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After a new Chevrolet Silverado failed him twice in 10,000 miles, Ron did the unthinkable: he traded it for a Honda Ridgeline.
I’m coming to you today with a topic that hits close to home for many in the truck community. I found a post from Ron Millheiser on the 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook page that caught my attention, and I just had to dive in.
Ron says,
“I said goodbye to this rig today, my 2024 Chevy Silverado 5.3L SLT. After the rear axle assembly had to be replaced at 10k miles, my transmission started shifting funky in low gears. The dealer said many tranny parts are on national back order. This truck checked every box except reliability. I will probably be back in one down the road, but not for a few years.”
“I usually buy new every couple of years, so I always have a factory warranty, but the national back order plus simply losing trust in the product wasn’t worth it to me.”
“Don’t laugh, but I went with a Honda Ridgeline.”
“It has a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter engine. I also looked at the Nissan Frontier. I decided that, since I no longer tow and take three to four long road trips a year, it was time to try something completely different. Smaller, but damn does it ride nice. Plus, after what the dealer paid me for the truck ($51,500), I basically bought the Ridgeline outright.”
“It’s not a full size, but I really don’t need all that size now. This is also easier to park, and it’s averaging 29 mpg on the highway.”
“The Ridgeline definitely took some getting used to, but it’s honestly the smoothest riding vehicle I’ve ever owned. And hopefully I won’t be swapping lifters, fuel injectors, and tranny’s before 20k miles like my past two Chevys.”
The Silverado checked every box but one.
Ron’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the vehicle that checks every box on paper can still fall short of our most critical expectation: reliability. His decision to part with his new 2024 Chevy Silverado 5.3L SLT after a string of major issues, including a replaced rear axle assembly at just 10,000 miles and a faulty transmission, is a tough pill to swallow.
His candid comments about losing trust in the product and facing a national backorder on transmission parts resonate with a growing number of new vehicle owners. Today, I want to break down Ron’s experience and offer some expert advice on why his solution was not only practical but might be a path forward for others in a similar situation.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room.
The frustration Ron describes is valid. There’s nothing more disheartening than a brand-new vehicle, barely broken in, requiring major, complex repairs. When your new vehicle needs major repairs under warranty and parts are backordered, it creates an immense amount of stress and uncertainty.
Ron mentioned a “national back order,” which points to a larger supply chain issue that has plagued the automotive industry for years. For a customer who relies on their truck for daily life, the prospect of an indefinite wait for a fix is a deal-breaker.
This situation pushes many owners to the same conclusion as Ron: the peace of mind offered by a factory warranty is irrelevant if the vehicle spends more time in the service bay than on the road.
Ron’s comments about his “past two Chevys” and the anticipation of “swapping lifters, fuel injectors, and tranny’s before 20k miles” highlight a widespread concern. The search query “addressing common 2024 Chevy Silverado 5.3L engine and transmission problems” reveals that Ron’s experience is not isolated.
The 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8, while a workhorse for many, has faced scrutiny over issues with the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system and its impact on lifter longevity. Paired with GM’s 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions, which have had their own well-documented history of “funky” shifting and other performance quirks, it’s clear why Ron might be losing confidence in the powertrain.
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The root cause is often a complex interplay of hardware, software calibration, and manufacturing tolerances. Understanding powertrain reliability issues in modern trucks is critical for anyone in the market today, as new technology and stricter emissions standards can introduce unexpected weak points into an otherwise robust-looking system.
Ron’s pivot to a different vehicle type is the most significant part of his story.
His honest self-assessment—that he no longer tows and primarily uses his truck for long road trips—was the catalyst for a wise decision. This leads to the very relevant question of “alternative vehicles for former full-size pickup owners who don’t tow.”
Ron’s choice of a Honda Ridgeline and his consideration of the Nissan Frontier show he was looking for a solution that fit his actual usage, not just the “full-size” identity. This highlights the pros and cons of trading a full-size truck for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. While you sacrifice top-tier towing and payload capacity, you gain a vehicle that is more practical, maneuverable, and economical for daily commuting and pleasure driving.
Ron’s new Honda Ridgeline is a perfect example of this trade-off.
His observation that the Ridgeline “rides nice” and is “the smoothest riding vehicle I’ve ever owned” speaks volumes. Unlike the traditional body-on-frame construction of the Silverado, the Ridgeline is built on a unibody platform with a fully independent rear suspension, the same architecture as the Honda Pilot SUV.
This design, although it limits heavy-duty work capabilities, is inherently better at absorbing road imperfections and providing a car-like ride quality. It’s a key reason why a Honda Ridgeline might be a better choice for long road trips than a Chevy Silverado, as the ride comfort, reduced cabin noise, and superior fuel economy (29 mpg on the highway for Ron) make long hauls far less fatiguing.
This is a crucial distinction that a true truck enthusiast might overlook in favor of raw power and capability.
Finally, Ron’s emotional and financial decision to sell was a calculated move. For many, losing trust in a brand is a significant factor in a purchasing decision. His willingness to trade in a nearly new truck at a loss to regain his peace of mind is an important lesson.
The fact that the dealer gave him $51,500 for his Silverado and he was able to buy the Ridgeline outright is a testament to the strength of the used truck market and his quick action. His proactive approach is a great example of how to navigate the new vehicle market after losing trust in a brand.
Instead of enduring a stressful, drawn-out repair process with an uncertain outcome, he took control of the situation, reassessed his needs, and found a vehicle that provided the reliability and comfort he sought.
Conclusion:
Ron’s story is a testament to the fact that vehicle ownership is about more than just what the spec sheet says. It’s about how the vehicle fits into your life, the trust you have in its engineering, and the peace of mind it provides. His experience serves as a wake-up call for every truck owner to consider whether they genuinely need a full-size pickup or if a different solution might offer a better, more reliable daily driving experience.
It’s Your Turn
So, here’s my question to you, the readers: If you were in Ron’s shoes, would you have waited for the dealer to fix the transmission, or would you have made the same choice and jumped ship to a different brand or vehicle class? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Chevrolet Silverado story: I’m Done With My Chevy Silverado RST Rocky Ridge, 15K In, and I’m Putting In My 3rd Motor, I Just Picked Up This Bad Boy, a 2024 GMC Denali 3500 Ultimate
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
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Source: torquenews.com
