand that when that "Service stability '' or such , light is on , the stability system & the ABS brakes are turned off . Through most discussions I've seen on Edmonds , it seems that most people are unaware of this . Good luck with repairs .
  • sbarksbark Member Posts: 2
    Jan 24, 2013 (5:14 am)

    I have a 2011 Suburban LT with over 120,000 miles. Because of my line of work, I spent quite a bit of time over the road. It started to snow last night and as I was heading home, the engine light was on and the compression to the engine seem to have disappeared while traveling 60 miles per hour. At first it was apparent that some vibration was taking place in the engine And the transmission seems to not have any power transferred while driving in drive gear. It was snowing and I didn't want to be stranded, So I drifted to nearest ramp And shifted the transmission to manual and was able to limp to nearest hotel and put the vehicle in reverse in order to park facing outward. Once I shifted to park the engine sounded like it was sputtering and about to shut down. I had to stay in the hotel overnight. Since this is a first for me, I want to know if the symptoms that I began to see in the vehicle could indicate what went wrong. Since the car is only 1 year old, I did not think that I would have problems with the battery charging but several times in the past few weeks I have seen the battery die and have to be charged. I recently bought a battery to back up this original battery, but have not installed as yet. The check engine light has been intermittent sometimes not coming on at all.. the message Control Panel indicates for the very first time, that there is a stability link traction control problem. I am glad for my sake that there was not a family in the vehicle with me due to the nature of my business, I can't have this occurrence again. Any assistance from the customer service side would be very helpful as we would like this resolved promptly if there is data that suggests that there is frequent product failure in this regard. Limping to a hotel in a snow storm for a problem that is well known to repeat itself with the data that you have collected so far, is of concern.
  • kellyd3kellyd3 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2009 Suburban with 92,000 miles. My stabiltrak light came on two days ago with loss of traction warnings and engine power failure. We thought they were misfires due to cold weather. A test drive around the block only got to 20mph. After turning the car off and on a few times, the service engine light came on but other warnings went off. I drove the car. Driving on the turnpike and suddenly, the warnings came on and my power failed. Scary! Dealer didn't have time to see the car so I took it to an independent. I was told that it was a gas pedal assembly failure and that all were connected. Paid my 200 for repairs and drove off. The very next day (this,morning) as I was driving with my children in the car, stabiltrak ailed. Engine was revving. Engine power failure lights again! Now what? It seems like GM knows this is an issue and knows that safety of people are involved. Something should be done.
  • jgust1224jgust1224 Member Posts: 4
    Happened to me.l. Notice you burn oil too? They haveto rreplace the frigging heads. After an oil consumption study. It's a known issue. May be a service bulletin.
  • gmlikesjapangmlikesjapan Member Posts: 21
    I figure that they are stonewalling , hoping not too many people get killed before the vehicles obsolete themselves . I've had lots of Stabilitrak repairs but fortunately no failures as serious as yours . I have had brake lines rupture while driving both my Tahoe & my Silverado and know GM has stonewalled on that issue for years . Although I've enjoyed elements of both vehicles , I'm left feeling like it would be foolish or reckless to buy another GM product . Too bad , because I'd prefer to buy American but GM has never stood up on the Stabilitrak or the brake line issues and shows no sign of behaving with integrity as to either . Not only do they not take responsibility for the repairs , but they also fail to warn customers of the life threatening dangers presented . I assume that their lobbyists are busy making sure that the NSTB does nothing for the affected owners .
  • kellyd3kellyd3 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the responses. Dropped it back off in the shop and stood over the mechanic's shoulder as the diagnostic tool was plugged in. I saw multiple error codes including a throttle pedal assembly one. Stay tuned.
  • carole12carole12 Member Posts: 2
    Had the same issue with my 2011 Suburban LTZ yesterday. About 120 k on it mostly related to work. Was on the highway with my 3 year old son and definitely did not like the experience of driving 120km/Hr when lost the Engine power (stabilitrac and traction control light came on also). Up in Eastern Canada, so right now, ++ice covering the side of the roads - quite dangerous to park specially when nothing in the car is working properly but lucky enough an exit was coming on and made it safely. Engine sputtering as i shut it down. Re started after a few min.-engine light on only and made it home slowly
    Had issue with the battery last month, so had to change it and was over at dealer twice last week, once for supposedly a sensor related to the gas pump (engine light on and sputtering when i shut it down) and 2 days ago - the suspension system service light came on : all the wires under the gas tank were corroded as a piece of metal from the car had cut the envelop over them and moisture and crap got in.... And now this!!! Will bring it tomorrow at the dealer but after reading all the other posts not sure what i will do next. Still have 3 years to pay but need a safe and reliable vehicle...
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Are you sticking with the non-GM shop, kellyd3, or working with the dealership? If the latter, please let us know if we can look into anything further with your dealer by contacting us at socialmedia@gm.com with more details (including your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and a summary of the situation so far).
    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    carole12,
    We're sorry that you're having this experience with your Suburban. If you needed to contact customer service for your region, GM of Canada can be reached at 800-263-3777 (Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST).
    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • hezekiah12hezekiah12 Member Posts: 6
    I've posted on this forum (a couple years ago)and others with my original problem(s)with my 2007 SB. Same problems all of you are discussing; TCS lights, Stabilitrak, hard shifting, loss of compression, lurching in park, extra oil consumption....you name it.

    Anyways, I posted it was resolved. Numerous trips to dealership, case # with GM, etc....the dealership ended up replacing the fuel pump at their cost though I was 1000 miles over my warranty since my problems began before the warrant ended, and I called GM (this really motivated them)....they began answering their phone, I didn't have to leave messages in the service dept and wait for them to call me, once again, calling GM regarding my issue really motivated the dealership.

    Things DID work better for awhile, but ultimately my problems at 101,000 miles still remain. The TCS, Stabilitrak lights still come on every month or so, I use 1-2 qts of oil between changes, it doesn't idle correctly often times(especially after going long distances down the freeway, then coming to a stop at the end of an off ramp etc).

    Ultimately, I've just gotten used to it(sad, huh?). I have a busy life, young kids and a business, and I'm sick of fighting this thing. It's a piece of junk, and I really don't know what I'm going to do for my next vehicle as I see the newer ones coming of age are having the same problems.....

    That's all folks.....
  • hezekiah12hezekiah12 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the input, I went thru the wringer on this thing; GM case numbers, oil consumption tests, etc....and getting our fuel pump replaced did seem to help for awhile, but it runs rough sometimes, especially after coming to a stop after highway travel, I'm nearly 2 qts of oil between changes again, and semi-frequent check engine lights, TCS, Stabilitrak lights.....I hate this vehicle anymore, and I'm really sad to see that the newer ones are showing the same problem as there is no reason to get a newer one....total design flaw
  • dwevanskcdwevanskc Member Posts: 2
    I have posted on here about having the Stabilitrak issue as well. We were also experiencing the oil consumption issue until last summer. When I took the truck to A GM dealer to resolve, they gave me the run around and said is was normal. After a lengthy debate, they offered to look into it further. the solution was to attach a plate inside the oil pan to redirect the application of oil. However, i was told this would be the addition of parts not already on the vehicle and therefore the $3000 cost would be on me. I then told them I would have my attorney call them about this and other unresolved issues. They then called and offered to perform the work on their dime. Oil consumption has reduce to 1 quart every 3k instead of two. After the service I have received on this vehicle, I decided to look at forums like this for answers. The dealers today are worthless. Especially Government Motors (GM).
  • mdscdmdscd Member Posts: 1
    I have an 07 Suburban LTZ. Has approx. 144k on it. Last week as I was sitting in a parked position my stabilitrak and traction control lights came on saying they were off and needed service. A few minutes later my service engine light came on as well. I just had $1006 dollars worth of work done to this vehicle because the oil pressure sensor was going out and who ever owned the vehicle before me replaced the oil tube going to the pump. However, they put in the wrong tube and left one of the major bolts out that hold all that together. Without me knowing this I have been driving around for almost three years with the tube and missing bolt. The stabilitrak lights only come on while idling and in park. I am not having any issues with loss of power like some others have posted. Yesterday though while sitting at a stop light they came on and when I went to go my vehicle jerked forward. This happened several times yesterday and again this morning after having to stop for a train. My service engine light that is on is throwing a code for a misfire. Onstar gave me these codes for the stabilitrak C0561 and for the engine p0300. Which I have been told that these codes could mean numerous different things. I have an appt to have it looked at on Friday. Hopefully this will not be another $1000 dollar or more fix.
  • bjamcpbjamcp Member Posts: 1
    I have an 07 Tahoe and have had little to no problems with it (knock on wood) until last week. I have 180,000 miles on it and just drove from work to my daughter's ballet without any problems. Then after picking her up, started the car and in the parking lot the SERVICE STABILITRAK and ENGINE POWER REDUCED messages came on. The car would only run at about 25 mph and didn't matter if I hit the button to turn Stabilitrak off or not, turned off and on the car, so I drove the 20 miles home at 25 mph! Talk about almost getting run over by people! Got home and read this forum and also read the manual and thought it may be a computer issue from everyone's posts and non-solutions from the dealerships. The computer is always on (to control the keyless entry) so I figured I would give the computer a hard reboot by disconnecting the red cable from the battery, wait ten seconds and then reconnect it. You only need a wrench to take off the nut that is holding the cable to the battery. I put the hood down, started it up and VOILA! it is working like a dream. I have been driving it for a week without any issues so "so far so good! If I have any issues again I will post again to this site but hopefully this will help having to deal with dealerships that don't know what is wrong!
  • hezekiah12hezekiah12 Member Posts: 6
    Sooo, I've posted on here several times about TCS lights, Stabilitrak, oil consumption, fouled plugs, etc and at 104k our 07 suburban is back in the shop as I speak with a #1 fouled plug again(same thing happened 30k ago). Their answer: short term solution is to replace #1 plug and I'd get another 30k perhaps out of it before its needed again. Long term solution: $3500-4000 for new pistons and rings.

    My question for them will be: what is the root cause of this problem that would cause all of these vehicles to need new pistons and rings at 50, 60, and 70k miles, etc.....and then also, why did they change the fuel pump at 70k miles on their dime if that was supposed to fix it the first time????

    Anyways, of course I'm completely frustrated. I did get the dealer to admit they've had to do this waaaay more with the 07's- 09's than the new vehicles, but then I wonder if even that is because the older ones tend to have more mileage.

    Stay tuned.....
  • afothafoth Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 Tahoe with 70000 miles on it and lately the stabilitrak light comes on and it says stabilitrak off/traction control off. Sometimes it will flash to service both. This seems to only come on when I have let off the gas to and coast and when I use my brakes, but it does not always happen. Any ideas on what this could be? I've tried researching, but I find things all over the board. My check engine light has come on after this has happened, but it doesn't stay on for very long - longest it has stayed on after the warning is a day and a half. I haven't noticed any change in the way it runs, but I saw someone else posted that when they went to accelerate after being stopped - the vehicle seemed to lunge forward, this has happened a couple of times too.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    afoth,
    Do you have any plans to get this checked into with a dealership? If so, let us know as we're available to work through that process with you.

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • concerned01concerned01 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2007 Tahoe. 70,000 miles Got in it yesterday and the stabilitrak light, traction, and ABS lights are all on. It shifts hard from first gear and will idol down like its gonna die! Have an appointment with Chevy later this week, wonder what this might be and approixamte cost?
    I was very concerned at the number of people who have posted this same problem and wonder will anything ever be done on GM part??
  • concerned01concerned01 Member Posts: 3
    Having all the same problems with my 07 Tahoe and have an appoinment thur.
    All my same lights stay on, jerk going into first gear, and mine idols down like its gonna die.
    Wondering what they said or did at the repair shop, how much did it cost you, and have u had any problems sense? VERY concerened at all of the forems here about this problem!!
  • concerned01concerned01 Member Posts: 3
    Im so disscussed at all the forums on this same topic!! my 07 tahoe has the stabilitrak, traction, and ABS lights on is jerking from first gear. Have an appoinment this week but defintely thinking i will try this reboot first!! Is everything still going good or have lights come back on?
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Keep us updated on your visit later this week, concerned01. If you want for us to check into anything further for you, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and a summary of the situation).
    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • gmlikesjapangmlikesjapan Member Posts: 21
    Nope , Chevy will do nothing . Just like they have managed to block recalls on the rotting brake lines !
  • js2012icloudjs2012icloud Member Posts: 6
    Same issue I have 2008 and its doing the same at 75k miles
    I haven't contacted Gm yet
  • tgolling_1tgolling_1 Member Posts: 1
    The CD spinny sound is the Navigation DVD. Mine does that too; there is no rhyme or reason why.

    If you remove the nav dvd it stops. Brilliant design.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    THIS IS A GM DESIGN FLAW!
    THIS IS GOING TO BE MORE APPARENT IN THE COMING MONTHS AS THESE 2007-2009 MODEL YEARS START CREEPING UP ON THE 75K-85K SWEET SPOT MILEAGE.
    GM IS TRYING TO HIDE THE FACT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND HAVE A BANDAID SOLUTION.
    YOU CANNOT CHECK IT WITHOUT A COMPLETE TEAR DOWN OF THE MOTOR.
    IF YOU HAVE THE 5.3L MOTOR WITH AFM I WISH YOU LUCK.
    MY STORY IS BELOW:

    So I would like to discuss our recent troubles with our 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L. We were finally able to purchase our first new car, 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT, ever in October 2006 from our local dealership. We decided on the Chevy Tahoe because we have had a used Chevy Suburban and Used Chevy Tahoe prior and have had excellent experience with both of them. It was truly a wonderful experience until now.

    Flash forward to October 2012. While traveling several warning lights came on “Service Traction Control, Stablitrak, and Service engine”. We brought it to the dealership a few times to scan for a code and they couldn’t come up with anything. So now we had to wait until it was actually happening and rush it over to the dealership so they can scan for the code while it was happening. Finally it was happening enough that we were able to get it to the dealer for the scan. The scan revealed that spark plug #1 was fouled and would cause a chain reaction on all the computers to go haywire. So they did a little research and they found a GM TSB (technical service bulletin) that said replace the valve cover gasket, replace all the plugs and wires. Keep in mind these are 100K mile platinum plugs/wires and we currently have around 79000 miles on the vehicle (GM recommends replacing these items at 100K miles). So we did what we were told and $700 later we were on our merry way.

    Jump forward to January 2013. Now we start hearing a clunking sound on acceleration. We bring it back to the dealer and they can’t seem to find anything (of course not????). Now February the sound is more apparent and all the warning lights have come back. I decided to take the car to a friend of mine who has a local shop and specializes in foreign autos. I knew he would take the time and do the research to finally tell us what the dealer couldn’t. After having the car for a week the verdict was in. GM has this fuel management system introduced on this particular 5.3L motor in 2007. It’s supposed to be able to switch from 8 to 4 cylinders and back to help save on fuel (Active Fuel Management or AFM). To confirm the problem he would have to tear down the engine and check the intake valve on cylinder #1. This is when I said “I’m taking it back to the dealer”.

    Now the dealership has the car and I didn’t mention that I already had it looked at. I wanted to see if they would come up with the same diagnosis. Well after a week they did. I can’t believe it since the initial $700 fix 3000 miles ago in November 2012 I now have to replace the engine, WTF! Needless to say I was not a happy camper. Now the car has been out of warranty for a little over a year (which has been pointed out to me over and over again) but that’s not the point. The point is we bought a brand new car so we wouldn’t have any problems usually associated with used cars. A car that has less than 100K miles on it. A car that has been religiously serviced by our local Chevy Dealership. And now I’m being told I have to replace the motor!

    The dealership called GM. GM was quick to say they would replace the motor and cover 50% of the costs? Well whoop de doo. Why were they so quick to offer that deal? Of course they are replacing it with a genuine GM remanufactured motor with a 3 year/ 50K warranty and that’s all they are willing to do. I don’t expect the dealership to cover all the costs and it would be nice if I wasn’t out of pocket any. Yes I know the car it out of warranty but I expect GM to back up their product. Did I mention I have purchased over $100K in new Chevy vehicles over the last several years.

    So the car is no good to us. Can’t drive it, sell it or trade it in. I basically have to take the deal. My estimated out of pocket will be $3K plus tax.

    So I decided to call GM directly and talk to them in a kind Christian sort of way (as only I can do). I figured if they heard from the customer directly that they would be willing to at least come down a little. I know the car isn’t under warranty. The results were not what I was looking for. After they gathered all the information from the dealership and me as well they will only cover 50% of the cost. I explained to them that I’ve been a loyal customer, this car had less than 100K miles on it, I’ve spent over $100K in Chevy cars over the last several years. Nope all they would do is 50%. I asked would they would at least reimburse me for the $700 that I already spent that was totally unnecessary? Nope only 50%. Well let’s just say things went pretty much south from there.

    So here is where we stand. The dealership is putting in the new motor. They are working with me to get the price down under $3K. I don’t begrudge the dealership I think they did what they could do (as personally later found out with GM). I don’t begrudge the lady at GM I’m sure she has set parameters she has to follow and she’s just a drone in the corporation. However I do begrudge GM for not standing by their product. Do the research it’s all over the internet. GM has a problem with this motor and it’s “Active Fuel Management” they know it and they will continue to have problems. Unfortunately if you do have this particular motor there’s no way to check if you will have this problem or not. I will never buy a GM product again. They have lost a loyal customer over $700.

    I find it pretty amazing when they want billions of our tax dollars to bail them out and I'm looking for $700 just does not compute with me.

    Feel free to share this and let's set GM straight that they should stand behind their product!!!!
  • justinsambergjustinsamberg Member Posts: 2
    I'm having a similar prob with my 07 Tahoe that has 125k on it. My check engine light is blinking and the stability track needs to be serviced. It also runs ruff from idle all the way through the rpm range. Cylinder #1 has no spark and there is a push rod ticking noise that is also coming from #1. Its at the dealer now and we think its all related the flex fuel system. I had been putting E85 in the truck from time to time but I just learned that it takes 15 of driving for the ECU to recalibrate. If you shut it off before it completes the cycle. I believe it restarts the cycle all over again.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    I feel your pain. Get ready for the call telling you we have to replace a valve cover and all the plugs and wires for $700. By the way this will not fix the problem. Or they will tell you that it needs a complete top end job. Or better yet a new remanufactured GM motor, yipee!

    I wish you luck.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    Well we have the new remanufactured motor installed.
    I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership and asked what exactly happened and if this was normal?
    He told me the rings on the piston were worn and caused the leak by which fouled the plug. The cylinder wall were scarred and the other cylinders were starting to look worn.
    He just shrugged his shoulders when I asked him if this was normal (that kind of says it all right there).
    I know Black Bear Performance offers a tune solution to turn the AFM off. I guess they started to offer this due to the rash of complaints and problems that have been associated with this.
    I have sent letters off to GM's upper management pleading my case. I'm not expecting much but it doesn't hurt to try.
  • justinsambergjustinsamberg Member Posts: 2
    So I'm all fixed now. The prob was with the DOD lifter and solenoids that controlled the 8 to 4 cylinder mode has now been remove and all lifters were replaced with standard LS1 ones. We also put in a LS6 cam and valve springs. I had the tuner flash out the DOD and also put in a good tune without using a Dyno. It runs better than ever now and it picked up about 50 hp.
  • dateacherwillidateacherwilli Member Posts: 1
    WHY WANT GM FIX THIS !!! I refuse to spend a Dime on repairs, not even for diagnoses
  • 1before401before40 Member Posts: 5
    I have been reading the posts regarding the problems with the 2007 Chevy Tahoe concerning the Stabilitrak, oil consumption and other problems. I purchased my 07 Tahoe in May 2006 and have had an unending series of problems with this vehicle and the most recent is the Stabilitrak issue. I am upset to learn that the fix for this issue is in the 3-4K range and GM refuses to take any responsibility for the issue, but I am not suprised by their response. Since this issue is so prevalent and GM will not issue a recall, I think all of us affected by this issue should file a class action suit. It is absurd to spend this kind of money on an SUV and be treated the way that GM treats their customers. This type of irresponsible behavior is what lead to the eleventh hour rescue by the tax payers. I could go on and on regarding the problems Ive had with this vehicle since purchasing it new, but I would rather concentrate on something more constructive such as the class action suit. I refuse to put another dime of my money into repairing yet another desing flaw of this vehicle. If any of you would like to work with me regarding filing a class action suit please contact me here.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    So I received a phone call from GM Corporate (my letters got through). I have spoke with him several times and as of now GM is holding firm on the 50/50. They say because I accepted the deal there's nothing else they can do? I reminded him I accepted the deal because I had a useless car and it had to be fixed (holding a gun to my head).
    I told him right up front I'm not looking to get off without paying anything. I understand the car was out of warranty but the fact of the matter is the engine failed under 100K miles.
    He said there were a few more upper management people he could plead my case to. So I don't know if he's blowing smoke up my a** or he's being truthful. We'll see.
  • hezekiah12hezekiah12 Member Posts: 6
    Ok, I just got off the phone with GM. They have offered 45% of the cost of new pistons and rings. I had coffee with a guy just this morning with a 2008 Avalanche that had to have the same thing done. In talking to my service advisor at the dealership(GM won't tell you anything, per their policy) they have to fix a lot of these. Apparently it is the lifter(design flaw???) that goes bad, causes a crack in the #1 piston(which lets the oil through henceforth the oil consumption) and since the #1 plug is fouled the vehicle runs rough which sends the stabilitrak/TCS lights to go crazy, also lots of compression loss, rough idling etc.

    I asked him if this issue had been addressed in the newer vehicles and he said yes, that it was only for 2-3 yrs 07-09 they had these lifters in them. Anyway, our vehicle is going in next week at a cost of $1,300 to hopefully finally get fixes. The service advisor said he hasn't had any come back in after the fact.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    So I got a remanufactured GM warranty motor. I wonder if they replaced the lifters with the good ones so this doesn't happen?
    GM paid 50% the cost of the new motor so I was out $3000. I wrote to corporate to see if they could do any better but they said because it was out of warranty that they didn't even have to pay 50% but because I was a good Chevy customer they through me a bone.
    GM will not issue a recall because it's not a safety issue so everyone with these effected years will just have to suck it up and deal with it.
    Don't you love being a beta tester?
  • help08suburbanhelp08suburban Member Posts: 4
    I too own a 2008 suburban that has had errors of the stabilitrak and many issues with spark plugs and wires being replaced numerous times and oil consumption issues. Now the cylinder 1 has oil on it and the dealership is telling me I have to buy a new engine. I was informed there is a valve cover replacement bulletin out but no recall. There are known issues here and it's obvious We are the ones that need to get together to get our issues resolved.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    The valve cover gasket replacement is a $700 waste of time (but they don't tell you that).

    If they said you need a new engine then the cylinder cracked and trashed the cylinder walls. This is caused by the faulty lifters and the AFM.

    I hope your car is still under warranty and or 100K in mileage. If you bought the extended service plan then pay the deductible and get the new motor.

    If not then be prepared to pay at least 50% of the cost. GM will only offer that and you won't get anymore (believe me I tried). You should only be out of pocket $3K or less.

    Good luck.
  • wykeemawykeema Member Posts: 13
    Hi I'm definitely interested I have an 07 Tahoe I've had for 16 months it had 53,000 miles. Well I'm now having the same need a new camshaft , lifter problem vehicle only has 83000. This was supposed to be my reliable vehicle spoke with someone from GM they can't tell me how much they can help but I would have to pay the 1-2000$ for the engine breakdown that's just to see whats wrong Chevy quoted me a price of 5-6500$ even with help if it was 50% who has 5000$ to put into a car. So how do we get this started?
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    GM will pay up to 50% of the cost for a new remanufactured motor with a 3yr/50000 mile warranty. You should only be out of pocket $3K at most.
    If the dealer is telling you it will cost $1-2K to diagnose the problem they are full of sh**.
    GM covered all diagnosis on my vehicle and they looked through #1 spark plug to confirm the engine was trashed.
    If this dealer is jerks you around go to another GM dealer until you are satisfied. Also call their customer service line and they can tell the dealer what to do.
    Good luck.
  • 1before401before40 Member Posts: 5
    Normally you have to speak with the BBB regarding vechicles, but this is the exact same problem recurring in the same make and model vehicle. I will speak with the West Virginia Attorney General's office in the next day or so and see what can be done since there is probably a record of incidence on file in every state.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    I never filed anything with the Washington State AG office. I wonder if I should? I'm not a great believer in the BBB.

    This seems to be prevalent in the 2007-2009 model years. 2007 was the first model year with the new AFM system and the lifters seem to be the main culprit. GM made a modification in late 2009 for the 2010 model year.

    I'm in the process of having Black Bear Performance due a tune and eliminate the AFM on the new "remanufactured" motor we just had installed. The dealership said it should not affect the warranty.

    I wonder how many people are out there with these model years who are just beginning to have these problems?

    I wonder how many actually are doing their due diligence to try and get something out of GM?

    GM is pretty fast to say "we'll cover 50% of the cost of a remanufactured motor". I think they know they have a problem but it maybe cheaper on a case by case basis. They must be betting on the come that most of the motors will go past 100K in miles so then they can tell people to pound sand.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2013
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    Remember it's the policy of GM and dealership not to discuss this with the consumer.
    This may help you with the dealer:

    Apparently it is the lifter(design flaw???) that goes bad, causes a crack in the #1 piston(which lets the oil through henceforth the oil consumption) and since the #1 plug is fouled the vehicle runs rough which sends the stabilitrak/TCS lights to go crazy, also lots of compression loss, rough idling etc.

    Has this issue been addressed in the newer vehicles?
    Yes, that it was only for 2-3 yrs 07-09 they had these particular lifters in them.
  • ironmac2ironmac2 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 07 Z-71 CREW CAB 4X4 that has 83K purchased the truck new, had the trans go out @ 40k @ 50K had to replace front wheel bearing @80K swithch for blower motor went out and now at 83K under load it blows white smoke some times and it's not a head gaskget and yes it is a 5.3 Flex fuel motor.........How do we get a class action suit started ???? I live in Ca. L.A. county .
    Thanks RGM.
  • wykeemawykeema Member Posts: 13
    Well GM customer service just told me they can't help me bc my vehicle has 83,000 miles I said that's not a lot of miles and had it been an 08 it wud be covered so don't imply 83,000 miles is a lot so I'm waiting to speak to a supervisor because the rep said they're not helping me at all.
  • msw007msw007 Member Posts: 21
    Did your dealership talk to GM?

    My dealership was able to get the 50% for me originally and have GM pay for the diagnosis. I tried to get more but came up empty.
    If the dealership you are working with is unwilling to go to bat for you then go to another dealership until you find one that is willing to work for you.

    I also wrote a letter to GM's corporate office's to the top the President, Chairman etc. They won't read it but there minions will and they have more pull than the drone on the phone.

    Just stick to the facts. Keep it simple and to the point. Be very business like.

    Good luck.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hi wykeema,

    I can certainly understand your frustrations. While I cannot promise a different resolution at this point, I would like to review your case file. Can you send me a private message with you full name and VIN please? My email is socialmedia@gm.com "attn Crystal" in the subject header.

    Crystal L-GM Customer Care
  • wykeemawykeema Member Posts: 13
    Well I just learned that bc I wasn't fortunate enough to buy the Tahoe new even though it only had 53,000 miles so I figured it was close to new (wit most cars able to go 200,000 miles) and even though I still paid almost 30,000 and am still paying for it then I'm out of luck. I said well owners who have bought the car new are having the same problems so it's the design not anything anybody is doing. They told me its probly not true and people lie I said well why would people waste their time lying about the same issue like no one has things to do besides make up lies on the Internet . They said they dnt think they can help and if so maybe 20-30%. That's why they needed bailout money bc they dnt stand bhnd their products flaws and have lost many a customer.
  • wykeemawykeema Member Posts: 13
    It's not the dealership who is saying this it's GM s representative. I called the dealership myself bc I was wondering what they told the rep for thm to tell me no assistance @ all bc they implied the dealership made it like it was the condition of the car. Well the service manager said all I told them was a break down needs to be done first before a positive diagnosis will be made even though they felt it was the cam n lifters. So then I talk to a supervisor who changes the story to its bc I didn't buy the car new n they may get the dealership to do 20-30% after I pay for breakdown. 20-30% on engine work on a car that had 53,000 and that still cost almost 30,000, which is a brand new terrain, Acadia as well as others. I passed those up for my Tahoe bc that's what I always wanted, but I guess to bad for me I couldn't get it brand new.
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