Chevrolet Silverado problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 85 owner complaints and 21 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Silverado (2005–2017). The 2017 Silverado has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.

Complaints
85
Recalls
21
Model years
13
Worst year
2017

Complaints by model year

1200512006320079200842009220102201132012320132201415201522016382017
NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Silverado model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Silverado years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — 38 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Brakes
  2. 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — 15 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Steering

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (1 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Silverado model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2017 Silverado384210Brakes
2016 Silverado21022Airbags
2015 Silverado150117Steering
2014 Silverado200013Lighting
2013 Silverado30003Airbags
2012 Silverado31012Airbags
2011 Silverado20002Engine
2010 Silverado20000Visibility & Wipers
2009 Silverado41110Airbags
2008 Silverado93230Airbags
2007 Silverado31110Airbags
2006 Silverado10000Wheels & Tires
2005 Silverado11010Airbags

Most common Chevrolet Silverado problem areas (all years)

  • Airbags
    25 complaints
  • Brakes
    16 complaints
  • Engine
    10 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    9 complaints
  • Steering
    8 complaints
  • Electrical System
    7 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    4 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints

Complaint trend

202020222025
Complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Silverado recalls

  • Recall 16V209000Apr 12, 2016895,232 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V084000Feb 11, 2016139 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 15V830000Dec 10, 201590 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.

  • Recall 13V544000Oct 30, 20151,808 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 15V640000Oct 9, 20153,073 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

  • Recall 14V827000Dec 30, 201484,192 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012

    Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

  • Recall 14V819000Dec 24, 2014152 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V719000Nov 10, 2014679 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V614000Oct 1, 2014106,307 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V446000Jul 23, 2014124,007 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V374000Jun 27, 2014392,459 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V345000Jun 18, 2014184 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V301000Jun 6, 201457,512 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. Additionally, there would be no reminder that the driver's or front seat passenger's seat belt is not buckled, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 14V246000May 14, 2014477 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2014

    Risk: An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V152000Mar 31, 2014489,936 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.

  • Recall 14V007000Jan 13, 2014325,213 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.

  • Recall 13V615000Dec 11, 20139,733 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V488000Oct 17, 201318,972 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the vehicle is struck from behind, the head restraint may not properly protect occupants, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 13V315000Jul 19, 2013843 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: As a result the air bag may not fully inflate, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 13V001000Jan 2, 201354,686 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

  • Recall 11V339000Jun 28, 2011739 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology