4.8 Vortec Reliability & Common Problems

If you're interested in the 4.8L Vortec engine, you're in for a treat. In this video, Jake provides an in-depth look at the different variations, common issues, and overall reliability of this popular GM power plant. We'll explore the key specifications and features across the different versions of the 4.8L Vortec, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, Jake will go into the most common problems owners face with this engine and examine the reliability of the 4.8L Vortec, helping you understand what to expect in terms of longevity and maintenance.
The article linked below, written by us, is a more in-depth guide on the 4.8 Vortec: chevytrucks.org/4-8-vortec-en...
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00:42 - 4.8 Vortec Background and Applications
01:06 - Different 4.8 Vortec Variations (LR4, LY2, & L20)
03:02 - 4.8 Vortec Common Problem #1 - Knock Sensor
04:10 - 4.8 Vortec Common Problem #2 - Water Pump
05:00 - 4.8 Vortec Common Problem #3 - Fuel Pump
06:12 - 4.8 Vortec Common Problem #4 - Intake Manifold
06:55 - 4.8 Vortec Reliability

[@97GibsonsgOhyeah]

My 01 silvy has 168000 miles, and I'm a 60yr old dude who owned a bunch of wheels. This rusty old truck still screams, and runs so smooth on the turnpike at 80 mph. I'm thoroughly impressed! This one's a keeper. You can have your shiny new trucks, and your payments.

[@8020Media]

G - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you take great care of it.

[@sjbowman2560]

I’ve got a 2010 Silverado with the 4.8. 226k miles only repairs so far are the rear main seal, oil pan gasket and evap purge solenoid. By far the most reliable truck I’ve ever owned.

[@8020Media]

SJ - Thanks for providing your feedback! This will certainly help future viewers.

[@industrialrubber5078]

i have the same my problem is the rust, engine and transmission has really had no problems over 100k miles just me driving so far. 2015+ GM Trucks are horrible though

[@8020Media]

Industrial - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jimmysmith3255]

Your only repairs are pretty significant

[@dannyeverette4551]

I did 2 rear mains this week on this motor...literally have I down to 4 hrs even for the 4wd...they are know for this repair

[@Paco-wd8xx]

2008 sierra 4.8. Drove it off the lot brand new. Has fired up everyday for 16 years. Currently at 378,xxx. Runs like a champ. Has only need a radiator, water pump, rear main seal and a set of knock sensors.

[@kevinnelson7070]

How has your trans held up im asking because I'm looking for my first truck I saw a 2006 4x4 with 140k miles on it for $4,500 I just need to know is it worth it or not

[@8020Media]

P - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you take great care of it.

[@stevoTutor]

My 4.8 has a little knock that only occurs here and there. Does this mean I might need a knock sensor?

[@8020Media]

S - Not necessarily, but we well have a video on engine knock coming out next week!

[@jordanhannah5839]

@@stevoTutorno it’s called “piston slap” and is very normal on LS and LS based engines.

[@leavingasap843]

Just hit 12,567,235 mi. On my 05 Tahoe yesterday, still running like cheetah in the wild fields of Arizona

[@8020Media]

L - uhhhhhhh. what?

[@WhatTheFox883]

Just picked up a 2003 sierra 1500 4x4 with the 4.8 stock besides the flowmaster exhaust and a cold air intake. Has 95k miles on it, great truck so far I use it for going A to B for work, no rust (surprisingly) just replaced the spark plugs and wires and man it made a difference! Pretty much brand new

[@8020Media]

Fox - Sounds like you've got a good one! Should be able to give you many more miles.

[@WhatTheFox883]

@@8020Media Most definitely, I was going to cam n but decided to leave that motor alone and just buy a crate 4.8 and build it and find something to slap it in to keep the reliability

[@8020Media]

Good idea!

[@michaeltownsend3127]

03 Silverado 4.8, just turned 400k, original water pump, runs great!

[@8020Media]

M - Sounds like you take great care of it! Thanks for sharing your experience and we hope you get 400k more out of it.

[@mr.delacruz559]

My 2004 4.8L Silverado that I bought in October 2003 has 160,000 and is running like a champ. Only thing I’ve had to replace is the water pump & thermostat. It’s been an unbelievably reliable. Thanks for the video!

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like you've got a good one.

[@mr.delacruz559]

@@8020Media Thank you Chief!! Keep up the great content!!! Hope you and your loved ones have a great weekend!

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks! You as well.

[@randyf532]

I have a 2012 with 400k runs mint

[@8020Media]

Randy - Thanks for sharing your experience! We've seen many 4.8's be incredible.

[@alfonsoalonzo3165]

In 2018 purchased a 07 classic silverado with 118 k.. now in 2024 i have 256k...done water pump & hoses & connectors to heater core/knock sensors & harness/intake manifold /valley pan/ valve covers/oil pan/front main seal gasket. Also did oil pump/pick up tube(just cuzz i was in that deep during repairs).. and 1 oxygen sensor (due to the check engine light).. have the rear main cover leaking as of nows..but been a great baby 8😊..great video

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! We've seen many 4.8 engines.

[@Sergio-lu9kb]

I have a 2011 Silverado 4.8 at 140k and runs like a charm! I also currently have a Tahoe 2004 5.3, had it since 70k miles just hit 150k only replaced alternator & water pump since then! As icing on the cake I have a single cab 2003 4.3 Silverado with 220k no major repairs still going strong. GM is king!

[@8020Media]

Sergio - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you know how to take care of an engine.

[@dubltap7216]

I have a 2013 Silverado with the 4.8, just turned over 102k miles with zero issues. On the other hand i also have a 2008 with a 5.3 that sounds like a thrashing machine, the lifters are so loud.😂

[@8020Media]

Dub - Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@johnpatino2095]

Great video on the 4.8. I have an 02 Silverado Z 71, 4.8 with 372351 miles. I have done water pump, intake, manifold gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, fuel pump. Next will be my Valve guide seals.

[@8020Media]

John - Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like you've got a solid truck on your hands.

[@ManagedPan1k]

Same model half as many miles still stock still runs like a toddler

[@8020Media]

Pan - Thanks for adding your experience!

[@_NoFENDI]

I got the same truck with 350k miles gotta love these engines

[@kennygroom909]

I’ve bought my 01 gm 4.8 sierra at 115k it ran like a champ. This all has happened same problem as he tells ya. The fuel pump did go out then water pump my knocked sensor keeps showing up. This thing runs amazing tho and won’t let ya down it now has 259k and I drive the heck out of it still. The best thing I ever bought love it and will keep it going on. Awesome truck..

[@8020Media]

K - We've heard many good things about the engine. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@BMFRich65]

I'm the original owner of a 2009 Silverado 4.8 with 162K miles. I've towed several trailers like camping trailers, utility trailers,etc. The only major problem I've had was the left motor mount wearing out by driving the crap out of it. I've done all regular maintanence and plug change when needed and it still runs great!

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for sharing your experience! Goes to show what happens when maintenance is taken care of.

[@aceboogie3538]

I have a 2012 4.8 Silverado. I did have some major issues on in. After it's years things do give out. Had to rebuild the engine. Got it fix, ever since then it's been running smooth as hell.

[@8020Media]

A - What happened to cause an engine rebuild? And we couldn't agree more!

[@aceboogie3538]

@8020Media well for one, I had to replace all motor mounts cause they were already shot out. I put a new camshaft, New lifters 16 total, I put a new oil pump but I put a High Volume oil pump. Put new Serpentine belt. Change the Thermostat. New camshaft rings. New gaskets. It made this nasty ass rocking noise. I did a few other things. I also flushed all the systems for shits and giggles, transmission flush with GM Acdelco fluid, differential fluid of course engine flush as well. Now It runs smooth as fuck. I could've traded it in for a new truck but not trying to have a 700 plus payment fuck that.

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! This will certainly help future viewers. We couldn't agree more about payments..

[@DeathMetal13666]

Got my 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD from a family friend had to replace the water pump easy fix with just plumbing experience, she’s a reliable work horse.

[@8020Media]

DeathMetal - They certainly can be very reliable! All depends on how well they have been maintained.

[@robertmardis2110]

I have an 08 Silverado 4.8....293,000 on him....still going strong....had to replace the purge valve & canster....i have a small rear main leak..i add a 1/2 quart every oil change...i just replaced the water pump at 240,000 miles....i had the transmission rebuilt at 200,000 miles.....i had a vet servo installed during the rebuild

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've got a good one.

[@fastcoffee9878]

What is a vet servo?

[@iansandstrom2968]

I have a 2007 Silverado 4.8L I have 180,000 miles had to repair tranny, alternator, rear Pinion bearing, belt tensioner, blower motor and has a couple leaks. But besides that she puts up with my beatings great truck would buy another.

[@8020Media]

Ian - Thanks for sharing your experience! Will certainly help future viewers.

[@Brendan656]

I got an 02 sierra with the 4.8 and i got 247k on it and can still do burnouts all day long

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@TommyGarris-fv6nt]

Im 14 about to be 15 and i love Chevy products. My dad gave me his 2004 regular cab silverado with the 4.8 with 280,000 miles and a 4l60 tranny and im hoping to do rebuild on it and turn it into an ss clone so i can drive a cool classic muscle truck to high school. This video was very helpful and I will be tuning in to more of the GM videos. Thank you very much

[@8020Media]

T - Thanks for the feedback! Looking forward to hearing more about your build.

[@Bestbuilt04]

I’ve got an 09 Sierra with the 4.8 (270,000kms) only repair I’ve had to do in two years I’ve owned it is the starter motor.

[@8020Media]

Lukes - Thanks for sharing your experience! Great to hear you have a good one.

[@coltonhull3176]

Got an 09 4.8 silverado 232k miles. only thing I've had to replace is a radiator, I drive it like a grandma and do oil changes every 2k miles. Runs like a tank.

[@8020Media]

Colton - Love hearing this. Crazy what can happen with good maintenance!

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Can you get intake manifolds made of steel in the aftermarket?Just wondering

[@8020Media]

I believe Summit Racing has some aluminum ones in the $500 price range.

[@tangoalpha94]

Intake manifold and its gaskets is my issue. It’ll cause intermittent misfiring. Gonna get it fixed soon. I’ve driven it a bit since finding out about it. Engine compression is fine so hopefully the misfiring dosent cause serious engine damage.

[@8020Media]

Tan - Thanks for sharing your experience. It shouldn't cause too much of a problem, but wouldn't advise driving on it much longer.

[@tangoalpha94]

@@8020Media will the cat converter be alright? Are they durable on these trucks?

[@8020Media]

Depends the shape it's currently in. How does it look?

[@tangoalpha94]

@@8020Media it looks intact on the outside. How should they look?? I had an exhaust shop check it some weeks back and they first discovered the misfire. I would think they’d be able to identify a bad cat converter. They initially thought it was a bad coil.

[@8020Media]

Then the cat should be fine.

[@jesseferko5097]

I have a 2012 silverado 1500 4x4 4.8l with L.S trim her name is big Debbie. motor is a champ only needs a thermostat only has about 123k on it the only issues I'm having is the front end ive had to replace both front hub bearings 3 bearing on the driver side just replace the rack an pinion an as I was doing the rack I saw I needed both outer ti rods now ima bout to replace upper an lower steering shafts she need upper an lower control arms needs both steering knuckles but that only because I beat the shyt out of the truck I work construction so I'm constantly hauling stuff way over the spec weight on the truck she been a great truck I love ol deb her an I have been thru so much together my wife get pissed an says I show more love an attention to Debbie but I told her Debbie don't bitch at me or says anything she just does what she told hahaha

[@8020Media]

J - LOL. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Therealrichdude]

2006 tahoe with 180k miles. Still running like new 😊

[@8020Media]

SML - Thanks for sharing your experience! You've got a good one.

[@frightenedskillet1051]

I always have the same problem with the 4.8 but that’s just about the bad blocks

[@8020Media]

F - Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@SPEAKERDWELLER03]

Hi Jake, my 4.8 has over 350k and is on its last legs. What year 1500 silverado do you recommend? Is AFM avoidable?

[@8020Media]

S - Nice! Sounds like you took great care of it. It's kind of difficult to give an exact year. AFM is only "avoidable" if you delete it. However, some '21 & '22s came without AFM/DFM due to chip shortages.

[@k.lindsey3529]

Around 2005, GM stopped using external fuel filters and began putting them in the fuel tank as part of the fuel pump. Seems like another dumb idea as the fuel filters normally need to be changed before the fuel pump needs to be replaced due to failure.

[@8020Media]

K - Very true. Thanks for adding this insight.

[@claysummerlin4759]

I’ve been hearing that some 4.8 came I’m with AFM

[@8020Media]

Clay - There are some things online that claim the 4.8 had "cylinder deactivation", but indeed it did not.

[@chuckcarlini2807]

My 04 silverado 4.8 flat gets with the program, I tow a race car on a trailer, cold air intake, 3" exhaust, chip, way more balls then my highly built 454 c.i. ever had, plus great gas mileage! 132-k so far zero issues! I'm waiting for water pump,,fuel pump issues, but so far so good! It's amazing how this tiny little suckered runs, pulls,❤

[@8020Media]

C - Sounds like you've got a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@anthonywalker5753]

I have a 2006 with a 4.8 Silverado crew cab

[@8020Media]

A - Nice! How many miles?

[@spirorevelis7100]

You missed the pcv baffle plugging up in the valve cover causing oil to get sucked into the intake and burn at start up

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@spirorevelis7100]

@@8020Media Thank you sir. Great video. I am a fan of the 4.8. We have had multiple in service in a commercial HVAC fleet of Express vans. We typically get at least 300k out of them. I am driving an 06 with 356k right now!

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for the feedback! They certainly can be great engines if maintained properly.

[@Ace-44]

Did the 6.0 come with AFM after 07' or did it stay the same like the 4.8?

[@8020Media]

Ace - After 2007, yes, it came with AFM.

[@Ace-44]

@8020Media Gotcha. Thanks. Appreciate these videos alot. Learning more and more.

[@8020Media]

Ace - We appreciate the feedback. That's the goal!

[@vhs8669]

I have a 4.8 in a 2000 Chevy 1500 with 315k miles. I’m starting to run lower than normal oil pressure. Do y’all think it’s the sensor or just all the miles in the motor?

[@8020Media]

V - Are you getting any error codes or experiencing any drivability problems?

[@vhs8669]

@@8020Media I’ve recently been getting an o2 exhaust sensor code

[@davidwilder7109]

Had a 2005 4.8 5 speed. It was reliable, but it was the most gutless V8 I have had. It was also terrible on fuel. If I had the chance to do it again, id go with the 4.3 for a smaller engine with better low end power, and better fuel economy.

[@8020Media]

David - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@tannerramsay4574]

07.5 4.8 4x4 520k kms drove its last 6 months without no brakes or suspension they sure are troopers hahah

[@8020Media]

Tanner - Nice! Sounds scary, but glad you got a lot out of it.

[@ethanshort2301]

Got a 2013 silvy 4.8 with 47k miles and no problems but my tranny blew at 37k miles pos really but got a new built to chit one but the engine has no problems what so ever

[@8020Media]

E - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@mikec2825]

There is a huge difference in 5.3 and the 4.8 I was dumb enough to get the 4.8 and hated it. Everyone told me not to but it was quite a bit less expensive. I know why. I constantly was shifting trying to keep up at anything over 70 mph. It was reliable but so pitiful in power I stayed angry with it and took a hit just to get rid of it. Please, please reconsider if you are getting this engine. I really hope this helps with someone that is considering this engine!

[@8020Media]

Mike - Thanks for sharing this insight. It could certainly be helpful for future viewers.

[@christianyoung9374]

Idk about that one. Have had my 4.8l a few years now. I constantly tow a flatbed trailer with random cars on it for work. Truck has no issues doing 80 down the highway with a trailer and a car on it with 22x12 wheels, 33s and a 3inch level 😂😂 Change your gears before shitting on that motor.

[@Lost4words]

Facts are go get you a 4l80 transmission and change the rear end gears to .343

[@dubltap7216]

There's 15 hp difference between the 2013 4.8 and 5.3. It not the engine, it's the transmission difference. One being a 4 speed auto and the other being a 6 speed.

[@8020Media]

Dub - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@BRED23]

My 99 Silverado 4.8 start rough even cold I can’t figure out what it is it usually sputters out if I don’t give gas when starting up but then after about a minute it runs normal

[@8020Media]

Bred - Based off of the symptoms you've listed, it could be a lot of things.. Are there any other symptoms you're experiencing?

[@BRED23]

@@8020Media pretty sure I have bad mpg also sluggish acceleration on the highway stay at 65 for a while till I double tap the gas to jump the rpms idle is a bit off

[@BRED23]

I do have bank 1 and 2 codes along with lean code and misfire but I just did sparks wires battery and terminals

[@8020Media]

Bred - Check your vacuum hoses. Given you're running lean, there's something air related.

[@BRED23]

@@8020Media will do that but also have a buzzing/ticking sound coming from the right coil packs close to the alternator. 4 times now I have heard a pretty hard bang in the engine when I turn the key and then light smoke comes from around the intake manifold and coil pack area the truck hesitates to start for like 3 cranks but then starts up and runs normal. Has only happened 4-5 times.

[@shawncordeiro5078]

what years are these problems ?

[@8020Media]

S - There aren't any years in specific here.

[@jeffwolf8018]

Is this direct injection or Port injected?

[@8020Media]

Port injected

[@rexstanley5120]

Yeah I love the 5.3 allot but I’m thinking I probably like the 4.8 about the same

[@8020Media]

R - Both are great engines if taken care of properly!

[@wilhelmbauermeister7092]

My 2005 Sierra 4.8 is at 360, 000.

[@8020Media]

W - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've got a good one.

[@delta-theoryarizona4256]

Knock sensor diy? Aha OK 👍

[@8020Media]

Delta - Again, depends on automotive skill.. Can everyone do it, no. Can some do it, yes..