We've gotten used to hearing about certain makes and models that are losing features or cannot achieve final assembly because of the semiconductor chip shortage. Automakers like General Motors have been forced to prioritize vehicles according to popularity and profitability. These aren't easy decisions. And now it's come to our attention that a certain Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine is now in short supply for unknown reasons. The chip crisis may have nothing to do with it, GM Authority says.

The affected engine is the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's normally available on five trim levels. It's now only being offered with just two, Custom and LT 2FL. The Work Truck, LT, and RST trims equipped with the engine will be unavailable for an unknown period of time.

One possible reason for this inconvenience is that GM is favoring more popular trim configurations in order to improve overall production. But the good news is this appears to be a temporary thing as the turbo-four will continue to play a big role in the Silverado's future. Internally codenamed L3B, this engine is set to become standard for the 2022 model year Limited trim that's currently scheduled to begin production in September.

The L3B will obviously stick around for the Silverado's long-delayed mid-life refresh, now scheduled to debut later in 2022. The Silverado 1500 lineup plays a critical role in GM's yearly US sales, though it still lags behind the best-selling Ford F-150.

In some instances, it fell to third place behind the Ram 1500, a situation GM finds unacceptable. That's why the refresh is such a big deal and its delayed rollout has been far from ideal. Aside from updated exterior styling, a completely new and significantly upgraded interior is in store. The current truck's interior is perhaps its weakest element when compared to what the Ford and Ram offer.

Once the chip crisis is sorted out hopefully sometime next year, issues like the Silverado's turbo-four trim limitations will end as well. We still get the feeling this trim shuffling is a chip shortage side effect.