2022 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 ZR2

Typical onset: 15,000-60,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise on cold start that may disappear when warm, Check engine light with misfire codes, Loss of power or rough idle, Metal shavings in oil, Sudden loss of compression in one or more cylinders

Fix: The L87's AFM/DFM lifters can fail prematurely, collapsing and sending metal debris through the engine. This destroys cam lobes, damages bearings, scores cylinder walls, and contaminates the entire oil system. Requires complete engine teardown or replacement. If caught early with just lifter damage, expect 18-24 hours labor for lifter replacement, AFM delete, and cam. If metal circulated, you're looking at short block or complete engine replacement at 30-45 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500 for early catch with lifters/cam; $12,000-18,000 for short block or long block replacement

Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping from front of vehicle, Low transmission fluid warnings, Fluid spots on driveway after parking, Burnt transmission smell if fluid runs low

Fix: The 10-speed 10L80 transmission cooler lines develop leaks at the crimp fittings or where they connect to the radiator. Off-road use accelerates this due to vibration and debris impact. Replacement involves draining system, removing skid plates for access, replacing lines, and refilling with ATF. Count on 3-4 hours labor plus fluid.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration felt through cabin at idle, Excessive drivetrain movement visible when accelerating hard, Transmission sag visible on inspection

Fix: The ZR2's aggressive off-road use and the torque from the 6.2L punish the transmission mount, causing the rubber to tear or separate. Requires supporting the transmission, removing crossmember hardware, and replacing mount. Plan 2-3 hours with proper lifting equipment.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 25,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Loss of power, Eventually progresses to rod knock or bearing failure

Fix: Related to the lifter issue but sometimes independent: the L87 can develop piston ring sealing problems and cylinder wall scoring. AFM/DFM operation contributes by allowing oil to bypass rings during cylinder deactivation. Once scoring occurs, requires complete teardown with cylinder honing or reboring, new pistons, rings, and bearings. This is a 35-40 hour job minimum for proper machine work and reassembly.

Estimated cost: $8,000-14,000

Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under load, Rough idle or surging, Check engine light with fuel trim or pressure codes

Fix: The high-pressure direct injection system is sensitive to fuel contamination. Off-road use can stir up sediment in the tank, and some owners report issues with tank manufacturing debris. When the in-tank fuel pump module filter clogs, requires dropping the tank (challenging with skid plates and spare tire), replacing pump module and potentially cleaning tank. Count 4-6 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 40,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil looks milky or has coolant mixed in, Overheating, Misfires and rough running

Fix: While not common on unmolested engines, head gaskets can fail if the truck overheats from coolant loss, thermostat failure, or extreme off-road use in hot climates. The aluminum heads on iron block expand differently. Requires removing both heads, machining if warped, new gaskets, and reassembly. Figure 16-20 hours labor plus machine shop time.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000