Chevrolet Silverado years to avoid (and the best years)

Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?

No Chevrolet Silverado model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Chevrolet Silverado year has 75 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2017 (125) and 2014 (124).

What are the best Chevrolet Silverado years?

The Chevrolet Silverado years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2010 (62), 2013 (64) and 2012 (68). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 137 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

• Engine & powertrain38 (28%)
• Airbags & seat belts29 (21%)
• Steering, suspension & tires19 (14%)
• Other systems18 (13%)
• Structure & body15 (11%)

Recalls (21)

• Seat belts · 16V209000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2014, 2015

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

• Safety · 13V544000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2013, 2014

  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.

• Electrical system · 15V640000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2014, 2015

  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.

• Electrical system · 14V827000 · Dec 2014 · model years 2011, 2012

  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.

• Transmission · 14V819000 · Dec 2014 · model year 2015

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

• Steering · 14V719000 · Nov 2014 · model year 2015

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

• Electrical system · 14V614000 · Oct 2014 · model year 2014

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

• Safety · 14V446000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2014, 2015

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

• Transmission · 14V374000 · Jun 2014 · model years 2014, 2015

  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.

• Safety · 14V345000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2014

  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.

• Electrical system · 14V301000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2014

  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.

• Steering · 14V246000 · May 2014 · model year 2014

  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.

• Transmission · 14V152000 · Mar 2014 · model year 2014

  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.

• Engine · 14V007000 · Jan 2014 · model years 2014, 2015

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

• Electrical system · 13E073000 · Dec 2013 · model year 2014

  The transmission position indicator may not show that the transmission is in first gear (1) and not drive (D). If the drivers pulls into traffic, the vehicle's speed would be limited, resulting in an increased risk of a crash.

• Fuel system · 13V615000 · Dec 2013 · model years 2012, 2013

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

• Safety · 13V488000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2014

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

• Airbags · 13V315000 · Jul 2013 · model year 2014

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

• Steering · 13V001000 · Jan 2013 · model year 2013

  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.

• Steering · 11V339000 · Jun 2011 · model year 2011

  THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

• Safety · 10E043000 · Sep 2010 · model year 2010

  AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.