Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2nd generation (2007–2014)
Generation-specific owner insights from 125+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
8,989
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2007–2014
31
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2007-2014 Silverado 1500 generally regard it as a solid, easy-to-service truck with a well-regarded 5.3L V8, though sentiment is tempered by recurring electrical gremlins, transmission concerns at higher mileage, and the need for diligent maintenance.
14 problems reported (4 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentElectrical issues including alternator underoutput
Ground wire problems, and battery cable corrosion.
- RecurrentService theft deterrent system warnings with no-start conditions
Often linked to water intrusion in connectors.
- RecurrentTransmission failures requiring replacement, sometimes around 100k miles
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentAFM lifter issues causing ticking and potential engine damage
- IsolatedFront wheel bearing and hub assembly wear
- IsolatedA/C condenser failure around 100k-120k miles
- IsolatedBrake caliper failure around 150k miles
- IsolatedLifter failure triggering service stabilitrak light
- IsolatedOil pressure loss on high-mileage 6.0L engines
- IsolatedFront suspension wear (ball joints, wheel bearings) at high mileage
- IsolatedPlastic interior components breaking (mirrors, door handles, interior pieces)
- IsolatedP0305 misfire requiring plugs, wires, and compression testing
- IsolatedRear leaf spring noise
- IsolatedDriveline vibration
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the 5.3L V8 as "pretty bulletproof" and the 6.0L as a solid, long-lived engine loved by fleet managers, while the 4.8L is also called a great motor. The V6 is noted as avoiding AFM/DFM problems that can become a money pit on V8 trucks.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Camaro.
Is a 2007–2014 Silverado 1500 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2007-2014 Silverado 1500 generally regard it as a solid, easy-to-service truck with a well-regarded 5.3L V8, though sentiment is tempered by recurring electrical gremlins, transmission concerns at higher mileage, and the need for diligent maintenance. Praise centers on reliability when cared for, straightforward repairs, and everyday usefulness, while criticism focuses on electrical faults, lifter and AFM-related worries, and the risk of buying a poorly maintained high-mileage example. Owners note that condition and maintenance history matter far more than age or mileage, and several describe these trucks as capable of reaching 200k miles or more if serviced properly.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently cross-shop this generation against the Toyota Tundra, which many describe as holding value extremely well and being a "million mile" truck, though thirsty on fuel. The Ford F-150 with the 5.0 is seen as more modern with higher towing ratings, while the Silverado is positioned as easier to work on and more reliable for long-term use by some owners. The Nissan Titan is suggested as a reliable alternative with a bigger V8 and lower miles for the money. Against the Ram 1500, owners favor the Silverado, citing Ram's lifter issues from cylinder shutoff and weak front-end suspension parts. Some owners position the Silverado as more useful and flexible than a Camaro for practical needs, and more fun and serviceable than a Camry.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the V8 over the V6 for this generation, with the 5.3L described as solid and the 6.0L praised for longevity and minimal upkeep. For towing, owners suggest the 6.0L or 6.2L over the 5.3L, and note the 5.3L with a 3.08 axle ratio will feel slow when towing. A 2011 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L is specifically mentioned as a good example. Owners also advise getting a V8 model and, for those considering the later part of this generation, note the 2014-2015 Ram as a reliability alternative.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need a work truck, tow vehicle, or everyday hauler and who are willing to keep up with maintenance. Owners strongly advise checking maintenance history, as these trucks are described as picky about oil changes, with one owner recommending avoiding a truck if oil was not changed every 4-5k miles. Buyers should inspect for rust, check the oil pressure gauge (normal is roughly 40-60psi; around 20 at hot idle is a warning sign), listen for ticking on cold start related to AFM lifters, and test drive at highway speeds. Owners warn that 200k miles is when major issues can begin, and that rebuilt transmissions using junkyard parts should be treated with suspicion. A well-maintained example can go another 140k miles or more.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly emphasize that maintenance history and condition outweigh age and mileage when evaluating this generation. The 5.3L V8 is the most frequently praised engine, while the 6.0L is noted for fleet-favored longevity. Several owners mention that the V6 avoids the AFM/DFM issues that can plague V8 trucks. Towing capability varies significantly by configuration, and owners recommend verifying axle ratio and towing package before buying for heavy towing. Analysis based on approximately 125 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1,560 | 6 | steering |
| 2013 | 719 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2012 | 562 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2011 | 1,276 | 4 | air bags |
| 2010 | 1,700 | 3 | air bags |
| 2009 | 1,040 | 3 | air bags |
| 2008 | 1,076 | 5 | air bags |
| 2007 | 1,056 | 6 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2014 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 19V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
2014 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ringcampaign 19V761000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
2014 · air bags:frontalcampaign 16V651000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
2014 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 17V414000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist, especially during low-speed turning maneuvers.
2014 · air bags:frontalcampaign 17V437000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
2014 · seat belts:frontcampaign 21V245000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V053000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V054000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V054000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V051000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2011 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V054000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2011 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 21V050000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
8 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.