Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 437 complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and transmission and drivetrain. Chevrolet has filed 18 warranty extensions and 95 service campaigns for it, and there are 38 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Chevrolet Silverado 3500? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Silverado 3500 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 437
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 18
- Filed by Chevrolet
- Service campaigns
- 95
- Filed by Chevrolet
- Safety recalls
- 38
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Silverado 3500 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | Body and structure (50%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2025 | 12 | Electrical system (33%) | 1 | 14 |
| 2024 | 50 | Electrical system (38%) | 3 | 29 |
| 2023 | 16 | Transmission and drivetrain (63%) | 1 | 21 |
| 2022 | 27 | Electrical system (19%) | 3 | 38 |
| 2021 | 41 | Electrical system (32%) | 5 | 10 |
| 2020 | 42 | Transmission and drivetrain (38%) | 8 | 13 |
| 2019 | 22 | Transmission and drivetrain (23%) | 7 | 9 |
| 2018 | 19 | Engine (32%) | 6 | 7 |
| 2017 | 13 | Transmission and drivetrain (15%) | 6 | 7 |
| 2016 | 51 | Steering (29%) | 7 | 5 |
| 2015 | 52 | Electrical system (31%) | 7 | 9 |
| 2014 | 10 | Fuel and propulsion (30%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | 26 | Steering (27%) | 4 | 12 |
| 2012 | 23 | Tires (26%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2011 | 29 | Airbags (34%) | 5 | 9 |
| 2010 | 2 | Airbags (100%) | 5 | 4 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Silverado 3500 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Chevrolet
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Chevrolet filed with NHTSA for the Silverado 3500, in its own words. A warranty extension means Chevrolet pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2020–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2020–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Body and structure· model years 2017–2024
This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- Warranty extensionJul 2019· Engine· model years 2016–2017
N182198000 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain vehicles, equipped with a 5.3L or 6.2L engine, may have a condition which affects fuel injector function.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Brakes· model years 2014–2018
N182202780 - Special Coverage Adjustment. In some circumstances, some 2014-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon vehicles may have a condition where customers may experience increased brake pedal…
- Warranty extensionJan 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2012
Special Coverage. On some vehicles equipped with a 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine (RPO LML, LGH) the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate due to a condition with the glow plugs.
- Warranty extensionNov 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013
29400 01 - Special Coverage. On certain vehicles that are equipped with a diesel engine (RPO LML/LGH/LUZ), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to an offset in the temperature sensor in the diesel-emission-reduction fluid (DEF) tank reservoir or increased DEF…
- Warranty extensionNov 2017· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2013–2015
Condition On certain 2013-2015 model year Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Savana, GMC Sierra HD, and 2014-2015 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles that are equipped with a diesel engine (RPO LML/LGH/LUZ), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to…
- Warranty extensionNov 2016· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2013–2015
29400 Special Coverage. Certain vehicles that are equipped with a diesel engine (RPO LML/LGH/LUZ), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to an offset in the temperature sensor in the diesel-emission-reduction fluid (DEF) tank reservoir or increased DEF…
- Warranty extensionNov 2016· Engine and cooling· model years 2014
15829 Special Coverage. Some vehicles may have a condition in which the cycling of the thermostat may result in stress fractures on the radiator, and may lead to coolant leaks.
- Warranty extensionMay 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013
14520B Special Coverage. Some 2008-2009 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty vehicles registered in Canada or 2007, and 2010-2013 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty vehicles registered in or previously registered in Maine, New Hampshire,…
- Warranty extensionSep 2015· Engine and cooling· model years 2013
15457 - Special Coverage. Some 2010-2015 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles and 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles that are equipped with 6.6L Duramax Diesel engines (RPO LML or LGH) may contain a leak in the seal between the engine-exhaust down…
- Warranty extensionJul 2015· Engine· model years 2011–2012
15114 - special coverage. On some 2010-2012 Model year chevrolet silverado hd and gmc sierra hd or 2011-2012 Chevrolet express and gmc sierra hd vehicles equipped with a 6.6L duramax diesel engine (rpo lml, lgh) the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate due to a…
- Warranty extensionJul 2015· Engine· model years 2011–2012
14652 - special coverage. On some 2010-2012 Model year chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles and 2011-2012 Model year chevrolet silverado hd and gmc sierra hd vehicles that are equipped with a 6.6L diesel engine (lml/lgh), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate…
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Fuel system· model years 2010–2014
14653 - special coverage. Some 2010-2014 Model year chevrolet express, 2011-2014 Model year chevrolet silverado hd, 2010-2014 Model year gmc savana and 2011-2014 Model year gmc sierra hd vehicles equipped with a 6.6L engine (rpo lml or lgh), may have a condition where the…
- Warranty extensionMar 2015· Engine· model years 2010–2011
13386A - special coverage (revised warranty transaction information).
- Warranty extensionOct 2014· Engine and cooling· model years 2011
14353 - special coverage. On some vehicles, the service engine soon light may illuminate due to an inoperative exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler bypass valve. Dealers are to replace the EGR cooler bypass valve.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2011
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- Service campaignSep 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2026
Certain vehicles may have received transmission mounting bolts that do not meet expected hardness specifications. Loose or failed bolts may result in hard shifting from the transmission and/or noise. Dealers will replace both transmission mounting bolts.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the oil galley in the cylinder head was not drilled properly. Dealers are to perform the inspection procedure contained within this bulletin.
- Service campaignJun 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2026
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the bolts for the transmission control valve body may be loose or missing. Dealers will retorque or replace the suspect valve body bolts.
- Service campaignMay 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2024–2026
Certain vehicles listed above may be equipped with a trailer hitch label that understates hitch capability.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles, equipped with Snowplow Prep Package RPO VYU, may be missing an accessory harness. Dealers are to include the Auxiliary Wiring Harness in the accessory pack for vehicles in dealer stock. Vehicles NOT in dealer stock will have the Harness installed by the dealer.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles may experience water intrusion due to a hole in the cabin Pressure Relief Valve. Dealers are to seal the hole using RTV sealant.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2024–2026
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the trailer hitch label understates hitch capability. Dealers will remove the sticker on trailer hitch.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the jack kit lifting rod is out of specification. Dealers will replace the jack handle components.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Suspension· model years 2025–2026
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the Rear Spring U-bolt fasteners are torqued below specification. Dealers are to torque both the right and left side Rear Spring U-bolt fasteners to specification.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2025–2026
Service Update. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain model years and vehicle makes noted in the table above may have a condition where the battery is at risk for a drain following an over-the-air update. Dealers are to reprogram the serial data gateway module.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles listed above were built without proper programming keys written into the radio. Dealers will replace and reprogram the radio.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Silverado 3500 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system87 (20%)
- Transmission and drivetrain81 (19%)
- Engine61 (14%)
- Fuel and propulsion55 (13%)
- Brakes54 (12%)
- Other or unspecified48 (11%)
- Steering31 (7%)
- Airbags20 (5%)
Safety recalls
38 recalls cover at least one Silverado 3500 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ,…
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production.
The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in Park.
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
And 23 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE21010Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2021, closed Aug 2023· Airbags· model years 2020–2021
Air Bag Malfunction
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 437 owner complaints, 18 warranty extensions and 95 service campaigns Chevrolet filed, and 38 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2015 (52), 2016 (51), 2024 (50). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (20%), transmission and drivetrain (19%), engine (14%). Chevrolet has filed 18 warranty extensions covering the Silverado 3500, listed on this page.
Which Silverado 3500 model years have the most complaints?
2015 (52), 2016 (51), 2024 (50). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Silverado 3500 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Chevrolet extended the warranty on the Silverado 3500?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2020–2022); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2020–2022); body and structure (model years 2017–2024), and 15 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Silverado 3500?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 38 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.