Which build months are safe from lifter problems?

[chirp]

I just bought a 2021 Yukon AT4. The build month is 4/21. Is this "safe" from the lifter problems? I can't find official communications regarding which build months had the lifter problems.

Thanks!

 

[TollKeeper]

Per the GM reports, yes.

Do I believe the GM reports? NO.

I would not be buying any GM V8 in the model year 2021 OR 2022.

But this is just my personal opinion.

 

[Quark]

I believe it is endemic to the engines with DFM. It was introduced on the truck models in 2019 and lifter failures have been reported since that time. AFM had it's problems also and took a few years to correct but issues remain long term.

If I were to buy a new GM truck or suv I wouldn't trade-in my reliable vehicle and I would make sure my state lemon laws would cover me. In other words I'd have an exit plan.

 

[MarkUps]

is deleting DFM or AFM with a tuner a warranty breaker? now im scared sh!tless that we possibly just bought a ticking time bomb.

 

[Quark]

It is what it is don't let it get you down and enjoy your new vehicle, you've already crossed that bridge and the odds are vastly in your favor.

Keep an eye on Range Technologies or give them a call to see if they are working on defeating DFM I have one on the way for my 2012. It's not a tuner it plugs into your OBD port and tells the controller not to go into DFM mode. It doesn't leave a trace once removed other than some codes which might show up during an emissions test. Those will clear after a period of time or a number of restarts. At least this is how it is for the previous model years.

 

[chirp]

I believe it is endemic to the engines with DFM.

Have many 2021 cars with DFM deleted experienced the lifter problem ?

 

[chirp]

GM actually stopped putting DFM in the 2021 pickups ( see https://www.gm-trucks.com/chevy-gmc...m-dfm-fuel-saving-tech-silverado-sierra-1500/ ) but I'm not sure if that also took effect on the SUV lineup.

 

[Quark]

Sixteen

 

[SSGUNNER]

Here is a 3 part vid of said issue and steps to remove and replace bad lifters

IMHO - I was like damn when I heard about this but remember the defected percentage vs the hundreds of thousands vehicles produced and sold…with no issues is significantly low. After watching the vid it did put my mind at ease. Biggest downfall is the time out of commission due to parts but that may very well be getting much better.
Also as far as an exit plan, that is a good strategy to have and currently the market is in our favor with the high resale value so you can always aim at breaking even or maybe a lil extra cash.
Best of luck.

 

[Micahsd]

I’m kind of in the same boat…hoping my 2021 which was built on March doesn’t experience the problem. That’s really the only fear I have with the vehicle as otherwise it’s been pretty flawless up to this point.

So far I’m only up to 2,700 miles. Think it normally acts up between 4k and 8k from seeing other posts on it.

 

[SSGUNNER]

How was your break in period? I don’t really see much conversation about that. Yes the OM says to keep it easy for the 1st 500 mi but me personally I noticed engine waking up at about 1k, more at 1.5k and again more at 2k.
Also read that lifter issue may be related to low oil levels. Not sure how accurate that is. Long time Chevy owners I talk to say engine break in may be a possible factor.
Would you buy a vehicle that the OM says go easy on it for the 1st 1-2k miles…

 

[B520044]

I have over 16k miles on mine; was one of the first owners (of 2021) on here. No lifter issues. Mine felt like it took 3-5k miles to fully break in. I've never been a fan of this powertrain (5.3 and 10 speed). It seems ruff at idle, with shudders at lower gear changes and low on power. Power is just adequate, but not fluid. I guess I'm trying to say the powertrain is not refined.

 

[Yukon21Denali]

I have over 16k miles on mine; was one of the first owners (of 2021) on here. No lifter issues. Mine felt like it took 3-5k miles to fully break in. I've never been a fan of this powertrain (5.3 and 10 speed). It seems ruff at idle, with shudders at lower gear changes and low on power. Power is just adequate, but not fluid. I guess I'm trying to say the powertrain is not refined.

That adds up to the theory of its being limited to certain batch of bad lifters. If it was something more fundamental like a flawed design/engineering, we would see far more failures.
We should open a poll thread, let’s see % wise how bad it is. I’ll be surprised if it’s in double digits.

 

[Kevz1088]

I have over 16k miles on mine; was one of the first owners (of 2021) on here. No lifter issues. Mine felt like it took 3-5k miles to fully break in. I've never been a fan of this powertrain (5.3 and 10 speed). It seems ruff at idle, with shudders at lower gear changes and low on power. Power is just adequate, but not fluid. I guess I'm trying to say the powertrain is not refined.

Same with 14k miles and a build date of 6/20 (knock on wood). And agree 100% with everything else. I recently had a 21 LT rental with 6k miles that felt way more peppier even though it was the same engine and drivetrain. Maybe I should drive mine a little more like a rental to unlock its full potential!

 

[Koepp2637]

TSB PIP5776E (VIN build date range 9/1/2020 thru 3/31/21)

 

[MelloYello95]

Just hit 6k this week. No issues, build date of 3/21.

 

[Micahsd]

Just hit 6k this week. No issues, build date of 3/21.

I’m hoping to follow on your footsteps. Same build date but only up to 3,100 miles. No issues so far.

 

[B520044]

I have over 16k miles on mine; was one of the first owners (of 2021) on here. No lifter issues. Mine felt like it took 3-5k miles to fully break in. I've never been a fan of this powertrain (5.3 and 10 speed). It seems ruff at idle, with shudders at lower gear changes and low on power. Power is just adequate, but not fluid. I guess I'm trying to say the powertrain is not refined.

I must add here that my new AT4 idles just fine and shifts much better than the SLT. Everything feels better with this newer build. Steering and even the turn signal. Crazy what an extra year of manufacturing and/or experience makes... I truly believe that my first 21 Yukon was build with Covid temp employees.

 

[Fireman591]

Any GM V8 with DFM is a ticking time bomb thanks to a piss poor design that can cause harmonic bending.

 

[jayoco]

It is what it is don't let it get you down and enjoy your new vehicle, you've already crossed that bridge and the odds are vastly in your favor.

This is the right attitude/response!