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Vehicle Stats/Chevrolet/Silverado Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Chevrolet Silverado options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

5,105
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
100
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
117
Crash-Related
crash complaints
59
Fire-Related
fire complaints
104
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2017–2026

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Found a Chevrolet Silverado? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 owner complaints and 100 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE.

Chevrolet Silverado — key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Silverado
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
5,105
Safety recall campaigns
100
Crash-related complaints
117
Fire-related complaints
59
Top reported issue area
ENGINE
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 5, 2026
This Silverado has 100 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The CHEVROLET SILVERADO has 5,105 NHTSA complaints and 100 recalls on record. 117 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 5,105 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 100 federal recall campaigns
  • 117 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

100 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING:SWITCH/SENSOR/FLOAT

#25V390000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING:SWITCH/SENSOR/FLOATDecember 6, 2025
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

#24V320000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGSeptember 5, 2024
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

#24V087000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERAugust 2, 2024
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

#24V060000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCHJanuary 2, 2024
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

#24V060000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCHJanuary 2, 2024
Safety recall

STEERING

#23V549000STEERINGMarch 8, 2023
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

#20V142000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCHDecember 3, 2020
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

#20V324000STRUCTURE:BODY:HOODApril 6, 2020
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

#24V894000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

#23V786000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE

#25V015000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
Safety recall

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

#26V530000TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Safety recall

TRAILER HITCHES

#24V626000TRAILER HITCHES
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

#25V274000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Safety recall

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

#21V578000TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS

#20V792000SEAT BELTS
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

#20V446000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

#19V814000SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

#20V650000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V797000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 5,105 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ENGINE1,698 complaints
02
POWER TRAIN1,453 complaints
03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982 complaints
04
SERVICE BRAKES691 complaints
05
UNKNOWN OR OTHER542 complaints
06
STEERING273 complaints
07
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM225 complaints
08
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING206 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

5,105 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEJun 2026

My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform a forced regeneration to restore normal operation. The most serious event occurred while towing an approximately 15,000-pound loaded dump trailer on a public county road. While climbing a hill, the truck entered reduced-power/limp mode associated with the emissions/DPF system. Power was reduced so severely that the truck could no longer continue uphill and came to a stop in the travel lane. This created a safety hazard because the road was narrow and winding, with no safe place to pull off. I had to back the truck and loaded trailer several hundred yards downhill while traffic was present behind me. Before the event, the truck displayed “Continue Driving, Cleaning Exhaust Filter.” The warning did not state that severe power reduction or loss of towing capability was imminent. I did continue operating the vehicle, but the truck was being used for normal commercial towing/work operations where immediate highway-speed driving was not practical. The issue has been confirmed by Chevrolet dealers through DTC P2463 on multiple visits. The only correction performed has been forced regeneration. I was advised that no failed component was identified and no permanent repair has been performed. The vehicle is available for inspection, and repair records are available. My concern is that the emissions-related derate strategy can cause sudden and severe loss of motive power while towing on public roads, leaving the vehicle unable to maintain forward movement or safely clear the travel lane. This has occurred repeatedly during normal work use, not as a one-time event, and the warning provided did not give a clear indication that the truck could soon become unable to tow or maintain forward movement.

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2026

I purchased a brand-new Chevrolet dually truck from Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland in Miami, Florida. Since delivery, the vehicle has had serious unresolved defects and safety concerns. The truck has ongoing alignment issues that the dealership has been unable or unwilling to properly repair. The vehicle does not drive correctly and there are concerns regarding safe operation while hauling. In addition, a major issue has now developed involving the rear passenger door. The rear door does not properly close and latch securely. This creates a serious safety concern because the door may open unexpectedly while driving. I brought these issues to the dealership under warranty, but the problems remain unresolved. I was also informed that the dealership could not properly perform the alignment on the dually truck. This vehicle was sold new and should not have these defects. I am filing this complaint due to concerns about vehicle safety, defective components, and inability to obtain proper warranty repairs.

ENGINESep 2026

My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado experienced catastrophic engine failure at approximately 12,000 miles. The vehicle was out of service from June 19, 2026 through August 27, 2026 while the engine was replaced. This is our family vehicle and is regularly used to transport my two young children. I remain concerned about the safety and adequacy of the remedy following such an early catastrophic engine failure. I requested that GM repurchase the vehicle or provide trade assistance so that I could move my family into another vehicle; both requests were denied. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the failure and my concerns regarding the remedy provided.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINESep 2026

I am submitting this formal statement regarding a severe, recurring safety hazard involving sudden engine stalling and internal mechanical noise on my 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden engine stalls during low-speed deceleration, specifically while letting off the accelerator pedal to execute low-speed turns into parking lots. When the stall occurs, the engine dies completely, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of power steering and power braking assistance mid-turn. Because the vehicle shuts off completely while still in motion, I am forced to bring the truck to a dead stop, shift the transmission out of Drive and into Park, and completely cycle the ignition system to restart the engine.There is a distinct, audible mechanical ticking sound coming from the engine compartment during operation. Crucially, the vehicle has never illuminated a Check Engine Light, displayed a dashboard warning message, or given any advance electronic indication prior to or during these sudden stalling events.This vehicle's build window falls directly into the scope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) active Engineering Analysis (EA26005) investigating catastrophic valvetrain and engine failures on GM 6.2L L87 engines. Because this defect causes an unexpected loss of vehicle control with zero diagnostic warnings, it poses an immediate highway safety risk to myself and others.I request a full diagnostic scan for hidden or pending fault codes, a physical inspection of the valvetrain/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, and an inspection of the engine oil filter for metallic debris indicative of internal bearing degradation.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINESep 2026

I am submitting this formal statement regarding a severe, recurring safety hazard involving sudden engine stalling and internal mechanical noise on my 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.The vehicle has experienced multiple sudden engine stalls during low-speed deceleration, specifically while letting off the accelerator pedal to execute low-speed turns into parking lots. When the stall occurs, the engine dies completely, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of power steering and power braking assistance mid-turn. Because the vehicle shuts off completely while still in motion, I am forced to bring the truck to a dead stop, shift the transmission out of Drive and into Park, and completely cycle the ignition system to restart the engine.There is a distinct, audible mechanical ticking sound coming from the engine compartment during operation. Crucially, the vehicle has never illuminated a Check Engine Light, displayed a dashboard warning message, or given any advance electronic indication prior to or during these sudden stalling events.This vehicle's build window falls directly into the scope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) active Engineering Analysis (EA26005) investigating catastrophic valvetrain and engine failures on GM 6.2L L87 engines. Because this defect causes an unexpected loss of vehicle control with zero diagnostic warnings, it poses an immediate highway safety risk to myself and others.I request a full diagnostic scan for hidden or pending fault codes, a physical inspection of the valvetrain/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, and an inspection of the engine oil filter for metallic debris indicative of internal bearing degradation.

ENGINESep 2026

2026 6.2L engine loud and oil filter is filled with bearing glitter. I know you have recently opened an investigation into 2025 and 2026 GM 6.2L engines also failing. The salesman lied and told me the issues were all fixed. How is a company allowed to lie and put my family at risk with a faulty engine. I am driving and engine that is shedding bearing material for 3 oil changes. This will fail and leave me stranded or create an accident. 1st oil change at 1500, second at 6000, 3rd at 10,500 and oil is full of bearing material. Pics attached

Read 14 more owner reports
ENGINESep 2026

I was driving down a main road going 40-45 mph. I made a left turn into a retail shopping center, went straight for about 100 feet and turned right into the main shopping center street and the truck immediately just shut off. I don’t remember seeing the car go into park, but I do remember it going into more of a neutral state with the engine completely off and the brakes were not locked since the car rolled back a little bit at first. My wife and I were both in awe as to what just happened. Thankfully, we were not on the main road and were able to turn the car back on and it seemed to be fine after that and shifted into drive with no issues. It hasn’t happened since. The car probably had approximately 2000 miles on it at the time.

ENGINESep 2026

In Late December 2025, with only 764 miles on my 2026 Chev truck, we were driving south on [XXX] down the interstate in Utah. The engine lost power, service enging light soon came on, and the truck came to a stop in about a mile. There were 5 of us in the truck. Late night, in a strange town. We had to take a UBER to the motel. The truck was towed to Murdock Chevrolet in Woods Cross, Ut. They gave us a lowner car, and they took the engine out, and sent it to GM. GM took the engine apart, and said verably that a crankshaft bearing went bad, and they sent a new one. Within 30 days, I had my truck back. I asked for paperwork on the repairs, and was told GM would not give me anything. All I got was my truck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEAug 2026

I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] area. It was around 8:30 in the morning and we had been on the road since the 6 o'clock hour. We were towing our our 20' fishing boat at the time. We were in the left most lane, passing a semi tractor trailer. I signaled and moved back in the 3rd lane after the pass. We were now the vehicle in front of the semi. At this moment, the engine locked up. The torque converter which had been locked at highway speed came unlocked. The transmission started aggressively downshifting looking for torque, RPMs racing upwards of 6k. We were now on an uphill, towing, with a seized engine in front of a semi. In the next lane right was a family in a newer lincoln navigator going freeway speeds. Aside from the transmission, the engine was silent, the accelerator did nothing. A message pops on the screen. "Shift into Neutral" is says... a fraction of a second later "Restart Engine" or alike. The start button was unresponsive. We're losing speed, the sem i is right on the back of the boat now, the [XXX] navigator was even in the lane with the semi. This is where split second decision making mattered. I glanced to the right most lane, empty. All I could do to get off the interstate was to yank the wheel to the right and at what felt like a 45 degree angle, rip across the three lanes to the only shoulder available. The navigator was obviously caught off guard, as they had been slowly gaining on/passing the semi at the time. The navigator locked up it's brakes, skidding out of control before regaining it. Now it's still. Engine off. Only the noise of the freeway and the navigator driver, still honking profusely and deservedly. My heart was just pounding. Breathe. You're all alive. Thank God. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2026

Radio screen display, overheating, bubbling at the bottom of the screen trim underneath air conditioner show signs of overheating have been replaced before GMC and Chevrolet is aware of this matter. Initially made no notes to Tri to inform me of this hazard of the overheating of the screen and blacking out of the screen commonly referred to a ghost screen. The trim was replaced under the warranty at 10,000 miles, but Hendrick Chevrolet dealership located in [XXX] phone number [XXX] service Provider was [XXX] not able to drive because I am fear of screen, overheating, and catching on fire INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPERAug 2026

Hood scoop blinds me (and passengers) when sun reflects off it. Who designed this????!!!!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESAug 2026

On XXX, my Chevrolet Silverado experienced a sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after I dropped my child off at school. When I attempted to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle would not stop normally. The brake pedal remained firm, but braking effectiveness was drastically reduced and required extreme force. The dashboard simultaneously displayed multiple warnings involving the brake/ABS system, ESC, steering-column lock, and trailer-brake system. OnStar generated a diagnostic/safety report identifying fault/error code P062F. The vehicle then entered a reduced-speed/limp-mode condition. I was extremely fortunate this occurred within approximately one mile of Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of [XXX] and with little traffic around me. I was able to reach the dealership without a collision. Had this occurred at highway speed, the inability to stop normally could have resulted in a fatal crash. The incident also occurred immediately after school drop-off. Had I used the normal car line instead of parking and walking my child inside, this failure could have occurred among stopped vehicles while children were actively exiting them. I immediately brought the vehicle to Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. Despite the seriousness of the event, I do not believe the cause was adequately investigated. To my knowledge, a computer/software update was performed and I was essentially told to “let them know if it happens again.” They also asked what i was towing - nothing.I questioned whether an electrical fault or short could have caused the multiple simultaneous failures, but I am not aware of that possibility being investigated. Because another occurrence could cause serious injury or death, I refused to continue driving the vehicle and traded it in. I have now learned that the same vehicle is being offered for sale again. I am reporting this to NHTSA because I am concerned the underlying safety defect remains unresolved and could represent an early instance of a broader defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEAug 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, all warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after several seconds, the vehicle was restarted and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

POWER TRAIN,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2026

My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, LT Trail Boss, did not include a printed version of the Owner's Manuals and Guides. I have experienced issues with using automatic Car Washes with the truck lurching while inside the Car wash, the online version of the manual is difficult to use at times when internet access is unavailable. My VIN is not listed in the recall N252532020. Another issue is with the Driver's Seat, the retainer for the leather upholstery keeps popping off under the seat that can cause it to become caught in the seat's mechanics.

SERVICE BRAKESAug 2026

The contact called on behalf of a leased 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 company vehicle. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended or required significant force to come to a complete stop. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted due to company policy, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,413.

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAug 2026

I purchased this vehicle brand new and have experienced a recurring issue when coming to a stop. The forward sensors activate indicating I am too close to an object (even though nothing is in front of the vehicle), and the engine stalls. Everything shuts off except the driver information screen, which displays the prompt "Shift to Neutral and Press Start Again." Following this prompt does nothing; I have to shift into park and press the ignition again to restart the vehicle. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times. After the first two visits yielded no solution, the maintenance team contacted Chevy engineering, and a hard reset was performed. However, today (8/24), a similar issue occurred. While at a complete stop with a full car length between my truck and the vehicle ahead, the sensor warnings activated. The engine did not stall as it had before, but the issue seemed entirely random.

ENGINEAug 2026

On or about XXX the engine in my 2026 Chevrolet Silverado quit running so I had it towed to Daniels Long Chevrolet in [XXX] where I had purchased it new on or about XXX. My truck was bought with the 6.2 L V8 engine, and it had approximately 8,627 miles on it when the engine had quit running on XXX. The first oil change on the truck was performed at approximately 5,000 miles at Daniels Long Chevrolet with the prescribed oil. There was no warning when the engine quit running other than the engine running rough and having a loss of power about two blocks from my house. I then had the truck towed to Daniels Long Chevrolet for repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINEAug 2026

The engine began to make a metallic screeching sound and began to loose power. Stopped on side of road and was towed to dealer. Dealer indicated there was metal in the oil filter. Engine was replaced.

POWER TRAINAug 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the road and the vehicle shut off. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on four separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure or find a fault code associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V289000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 900.

1 InjuryUNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2026

After grocery shopping, I was putting items into the back seat on the floor of the truck. I lifted the seats to allow for more room. I went to push an item to the far side of the truck to allow for more room. During this action, I put my left hand down with my knuckles facing the floor to provide leverage. without realizing where I was putting my hand, I placed the middle segment of my ring finger directly on the edge of the mechanical-jack and put my weight onto it. The jack is not covered and is black (the same color as the carpet). The edge of the jack has sharp burrs. As a result, I was cut across the entire middle segment of my ring finger and slightly on the knuckle of my middle finger.

Showing 20 of 5,105 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Silverado

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Silverado, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 117 of the Chevrolet Silverado's 5,105 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Silverado vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Silverado vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Silverado has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Chevrolet Silverado by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Silverado.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Chevrolet Silverado reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

Poor. The Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 NHTSA owner complaints and 100 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Chevrolet Silverado years to avoid?

Check individual year pages for complaint breakdowns.

What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado problems?

Top reported issues: ENGINE (1,698 complaints); POWER TRAIN (1,453 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (982 complaints).

Does the Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

Yes — 100 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Silverado. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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