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Chevrolet Silverado Problems

The Chevrolet Silverado (general, not specifically 1500) encompasses various full-size truck configurations including 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models. With 21,856 complaints and 66 reported deaths, the Silverado line has had issues that vary by generation and powertrain. Heavy-duty Silverados are workhorses that can deliver exceptional service life with the right choices.

21,856
Total Complaints
31
Total Recalls
35
Model Years
66
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2003 2002 2001
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1980 1982 1984

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 5,114
Power Train 1,636
Electrical System 1,526
Service Brakes 1,416
Visibility 1,346

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2017 312 0 30 8 Good
2016 16 2 2 0 Good
2015 222 7 18 4 Good
2014 390 14 58 0 Average
2013 174 3 28 6 Good
2012 182 2 26 14 Good
2011 198 2 30 8 Good
2010 182 1 4 4 Good
2009 206 0 18 10 Good
2008 442 0 36 12 Average
2007 506 0 22 28 Average
2006 446 0 22 20 Average
2005 722 0 32 16 Average
2004 1,446 0 136 20 Below Average
2003 1,704 0 98 38 Avoid
2002 1,706 0 170 10 Avoid
2001 2,096 0 230 12 Avoid
2000 3,228 0 326 22 Avoid
1999 4,208 0 252 22 Avoid
1998 670 0 38 12 Average
1997 730 0 50 30 Average
1996 460 0 34 6 Average
1995 662 0 40 0 Average
1994 470 0 22 10 Average
1993 154 0 2 0 Good
1992 102 0 2 8 Good
1991 36 0 0 0 Good
1990 74 0 8 0 Good
1989 48 0 2 6 Good
1988 36 0 0 4 Good
1987 4 0 0 0 Good
1985 6 0 0 0 Good
1984 10 0 0 0 Good
1982 4 0 0 0 Good
1980 4 0 2 0 Good

Chevrolet Silverado Years to Avoid

The 1999 Silverado is the worst model year, marking a significant redesign with early production issues including brake problems, transmission shuddering, and electrical gremlins. The 2001-2003 models had injector and fuel system issues on the Duramax diesel that were later resolved. The 2007-2008 models experienced the same oil consumption issues affecting the 5.3L V8 found in the Silverado 1500. The 2011-2016 heavy-duty models had some Allison transmission issues and DEF system problems on diesels. Avoid first-year models of any generation.

Best Chevrolet Silverado Years

The 1982-1998 C/K Silverados with the 5.7L V8 are legendary for durability. The 2004-2007 GMT800 Silverados represent a refined generation. The 2017-2019 heavy-duty Silverados with the L5P Duramax are considered the best diesel combination GM has offered.

Frequently Asked Questions