Avoid: 2003, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2012 · Best recent: 2018
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 28 model years, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 31,112 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 233 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. 1999 drew the most complaints (2,323), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (384).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $19,567–$37,495.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 110 |
| 2025 | 104 |
| 2024 | 312 |
| 2023 | 384 |
| 2022 | 1,280 |
| 2021 | 839 |
| 2020 | 738 |
| 2019 | 1,089 |
| 2018 | 519 |
| 2017 | 838 |
| 2016 | 800 |
| 2015 | 1,191 |
| 2014 | 1,560 |
| 2013 | 719 |
| 2012 | 562 |
| 2011 | 1,276 |
| 2010 | 1,700 |
| 2009 | 1,040 |
| 2008 | 1,076 |
| 2007 | 1,056 |
| 2006 | 776 |
| 2005 | 1,185 |
| 2004 | 1,848 |
| 2003 | 2,119 |
| 2002 | 1,656 |
| 2001 | 1,841 |
| 2000 | 2,171 |
| 1999 | 2,323 |
Highest: 1999 (2,323 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (384).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Very frequent reports of failures in the 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions, including shuddering ("Chevy Shudder"), hard shifts, slipping, and complete failure. Issues often manifest at low mileage.
Catastrophic failures due to defective connecting rods, crankshafts, or engine bearings in 2021-2024 models, leading to a massive manufacturer recall and stop-sale. Engines may require full replacement.
Lifter collapse and failure, leading to expensive engine repairs. A primary reason owners recommend deleting the system.
Recurrent reports of dealerships dismissing customer concerns, refusing warranty-covered repairs, and providing inadequate diagnostic efforts for known issues like transmission problems.
Particularly on older generations (e.g., 2005 model mentioned), with corrosion on rocker panels, doors, bed, and frame.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Silverado 1500. Individual model years are broken down above.
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