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We agree that it’s hard to resist the Chevrolet Silverado Duramax diesel. It’s a big truck with plenty of power and a smooth operation. However, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. See what’s frustrating after owning the 2023 Chevy Silverado Durmax for six months.  

How much power does the 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax have? 

he 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax off-roading in a rocky river bed
2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax | Chevrolet

The 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine that cranks out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Also, it can tow up to 13,300 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,890 lbs. 

Plus, the Duramax diesel engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. With off-roading, running errands, and traveling on the interstate for a week, we averaged about 22 mpg. 

But while this truck is robust, smooth, and cable, the folks at Pickup Truck Talk have been living with it for six months and found a few things that you need to know about.

1. The Silverado 1500 Duramax loves oil 

The 2023 Chevy Silverado Durmax diesel loves guzzling oil, but this is normal. Expect to add two quarts before reaching 5,000 miles. General Motors shared that it’s normal for the truck to need a quart of oil every 2,000 miles. 

You may need a little more oil if you tow regularly or drive at higher speeds. This requires you to check your oil levels more often and plan ahead for road trips. When our press truck was delivered, the driver mentioned that he topped the oil off a few times. 

This is only a slightly expensive and minor inconvenience to consider. It could be worth stalking up on the specific type of oil you need. Finding 15W-40 viscosity-grade engine oil might not be easy at some local stores. 

2. The 2023 Silverado has a few electrical mysteries 

The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 doesn’t exactly have electrical issues, but weird things have been happening. For example, Pickup Truck Talk mentions odd problems with the infotainment system and still doesn’t have a wireless phone charging pad due to part shortages. 

Sometimes the trailer lights don’t work. The truck did something weird with flickering lights or outages, even with three different trailers. Sometimes the automatic high beams are a little slow, and the front passenger parking sensor goes on the fritz. 

It suddenly beeps really loudly and goes nuts for no apparent reason. Wiping the sensors down to clean it hasn’t solved any issues.

3. The Silverado could be more comfortable 

2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 interior from the side
2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 interior | Chevrolet

The 2023 Chevy Silverado Durmax has made a lot of improvements in recent history, but more work could be done. Pickup Truck Talk doesn’t into much detail but mentions that while the seats are more comfortable than other General Motors options, they could still use some work.

On that note, the Ram 1500 is still the leader in comfort. Also, these drawbacks don’t seem to be too frustrating. After six months, the Silverado Durmax is guzzling oil as normal, could be more comfortable, and has exhibited a few electrical issues. 

It’s a smooth, comfortable truck with tons of power and a great fuel economy. We can’t wait to see how it holds up after a year of regular use, road trips, and towing.

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