2013 vs. 2014-15 SS LS3 Reliability/ Issues

[CHRISCAM]

Hi guys,

I'm getting into the Home Stretch for finally getting the Gen 5 LS3 I've been dreaming about since they came out in the Spring of 2009.

I've narrowed my field to 2013-2015 years in particular, but I wanted to see if those of you with LS3 models in those years could provide some candid comments on any issues (drivetrain, electrical, fit/finish, etc.) that you have encountered and maybe include how many total miles you currently have on your car.

I've seen anecdotal evidence that the 2013 and earlier models tend to have fewer issues in general. However, I'd ideally like to get a 2014-15 Certified model so that I can have some warranty coverage for at least half of the loan repayment term. I'm also frankly partial to the 2013 and earlier rear styling. I don't mind the RS LED tail lights on the 2014-15, but the std. version is definitely lower on my taste preference list.

One additional request-- any of you who have 2014-15 LS3 models that happen to still have their original window sticker, could you please check it to see what it shows the Engine Origin country to be?

Thanks in advance for any help here guys!

[pnwdan]

I cant speak for long time reliability because I havent had my 14 since new but typically within a specific generation of a car body, the later years tend to be more reliable because the issues are ironed out as the production years stack up so taking this into account I'd say the 14-15 will be the most reliable.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[BLK141SS]

Only 12k on my garage queen, no issues.




For those that know, does the date and time above the serial number indicate when the car was manufactured?

[SecondZ28]

The LS3/TR6060 combo debuted in 2008. You're not going to find issues between 2013 and 2014-15.

Most window stickers say United States, some say Mexico. It seems to vary between Camaro & Corvette

Some wet-sump LS3's were built at the GM's St. Catharines Propulsion Plant in Ontario. I believe all the blocks were cast in Mexico. It's a little bit of everybody.

[NC_SS]

I didn't have the window sticker on mine but my block had "made in USA" stamped on it so I figure it was built in the New York plant

Never once had any engine problems

[christianchevell]

14-15 are bastard stepchild's in the terms of ugly red heads your much better off with the 13 IMO and anyone who matters....ROFL And the reliability goes way down when they are forced drive around socializing seeing other better looking examples of themselves on the road they want to commit suicide by driving off road into medians and oncoming traffic...….

LOL what you expect something other than prejudiced views....LOL ????????


Does not matter on my second gen 5, belong to true delta for years; You will never use the warranty anyway......IMO and stuck in SO CAL I would want a zl1....

[redcoats1976]

naw,get the 2014-15,the 2013 grille is ugly.mine is an RS,but no issues in 37,000 miles other than new tires.

[CamaroDreams76]

LS3 oil pump failures here and there.

[CHRISCAM]

Thanks for the comments so far, guys.

Maybe I'll re-phrase my question, or at least narrow down what I'm looking for here--

Who has a 2013 LS3 with say, 50K+ miles (or, been driving a lot as a DD) and who else has 2014-2015 with high-ish miles?


If any out there that fit these criteria, have you had any specific problems with your 2013 or 2014-15 that you can relate?


I'm still curious about the build location of the engines on the 2014-15 cars possibly having a bearing on the reliability of the engines.

Thanks again for your input!

I have a 2014 SS LS3 with almost 90k on the clock. Been the perfect car outside of brake issues. E-brake and ABS control module. Winters in SW Co been solid. No rust that I can find when ever I can get her up on a rack. Tire usage is high, lol but the smile is worth it.

Good luck

[427K]

OP, I have a 15 LS3 1 LE with 22k miles, which I used as a DD at least since day one. I know it not a high miles, but up to this point its has been reliable. For looks, I preferably don't care which year of 5th gen it is, because they all look awesome. I am just glad to have one.

[CamaroDreams76]

2013 SS 1LE w/55k was a DD for over 4 years, now is more of a toy.

Had a TPS go bad on a ported throttle body...... switchd it out with the OE TPS and still works perfectly today.

Had the OE battery die yesterday after nearly 5.5 years.

Tag light housing clip broke (theres a TSB for that) fixed under warranty.

HUD intermittently fades out (I'm talking once every 3--6 months probably for a few minutes and then it's good for another few months)..... not exactly an issue

Had "service power steering" come up where I had no power steering. 13+ have electirc assisted power steering. This happened 3 times. I let the car sit for 5-10 minutes and it went away. It's never gone out while driving.

No REAL issues with my car so far.

[marklsx]

I bought my 2014 1SS in Dec 2016 with 60k miles. Now at ~110k. I did heads & cam last year this time. So far so good (knock on wood).

[Royal Tiger]

Get a 2013 and change the grill. Heritage grill is what the car should have come with.