Chevrolet V10 problems

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The third generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1973 to 1991 model years. Serving as the replacement for the "Action Line" C/K trucks, GM designated the generation under "Rounded Line" moniker. Again offered as a two-door pickup truck and chassis cab, the Rounded Line trucks marked the introduction of a four-door cab configuration.

Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the Rounded Line C/K chassis also served as the basis of GM full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban wagon and the off-road oriented Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. The generation also shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

In early 1987, GM introduced the 1988 fourth-generation C/K to replace the Rounded Line generation, with the company beginning a multi-year transition between the two generations. To eliminate model overlap, the Rounded Line C/K was renamed the R/V series, which remained as a basis for full-size SUVs and heavier-duty pickup trucks. After an 18-year production run (exceeded only in longevity by the Dodge D/W-series/Ram pickup and the Jeep Gladiator/Pickup), the Rounded Line generation was retired after the 1991 model year.

From 1972 to 1991, General Motors produced the Rounded Line C/K (later R/V) series in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. In South America, the model line was produced in Argentina and Brazil, ending in 1997.

photo of Chevrolet V10 car production

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Chevrolet V10 model years

chevrolet v10 1987 photo
V10 1987
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Common Chevrolet V10 problems

Based on complaints from owners, here are common problems with Chevrolet V10 cars:

  1. Faulty Injectors in the 7.4-Liter Vortec V8 Engine:
    • The 7.4-liter Vortec V8 engine, produced from 1996 to 2001, had issues with faulty and poorly designed fuel injectors. These injectors were prone to leaking, seizing, or getting stuck open, leading to engine misfiring, backfiring, knocking, and stalling. Other associated problems included failing head gaskets, cracked exhaust manifolds, and EGR system failure.
  2. Engine Piston and Ring Issues in the 2010 Equinox:
    • The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox faced serious problems with engine piston and ring issues, with complaints arising around 75,000 miles. The rings would fail, necessitating replacement, which could cost up to $3,000. In some cases, owners had to replace the entire engine, costing nearly $5,000. Transmission failures were also common around 70,000 miles, with components wearing out quickly and requiring replacement.
  3. Oil Consumption Problems in the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban:
    • The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban experienced significant oil consumption issues, making it one of the worst vehicles in terms of oil consumption. This problem was attributed to the engine's high oil consumption rate, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. The excessive oil consumption posed a serious reliability concern for owners.
  4. Transmission Issues in Earlier and Later Model Chevrolet Suburbans:
    • Earlier models of the Chevrolet Suburban had transmission problems related to the torque converter clutch applying during gear shifts, causing harsh shifts and engine bogging. Wiring modifications were often necessary to resolve these issues. Later models faced diagnostic codes like P0776 and P0796, typically due to pressure leaks at the clutch regulating valve, requiring specific repairs or part replacements.
  5. Air Conditioning Problems in Chevrolet Suburbans:
    • Pre-2016 Chevrolet Suburbans had common issues with the air conditioning system, leading to leaks and belt checks. While not a major problem, it required regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent significant issues with the A/C system.

These problems highlight key issues faced by owners of Chevrolet V10 cars, ranging from engine and transmission issues to air conditioning and oil consumption concerns. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the performance and reliability of these vehicles.

Chevrolet V10

Is the V10 a good engine?

It is known to be a pretty reliable engine, but it just did not take off like the diesel engine options. The V10 was not the most popular engine compared to diesel engines of the time, and now when you find them on the used market they are cheaper than the comparable diesel option.

What year did the Ford V10 have problems?

Spark plug woes

In the early years of the V10 Triton, there were spark plug issues. Many owners of a 1997-2002 model V10 Triton encountered a situation where they would randomly hear a loud popping or clicking sound followed by a sudden loss of power.

How long do Ford V10 engines last?

If you are looking to buy a used V10 engine that is averagely handled, you can expect it to run for at least 200,000 before it makes you face any problem on running. Also, remember that V10 is not manufactured to run fast, and hence, it does not catch a huge pace. However, it does handle well the off-road operations.

What Chevy has a V10?

Which is really the K10 they switched the name in 1987. Chevy didn't know what the heck they were doing with their names throughout the late 80s. And early 90s. This is really a K10.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet V10 years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet V10 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Chevrolet V10 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet V10 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet V10 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet V10 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet V10 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet V10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet V10 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet V10 vehicles.

List of Chevrolet V10 complaints

Chevrolet V10 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-13
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. CONSUMER ALSO STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALSO INDICATE THAT IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP AND IT WILL NEVER DO IT WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE SHOP AT LEAST SIX TIMES AND THEY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM.*JB

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Chevrolet V10 photo