Hi, Everyone. I am not a mechanic. I had very bad news last week about my 2017 Chevy Tahoe, 5.3L V8, 75,000 miles. In June of 2026, I was having no problems with the vehicle. I took it in for an oil change and tire rotation. The service technician at the dealership told me there was an oil leak at the oil cooler lines. and recommended repair ($857.31). Immediately after the repair, the check engine light started coming on intermittently. I took it back to the dealership within days. They found engine code P0351 associated with cylinder 1 in the stored codes, as well as engine misfires. But they could not duplicate the check engine light, test drove it for 17 miles, and returned to me. They said if the check engine light returns, I should bring it back for an attempted repair, replace the ignition coil pack. I drove the vehicle from July 1 - July 16 with no check engine light coming on. I also topped off and started using the highest octane gasoline to see if that would help somehow. On July 16, the check engine light returned so I returned for the recommended repair on July 17. They replaced the ignition coil pack ($651).
Upon leaving the dealership, the car would barely accelerate and was "lurching." I drove about one-half mile, turned around and went back. I asked the technician if they had test driven the vehicle, and he said that they had in fact test driven it after replacing the ignition coil pack. He asked me to leave it with them.
A couple days later, I received from the dealership a diagnosis of "complete engine replacement" at a cost of $15,000. The service write-up said: "Found vehicle keeps setting knock sensor DTCS with engine misfires on most cylinders. Piston ring integrity failing on Cylinder 1 with audible engine knock. Recommended replacing engine assembly."
I had the vehicle towed to my home and I'm trying to think about the best course of action. I should also add that I received an "Engine for Life Limited Warranty" when I purchased the vehicle new in 2017. I have written to dealership senior management, as well as General Motors, concerning this warranty and whether it will be honored. Have not received a reply yet.
I am aware of the class action lawsuit against General Motors regarding the active fuel management system (AFM), which my vehicle seems to be included.
The vehicle is in excellent overall condition, apart from this recent engine replacement diagnosis. Has anyone else experienced anything similar with a Tahoe, and what did you do? Is it worth having the engine replaced, or should I just try to get a new vehicle without the AFM system?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Upon leaving the dealership, the car would barely accelerate and was "lurching." I drove about one-half mile, turned around and went back. I asked the technician if they had test driven the vehicle, and he said that they had in fact test driven it after replacing the ignition coil pack. He asked me to leave it with them.
A couple days later, I received from the dealership a diagnosis of "complete engine replacement" at a cost of $15,000. The service write-up said: "Found vehicle keeps setting knock sensor DTCS with engine misfires on most cylinders. Piston ring integrity failing on Cylinder 1 with audible engine knock. Recommended replacing engine assembly."
I had the vehicle towed to my home and I'm trying to think about the best course of action. I should also add that I received an "Engine for Life Limited Warranty" when I purchased the vehicle new in 2017. I have written to dealership senior management, as well as General Motors, concerning this warranty and whether it will be honored. Have not received a reply yet.
I am aware of the class action lawsuit against General Motors regarding the active fuel management system (AFM), which my vehicle seems to be included.
The vehicle is in excellent overall condition, apart from this recent engine replacement diagnosis. Has anyone else experienced anything similar with a Tahoe, and what did you do? Is it worth having the engine replaced, or should I just try to get a new vehicle without the AFM system?
Thanks for your thoughts.
