Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners filed 7,160 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 42 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 drew the most complaints (1,104); across all years, owners complain most about engine (28% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 1,104 complaints, led by brakes (350) and 11 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,991 complaints but one recall, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: One recall told owners to stop driving until repaired (16V256000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V674000, 22V903000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (2 of 42).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (1.6 times as many complaints), 2019 (1.5 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 26k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 85 complaints mention a fire and 231 a crash, with 139 injuries and 3 deaths reported.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 11 recalls | 1,104 | Brakes (350), Electrical system (163), Steering (160) median 55k mi · 58 crashes · 14 fires |
| 2016 11 recalls | 793 | Brakes (256), Transmission / powertrain (192), Electrical system (119) median 47k mi · 41 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2017 6 recalls | 711 | Transmission / powertrain (191), Brakes (174), Electrical system (123) median 45k mi · 36 crashes · 12 fires |
| 2018 7 recalls | 518 | Transmission / powertrain (171), Electrical system (102), Engine (102) median 38k mi · 10 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2019 10 recalls | 1,079 | Engine (366), Transmission / powertrain (325), Electrical system (188) median 15k mi · 27 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2020 12 recalls | 729 | Engine (242), Transmission / powertrain (225), Electrical system (113) median 25k mi · 13 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2021 8 recalls | 821 | Engine (376), Transmission / powertrain (234), Electrical system (112) median 53k mi · 20 crashes · 12 fires |
| 2022 6 recalls | 623 | Engine (244), Transmission / powertrain (179), Electrical system (136) median 39k mi · 10 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2023 3 recalls | 375 | Engine (146), Transmission / powertrain (105), Electrical system (62) median 34k mi · 7 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2024 2 recalls | 308 | Engine (146), Transmission / powertrain (94), Electrical system (41) median 11k mi · 8 crashes |
| 2025 no recall | 99 | Engine (52), Electrical system (24), Transmission / powertrain (19) median 6k mi · 1 crash · 4 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 76, more than the 42 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,991 | 28% | 1 | 50k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,871 | 26% | 3 | 42k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Brakes | 1,263 | 18% | 9 | 44k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Electrical system | 1,183 | 17% | 1 | 36k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Steering | 595 | 8% | 1 | 40k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Fuel system | 284 | 4% | 1 | 26k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Engine and cooling | 229 | 3% | 1 | 66k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Body structure | 200 | 3% | 0 | 30k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
The engine lifters and camshaft started to fail at 114,000 miles. I had to have it repaired at a dealership and it cost over $10,000. I had completed all recommended maintenance prior to the failure. 500 miles after that repair was completed, my transmission overheated and completely left me stranded on the side of the road. I had to have it repaired at a dealership which cost $$8,000
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11748751
The water pump went bad at 31,000 miles. If I continued driving and the pulley fell off the engine would overheat. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the pump failure and want me to pay over $1,400 for repair that should be covered under warranty. There was no warning lamps lit, the pump just started making a grinding sound.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11765602
Related recalls: 25V274000 (2021–2024): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
1,991 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Transmission (6L80/E) started slipping at around 100,000 miles and needed completely replaced/rebuilt. This is replicated on multiple trucks with this transmission from 2016-2018. Evidence was slipping while shifting between 2-3RD gears. Dealership advised transmission needed completely replaced. Cost associated was ~$4000
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11539982
Truck has been making a clunking sound for over a year and has gotten worse. Recently took to jim’s transmission to have transmission evaluated. Have been told that transmission needs to have a rebuild or new transmission $4500-6000. The truck has just over 67000 miles on it. Understand that there are class action suits regarding gm being aware of the flaw in the transmissions.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11663060
Related recalls: 20V650000 (2019–2020): If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash. 26V083000 (2020–2022): Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. 24V797000 (2020–2022): Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
1,871 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Brakes
Brake vacuum pump failed which resulted in diminished braking performance. This was very dangerous as we were pulling a camper when it happened. Dealership replaced vacuum pump when vehicle was at 78260MILES although condition started before that. We received a letter about reimbursement but it only applies to 72000 miles or 6 years. The repair cost US over $500.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11204346
Power brake failure. Lost brakes pulling into parking space. Parking space barrier stopped the truck. Brakes began to work again after letting truck sit and restart engine. Very dangerous! Took vehicle to dealer and they found the vacuum pump failed internally. Dealer would not cover repairs for faulty vacuum pump despite safety issue. Total cost was $724+TAX. Only 43,000 miles on truck.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11157069
Related recalls: 19V761000 (2015–2018): Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. 19V645000 (2015–2018): As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. 18V578000 (2015–2016): If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
1,263 owners reported brakes problems; the brake repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recalls
Check these first: 16V256000 (2016–2017, suspension: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V325000 | 2026-05-21 | 2018 | Air bags | A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V166000 | 2026-03-19 | 2018 | Air bags | A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V083000 | 2026-02-12 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V432000 | 2025-06-26 | 2018 | Air bags | A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash. |
| 25V274000 | 2025-04-24 | 2021–2024 | Engine and cooling | Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V797000 | 2024-10-24 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V756000 | 2024-10-10 | 2018 | Air bags | A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 24V674000 (OTA) | 2024-09-12 | 2023 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V626000 | 2024-08-21 | 2024 | Trailer Hitches | A trailer that detaches from a vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash. |
| 22V903000 (OTA) | 2022-12-08 | 2022–2023 | Exterior lights | DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V873000 | 2022-11-23 | 2022 | Air bags | An SDM in manufacturing mode will not deploy the vehicle's air bags in a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. |
| 22V463000 | 2022-06-30 | 2022 | Exterior lights | An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V985000 | 2021-12-16 | 2019–2021 | Tires | An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V504000 | 2021-07-01 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 21V495000 | 2021-07-01 | 2021 | Air bags | The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 21V423000 | 2021-06-03 | 2019 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V245000 | 2021-04-08 | 2015–2016 | Seat belts | A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V115000 | 2021-02-25 | 2019–2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V811000 | 2020-12-23 | 2021 | Seat belts | If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V792000 | 2020-12-17 | 2019–2021 | Seat belts | If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V736000 | 2020-11-25 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. |
| 20V684000 | 2020-11-05 | 2020–2021 | Tires | Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. |
| 20V650000 | 2020-10-22 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 20V603000 | 2020-10-01 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V446000 | 2020-07-30 | 2020 | Air bags | If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V116000 | 2020-02-27 | 2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V055000 | 2020-01-30 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V889000 | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash. |
| 19V888000 | 2019-12-12 | 2019–2020 | Electrical system | An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 19V837000 | 2019-11-21 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 19V814000 | 2019-11-14 | 2019–2020 | Seat belts | A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. |
| 19V761000 | 2019-10-24 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V645000 | 2019-09-06 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V868000 | 2018-12-06 | 2019 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury. |
| 18V586000 | 2018-09-07 | 2015 | Steering | If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V578000 | 2018-08-30 | 2015–2016 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V291000 | 2018-05-03 | 2015–2016 | Seat belts | If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 17V487000 | 2017-08-03 | 2017 | Child Seat | If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 17V437000 | 2017-07-10 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V651000 | 2016-09-08 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V256000 | 2016-04-28 | 2016–2017 | Suspension | Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V069000 | 2016-02-05 | 2015–2016 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
7,160 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Chevrolet models in the index
- Chevrolet Malibu (3,192)
- Chevrolet Equinox (3,023)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2,644)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2,306)
- Chevrolet Colorado (2,241)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.