Avoid: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023
20 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 23 model years, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD has 9,157 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 142 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 2003 drew the most complaints (2,119), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (15).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD vehicles (US, public record).
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 | 2 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2017 | 139 |
| 2016 | 61 |
| 2015 | 134 |
| 2014 | 134 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2012 | 91 |
| 2011 | 104 |
| 2009 | 86 |
| 2008 | 1,076 |
| 2007 | 1,095 |
| 2006 | 776 |
| 2005 | 1,185 |
| 2004 | 1,848 |
| 2003 | 2,119 |
Highest: 2003 (2,119 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (15).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
Causes the truck to buck, enter limp mode, fail to shift, and become undriveable. Part is on national backorder, leading to repair delays of weeks or months. Primarily affects 2024-2025 models.
Multiple reports of check engine lights, reduced power, limp mode, and error codes (e.g., P060C, P133B, P133D) related to software anomalies. A specific service bulletin (PIP6066A) acknowledges the problem with no immediate fix, eroding owner trust.
Known failure point that can destroy all eight fuel injectors with metal debris. Mitigated by using fuel with higher biodiesel content or aftermarket lubricity additives.
Range from complete battery/charging system failures (2016 model) and dashboard/infotainment blackouts/resets (2015 model) to Bluetooth/Android Auto connectivity dropouts (2025 model). Often difficult to diagnose, pointing to wiring harness or module issues.
Multiple reports across older generations (2001, 2003) of 4WD failing to engage, linked to faulty actuators, encoder motors, or transfer case issues.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Silverado 3500 HD. Individual model years are broken down above.
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