The Most Reliable Chevy Engine That Just Won’t Die

An engine truly makes or breaks any car – be it a project vehicle in the shed, or a fully-fledged race car built to win races. Chevrolet, one of the biggest American car manufacturers, has built some of the best cars in automotive history, which have ridden on some equally iconic engines. No matter how good an engine’s power output may be, the one thing it needs to get right is its dependability. In that vein, Chevy has plenty of great engines that have showcased great reliability.

As such, Chevy has always been a big presence in the sports car market. The Chevrolet Corvette, which is one of the greatest sports cars of all time, rides on some of the most reliable engines from the brand, proving itself as solid as it is blisteringly fast. It isn’t limited to just the Corvette, either. Chevrolet (GM, if you like) has built cars with absolutely fantastic and bulletproof engines, and here are the 10 most reliable Chevrolet engines ever built.

UPDATE: 2024/04/03 19:17 EST BY MONDAY GOMA

We have updated the content of this list with new entries and included a performance table. We also added reliability data to show how dependable some of the cars with these engines are. In addition, we included an overview of the maintenance costs for these engines, using data from RepairPal and CarEdge to give you an estimate of the expenses associated with maintaining them.

How we made our engine selections
: HotCars carried out extensive research on Chevrolet (GM) engines to find the most reliable ones. We carefully examined all the engines and the cars they power, looking at J.D. Power quality and reliability scores, maintenance costs as provided by CarEdge and RepairPal, and highest mileage recorded using CarSurvey.org and Cars.com.

13 5.3-Liter V8 Vortec LMG Engine

Engine Specs

The 5.3-Liter V8 Vortec LMG Engine Powered Chevy’s Large SUVs For Almost A Decade

Chevy’s Vortec 5.3-liter V8 engines have a well-earned reputation for their reliability. One standout in this lineup is the 5.3-liter V8 Vortec LMF, which has proven its reliability by powering full-size vans and pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. This engine is known for its ability to go the distance, with some of the vehicles equipped with it surpassing 400,000 miles on the original equipment. The 5.3-liter V8 Vortec LMG is equally impressive when it comes to reliability.

Found in GMT900 full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban, the LMG is known for its ruggedness and longevity, which is attributed to its robust components such as cast iron block, cast aluminum cylinder heads, cast nodular iron crankshaft, powder metal connecting rods, and composite intake manifold. The LMG is essentially the same engine as the LMF, save for the fact that it features Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Cylinder Deactivation technology that enhances fuel efficiency and provides more sophisticated fuel management.

Chevrolet 5.3-Liter V8 Vortec LMG Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100 (2013 Chevrolet Tahoe)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $744 (Chevrolet Tahoe)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,302 (Chevrolet Tahoe)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (CarSurvey): 385,000 kilometers (239,227 miles) (2006 Chevrolet Tahoe)

12 2.7-Liter L3B

Engine Specs

The L3B Is One Of The Most Powerful Four-Cylinder Engines In The World

The L3B is one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines ever made. So it’s good news that it is also incredibly reliable. Nestled under the hood of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, it yields itself to some impressive J.D. Power reliability scores, such as 83 out of 100 for the 2021 Silverado. This makes it one of Chevy’s most reliable engines ever, based on J.D. Power ratings. While some noted it does not produce the robust and thunderous exhaust note commonly associated with V8 engines, owners have generally expressed satisfaction with the 2.7L turbo-four’s design, quality, and overall performance.

L3B Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100 (2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $599 (Chevrolet Colorado)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,910 (Chevrolet Colorado)
• Highest Mileage Recorded: N/A

11 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 L83 Engine

Engine Specs

The 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 L83 Was Introduced As A Replacement For The 5.3-liter Vortec V8

The 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 L83 was introduced in the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as a replacement for the 5.3-liter Vortec V8. This engine incorporates advanced technologies, such as a direct fuel injection system that delivers precise fuel, a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down some cylinders during light-load conditions to save fuel and reduce pumping losses, and continuously variable valve timing to ensure optimal performance across various speeds and loads.

Since its release, the engine has gained a reputation for reliability and durability. It even received a J.D. Power reliability score of 84 out of 100 in the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Owners attest that it can easily reach 200,000 miles, and in the event of breakdowns, repairs are affordable. Here’s an overview of its reliability rating and maintenance costs.

Chevrolet 5.3L EcoTec3 L83 Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100 (2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $744 (Chevrolet Tahoe)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,302 (Chevrolet Tahoe)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 251,658 (2014 Chevrolet Silverado)

10 3.6-Liter V6 LGX Engine

Engine Specs

The 3.6-Liter V6 LGX Is One Of The Most Powerful Six-Cylinder Engines

GM’s high-feature engines are packed with advanced technologies and features, and the LGX is no exception. The DOHC V6, which was benchmarked against the Infiniti 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 found in cars like the 2015 Infiniti Q40, features everything from Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology to direct injection and continuously variable valve timing (VVT), as well as robust components and features that help ensure reliability. These include a durable aluminum cylinder block with six-bolt main bearing caps and inter-bay breather vents, a forged steel crankshaft, sturdy high-copper-content and sinter-forged connecting rods, polymer-coated hypereutectic pistons, and oil-spray piston cooling. The result? An engine of such exceptional performance that it was honored as one of the world’s best engines in 2016 by Ward’s Automotive.

Chevy 3.6-Liter V6 LGX Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100 (2020 Chevrolet Blazer)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $431 (Chevy Blazer)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $8,780 (Chevy Blazer)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 109,493 (2017 Chevy Camaro V6)

9 6.2-Liter Supercharged LS9

Engine Specs

The LS9 Engine Was Built By Hand

The Chevy 6.2-liter V8 supercharged LS9 is a hand-built engine that delivers 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque in standard tune. While that’s enough reason to make it hit home with fans, the supercharged V8 also hits the right notes when it comes to reliability, earning a strong J.D. Power score of 86 out of 100 in the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

With the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 motor, the GM Corvette once again became one of the front-runners in performance engineering. Thanks to its lower compression and redline, the LS9 engine has proven itself to be easily capable of keeping it together while generating loads of power from its supercharger.

6.2-Liter V8 Supercharged LS9 Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100 (2009 Corvette ZR1)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $737 (Corvette average)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,714 (Corvette average)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 83,000 (2009 Corvette ZR1)

8 6.2-Liter Supercharged Small Block V8 LT5 Engine

Engine Specs

The C7 Corvette ZR1’s LT5 Engine And The Lotus-Designed LT5 V8 Share The Same Basic Architecture

In 1989, Chevrolet moved away from the small-block mold with the brand-new LT5 engine. The LT5 V8 is in the annals of history for having powered the very first Corvette ZR1. It was British car manufacturer Lotus who helped GM build the LT5 engine, and the result was an exceptionally reliable power unit that allowed Corvette ZR1s of the time to easily cross the 150,000-mile mark and even more when taken good care of.

The LT5 engine in the 2019 Corvette ZR1 shares the same architecture as the original LT5, including the block, head, pistons, and connecting rods. However, the 2019 version adds a supercharger and boasts double the power and a larger displacement compared to the original 5.7-liter LT5. Despite these upgrades, the engine remains highly reliable, as evidenced by its impressive J.D. Power reliability score of 87 out of 100 in the 2019 Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1.

Chevy 6.2-Liter Supercharged Small Block V8 LT5 Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 87/100 (2019 Corvette ZR1)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $737 (Corvette average)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,714 (Corvette average)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 25,231 (2019 Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1)

7 6.2-Liter V8 Small Block LT1 Engine

Engine Specs

The LT1 Features Advanced Technologies And Heavy-Duty Components

Chevy’s second-generation Small Block LT1 engine is one solid motor with plenty of horsepower and torque to boast about. In fact, it also has a large aftermarket presence for performance upgrades. Owners online have reported their LT1 engine-powered Camaros and Corvettes crossing the 150,000-mile mark with ease. This wasn’t Chevy’s first engine with 300 horsepower or more, but it was certainly one of the very first motors that they priced in an affordable bracket.

The fifth-gen LT1 is no different, as it was built with robust components such as a cast aluminum cylinder block with cast nodular main bearing caps, cast aluminum cylinder heads, forged steel crankshaft, forged powder metal connecting rods, a composite intake manifold, and a cast nodular iron exhaust manifold. The result is an engine that’s quite reliable, with a J.D. Power reliability score of 88 out of 100 in the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro.

Chevy 6.2-Liter V8 Small Block LT1 Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 88/100 (2020 Chevrolet Camaro)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $585 (Chevy Camaro)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,015 (Chevy Camaro)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 127,274 (2014 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Stingray)

6 3.6-Liter V6 LFX

Engine Specs

The LFX Features Robust Aluminum Construction

Similar to its successor, the LGX, the LFX is a powerful Chevy V6 engine that showcases the brand’s engineering prowess. It features a sand-cast aluminum engine block, cast aluminum cylinder head, hardened forged steel crankshaft, sinter forged steel connecting rods, and camshafts featuring saddle-type caps for enhanced durability. Not only do these features combine to make for a reliable engine, but they also make the LFX one of Chevrolet’s finest creations. Moreover, the engine is designed to run on both gasoline and E85, which provides flexibility in fuel choice.

Chevy 3.6-liter V6 LFX Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 90/100 (2016 Chevrolet Equinox)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $537 (Chevrolet Equinox)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $8,616 (Chevrolet Equinox)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 244,142 (2012 Chevrolet Impala)

5 2.5-Liter I4 LKW Engine

Engine Specs

The Chevy 2.5-Liter I4 LKW Engine Makes Up To 450 Horsepower

Introduced in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala as part of GM’s four-cylinder ECOTEC engine lineup, the LKW has proven itself to be a reliable and capable powertrain. While its horsepower output ranges between 196 and 197 hp in the Chevy Malibu and Impala, which may seem modest, the engine truly shines in the Saleen 1, where it can reach an impressive 450 hp.

The LKW engine owes its reliability to robust components such as a cast aluminum cylinder block with cast-in iron liners, cast aluminum cylinder head, steel crankshaft, and forged powdered metal connecting rods.

Chevy 2.5-Liter I4 LKW Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 92/100 (2015 Chevrolet Malibu)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $568 (Chevrolet Impala)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $6,524 (Chevrolet Impala)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 224,589 (2014 Chevrolet Impala)

4 265 V8

Engine Specs

The 265 V8 Is A Simple Yet Highly Reliable Engine

Chevrolet introduced the brand-new 265 V8 engine in 1955 and used this motor to power over half of all the new cars they made and sold. This small-block V8 Chevrolet engine genuinely changed the course of automotive history, inspiring V8 engines across the world, even today. Still in use today, the basic design of the 265 small block V8 engine has remained adaptable throughout the years, accommodating multiple technological and mechanical advancements over time.

Chevrolet 265 V8 Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $737 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,714 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Highest Recorded Mileage (Cars.com): 91,450 (1957 Chevrolet Bel Air)

3 LS7 V8

Engine Specs

The LS7 Is The Largest Engine In The LS Family

The LS7 engine is a bit of a legend in the automotive world, thanks to the great achievements of the Corvette Racing C6.R in the American Le Mans Series. Furthermore, the LS7 came from a long line of iconic small-block V8 engines, adding to its reputation.

Chevrolet made the LS7 engine for the Corvette Z06 and the 427 convertible from the sixth generation onwards. This engine even powered the Chevy Camaro Z28 in its fifth generation, making 505 horsepower in the Z06. The C6 generation of the Corvette is one of the most reliable even today, which makes it a great used sports car buy.

LS7 Engine Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100 (2011 Chevrolet Corvette)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $737 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,714 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Highest Mileage Recorded (Cars.com): 69,165 (2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06)

2 L78 396 TurboJet Engine

Engine Specs

The L78 396 TurboJet Is One Of The Greatest V8 Engines To Come Out Of The ’60s

From 1965 to 1970, right before the Malaise Era began showing its effects, Chevrolet’s big-block V8 performance engine for their small muscle cars was none other than the L78 396 TurboJet engine. This engine was never used for professional racing, but the performance parts had racing DNA imbued in them. To this day, old-school muscle enthusiasts look at the 396 c.i. L78 TurboJet as one of the strongest Chevrolet engines of all time. Regardless of its high state of tune, this L78 engine could go on for tens of thousands of miles even when pushed hard, and we don’t disagree when they say they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

L78 396 TurboJet Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $585 (Camaro Corvette)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,015 (Camaro average)
• Highest Recorded Mileage (CarSurvey): 122,000 miles (1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 396)

1 6.2-Liter LT2 V8

Engine Specs

The 6.2-Liter LT2 V8 Is The Highest-Rated Chevrolet Engine By J.D. Power

The 6.2-liter LT2 V8 holds the distinction of being the first rear mid-engine featured in a production Corvette. It is also the highest-rated Chevrolet engine by J.D. Power, making it arguably the most reliable Chevy engine ever made. Moreover, owners have only positive things to say about the LT2-powered C8 Corvette’s reliability on Reddit, with many commenters praising the engine for its durability. In fact, the only concerns raised were related to the transmission.

Chevy 6.2-Liter LT2 V8 Reliability & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 93/100 (2022 Chevrolet Corvette)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (RepairPal): $737 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,714 (Chevrolet Corvette)
• Highest Mileage Recorded: N/A

Sources: Chevrolet, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, GM Authority, Reddit, LS1Tech Forum, Engine Facts, Cars.com, Wards Auto.