Why is my Chevy Silverado 2.7 turbo leaking oil?

Short answer: Oil leaks at low miles are a common 2.7T Silverado complaint. Owners and a dealer tech point to the oil cooler housing, oil pan and sometimes head gaskets. Get it fixed under warranty. 2020–2021 trucks also have a water pump bulletin.

Symptom: Oil spots on the driveway, an oily engine underside, a burning-oil smell, or (on 2020–2021 trucks) overheating or reduced power warnings.

What to check first

1. Look under the engine for wet oil, and note where it is (front, oil pan, sides).
2. Check the oil level more often until it's fixed.
3. Ask the dealer to find the exact leak source under warranty.
4. On 2020–2021 trucks with overheating or reduced power, ask about GM's water pump bulletin.

Likely causes

1. Oil cooler housing or oil pan leak. Owners and techs report oil leaks at low miles on the 2.7T, often from the oil cooler housing or oil pan area.
2. Head gasket seepage. A dealer tech said he'd seen head gasket leaks on some 2.7T trucks.
3. Electric water pump failure (2020–2021). GM issued a bulletin for 2020–2021 2.7L trucks whose electric water pump circuit board can fail. That can cause overheating, reduced power and warnings.

What it usually costs

These trucks are usually under powertrain warranty at low miles. Out of warranty, seal or gasket jobs vary a lot depending on where the leak is.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A small seep is okay for a while if you keep the oil full. A big leak, oil on the exhaust or overheating means stop and get it fixed.

DIY or shop?

Spotting the leak is DIY. Gasket and water pump repairs are best left to the dealer under warranty.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Chevrolet Silverado: 24V797000 (2020-2022 model years, power train:automatic transmission:control module:software); 25V274000 (2021-2024 model years, engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 714 keyword-matched complaints for Chevrolet Silverado 2019–2024 (of 4096 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-07; keywords: oil leak, leak, oil, coolant, water pump). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2022 Silverado 2.7L turbo oil leak below 16,000 miles. Anyone else experiencing this problem? on Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, a 2022 Silverado 2.7T owner had an oil leak before 16,000 miles and asked if others had the same.
• In Hello all I work a chevy dealer and lately there's been lots of 2.7t silverados with oil leaks on Reddit r/MechanicAdvice, a Chevy dealer tech said he'd been seeing lots of 2.7T Silverados come in with oil leaks.
• In 2022 1500 2.7L Turbo Oil Leak on Reddit r/Silverado, another 2022 1500 2.7T owner posted about an oil leak.

Quick tip

Take a photo of the leak each time you see it. Dealers sometimes say it's 'just seepage.' Pictures help.

Vehicle focus: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–2024) with the 2.7L turbo four (L3B). The GMC Sierra 1500 shares this engine.

Safety / mechanic note

Oil dripping on hot exhaust can start a fire. Verify with a mechanic.