Chevy SS Problems: 4 Most-Common Issues (Explained)

The Chevy SS is commonly known as the ‘Super Sport.’ 

The Chevy was introduced back in 2003 but it was not approved for production until later in 2004, when it was approved and brought to the market. With the automatic transmission and its performance-oriented 3.27 drive ratio, the Chevy SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which makes it the quickest sedan on the market.

It was confirmed that the Chevy SS would end production in 2017. It was a piece of shocking news.

It is still a shame as it was a race-wheel drive with a v8 engine and the option for the six-speed manual transmission.

We are going to discuss some of the common issues that led to the stop of the manufacturing of the Chevy SS.

1) Seatbelt and Airbags

While driving and you see your airbag light illuminating on the dashboard, then you need to be alarmed about the overall working performance of the system. The Chevy SS drivers have made some reports to the NHTSA that the seatbelt and the airbag have failed to deploy during incidences of shock.

This problem was experienced in the 2014 Chevy SS. It is also reported to be its biggest problem. Although the vehicle is reported in the Takata airbag recall, there are no replacement parts available for the vehicle and this is a very frustrating experience for the Chevy SS 2014 owners.

The other models seem to be working just fine as this problem is reported to occur in the 2014 Chevy SS.

Once you take it to the mechanic, your vehicle will be good to go.

Despite these problems, the Chevy SS lasts quite long and you should find out just how long a Chevy SS would last.

2) Problems with the Engine

When you are driving and you notice that the engine light is on, don’t ignore it as your Chevy SS vehicle might be experiencing some issue that needs to be fixed.

There are some reported cases in 2018 SS that the issue was a result of fault on the brakes, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.

One of the owners reported that it was hard for them to press on the brakes, leading to panic. It was rarely frightening as it would lead to an accident, notwithstanding the SS was heavy itself.

This problem is reported to be experienced in the 2018 model and the other models have been reported to function correctly.

If you notice the engine light is on then please try and check it or take it to your mechanic for a further checkup to avoid any accidents.

READ ALSO: Best and worst years for the Chevrolet SS.

3) Failure in The Brakes System

It has been discovered that only very few models are said to have encountered difficulties with the brakes.

This should not be that alarming, because the issue affects partially the brake pistons because of the hydrogen gas produced. The brake system is a vital part of any vehicle and it should be the last functional unit when all the vehicle units start to fall apart.

The Chevy SS owners encountered a failure in the braking units either when climbing a hill or downhill after constant efforts to hold down the brakes.

On further investigation, it was found that this issue affected some 2016 and 2017 models in part.

The Chevrolet company found that hydrogen gas was being released into the brake piston during the action, leading to its trapping. This causes a spongy effect during braking, which only affects braking on the rear tires.

Braking continues to function on the front tires, only that not at its full capacity.

To find out if your car is affected, visit the manufacturer’s website and look for a section that deals with recalls.

Fixing the problem requires bleeding the rear brakes to remove traces of trapped gas.

4) The Transmission Unit Issue

Just like in any other conventional vehicle, it is not strange to encounter cases of errors in transmission performance in some models of Chevy SS.

The transmission unit is very important in sending power from the engine to the tires, to enable the driver to be comfortable while driving.

Even the smallest transmission problems on the Chevy SS should be addressed right away, to avoid any fates and prevent them from occurring. Some of the issues caused by the transmission include shifting delays, jumping during acceleration, and some noises.

Sometimes you may hear the car clunking while in transit.

This noise can be a normal sound, according to Chevrolet.

It is recommended to replace transmission fluids in the Chevy SS 2016 model at certain periods as instructed.

General Pros and Con for Chevy SS

Off-Road Adaptability

The engine lineup for the Chevy SS is known for its versatility.

The ride height of the SS can be lowered and raised manually or automatically thanks to the adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers.

While this may not appear to be much on paper, it is essential for the vehicle’s aerodynamics, passenger accessibility, and ground clearance.

Stable and Predictable

The higher the vehicle’s ground clearance, the less stable it is likely to become.

The Chevy SS is proud of its ability to maintain its stability even at high speeds. When changing lanes in the highway, the steering helps maintain consistent weight cantering.

This vehicle’s air suspension works well with magnetic dampers to deliver a smooth ride, no matter how many potholes it encounters along the journey.

The Chevy SS is a dream car for passengers as it offers the most pleasant highway ride of any body-on-frame sedan in its class.

3 Impressive Towing Abilities

Gone are the days when you needed a big truck to haul your camper or boat. The 2021 Chevy SS is tougher.

Depending on the selected level, the sedan can tow up to 7000 pounds with ease.

Equipped with the same towing technology as the other Chevrolet, the Chevy SS seeks to maintain safety and awareness of the surroundings when it is fully loaded down.

Exterior Styling

If you like to stand out from the crowd, then this is your car. The images don’t really do any justice to cars compared to when you see it with your naked eyes.

When you get close, it has a simmering menace and it’s like you are seeing a linebacker in a 3-piece suit.

In order for you to see the real beauty, you have to take a look closely because there is more beneath the surface.

Con

Gets Expensive with Many Options

This is yet another criticism that really applies to a full-size sedan, not just the Chevy SS. It may simply be outside the budget for some consumers.

It gets especially pricey when you add in a ton of options.

It rarely fairs well in the cost category against its direct competition in this class though. If you do not need this much towing or cargo space, a small sedan can be found at a lower price.

Uninspiring Design and Finishes

The Chevy SS has good materials inside and strong construction, but it lacks the finishing touches that make the vehicle stand out.

Muted tones and unattractive features in the cabin lessen it from its true character.

Even in the high-country trim level, the sedan cabin leaves a lot to be desired given the price point.

Audio and Media System

The controls are easy to navigate.

However, if you need the latest and the greatest from the unit, this is not the car for you, plus the interface can be slow.

What Do The Reviews Say

The End of a Performance Era.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2017-chevrolet-ss-first-test-review/

The Chevy SS equipped with a manual transmission was the best sport sedan on sale in the United States. Its driving experience is so good. If you can’t find a better driving sedan, buy the Chevy SS. It’s a rear-wheel-drive and manual transmission, turbocharged.

If You Wish for a Four-Door Camaro, Go For The 2017 Chevy SS.

https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/ss/2017/review/

The 2017 Chevy SS is a large, five-passenger sedan for enthusiasts whose families can’t fit in a two-seat sports coupe. With its large dimensions and lots of standard features, the Chevy SS accommodates and takes care of more than just the driver.

What’s the Resale Value on the Chevy SS?

The Chevy SS is a big sedan and boasts Corvette power.

It’s a pretty rare sight to find around. This is a mixed fortune for a used car buyer. With its limited supply, it keeps depreciation at bay.

A used Chevy SS that is well maintained will fetch an incredible $30,000 to as high an amount as $50,000, depending on the miles, year of manufacturing, etc.

This makes Chevy SS a used car hidden gem.

The vehicle’s production stopped as soon as it started, from the years 2014 through 2017.

Chevy resale value is boosted by a number of improvements in design, including updated styling on the interior and exterior, an aluminum hood and trunk lid, and net weight-saving components.

The Chevy SS is a handsome, understated car that belies a hidden beast in the engine arena. Just to name some testimony to this are revised cast-aluminum wheels, functional hood vents, and LED running lights.

Used Chevy SS cars are holding their values quite well, thanks to relatively low numbers during their production periods, and coupled with the vehicle’s reputation in performance mechanics.

It is a fairly compact car, and its LS3 engine is renowned for longevity and durability.

Therefore, it is not a bad idea to choose one with a higher miles record.

Final Thoughts

The redesigned 2017 Chevy SS does many things right. It’s exceedingly capable, whether that means shuttling an entire youth soccer team to practice, hauling a new washer or dryer home from the big box store, or towing a boat to the lake.

It’s generally comfortable to drive and jam-packed with intuitive technological features and advanced driver assistance amenities.

The interior is nicely trimmed as well.

The sedan has massive interior seating for up to 7 people and more cargo room than the other sedans on the market.

The sedan can’t overcome the law of physics. However, it is still a chore to maneuver in tight areas. Overall, this large sedan impresses.

The 2017 Chevy SS is a great pick if you are shopping for a large sedan. It is big in just about every way. The SS engines have what it takes to pull a trailer and hustle the sedan around with confidence.

It even offers a sizeable 10 inches of ground clearance- perfect for off-road tours.

Go back to see problems for all Chevrolet models.

Sources

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.