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
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).
- 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — 38 complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Brakes
- 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
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Silverado | 38 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2016 Silverado | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Airbags |
| 2015 Silverado | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | Steering |
| 2014 Silverado | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | Lighting |
| 2013 Silverado | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2012 Silverado | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Airbags |
| 2011 Silverado | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine |
| 2010 Silverado | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2009 Silverado | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Airbags |
| 2008 Silverado | 9 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | Airbags |
| 2007 Silverado | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Airbags |
| 2006 Silverado | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2005 Silverado | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Airbags |
Most common Chevrolet Silverado problem areas (all years)
- Airbags25 complaints
- Brakes16 complaints
- Engine10 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain9 complaints
- Steering8 complaints
- Electrical System7 complaints
- Body & Structure5 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers4 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech3 complaints
- Lighting2 complaints
Complaint trend
Chevrolet Silverado recalls
Risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Risk: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Risk: If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Risk: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Risk: If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the vehicle is struck from behind, the head restraint may not properly protect occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: As a result the air bag may not fully inflate, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
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
- Chevrolet Silverado 15007,823 complaints
- Chevrolet Malibu4,321 complaints
- Chevrolet Equinox3,815 complaints
- Chevrolet Traverse2,943 complaints
- Chevrolet Tahoe2,333 complaints
- Chevrolet Colorado1,808 complaints
- Chevrolet Suburban1,338 complaints
- Chevrolet Volt1,329 complaints
- Chevrolet Cruze1,130 complaints
- Chevrolet Corvette997 complaints
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