Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1999–2006 problems by year and mileage
1st generation Silverado (GMT800)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20264,674 complaints, 3,937 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 1999111kmedian
- 2000100kmedian
- 200190kmedian
- 200288kmedian
- 200380kmedian
- 200468kmedian
- 200563kmedian
- 200660kmedian
The 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 111,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 587
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1999
- Hydraulic brake circuit222 reports · median 92,000 mi
- Brakes126 reports · median 137,000 mi
- Body structure53 reports · median 133,000 mi
5 recall campaigns name the 1999: Structure — body; Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Parking brake. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 100,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 614
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2000
- Hydraulic brake circuit237 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Brakes162 reports · median 125,000 mi
- Body structure33 reports
8 recall campaigns name the 2000: Structure — body; Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Parking brake. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 468
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2001
- Hydraulic brake circuit147 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Brakes133 reports · median 116,000 mi
- Fuel system32 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2001: Engine and engine cooling; Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Parking brake. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 88,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 509
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2002
- Brakes184 reports · median 116,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit164 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Body structure30 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2002: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Parking brake; Structure — body. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 805
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2003
- Brakes273 reports · median 101,000 mi
- Electrical system195 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit151 reports · median 58,000 mi
6 recall campaigns name the 2003: Seat belts — rear/other; Parking brake; Seat belts — front. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 798
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2004
- Electrical system268 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Brakes229 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit100 reports · median 50,000 mi
8 recall campaigns name the 2004: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling; Seat belts — rear/other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 63,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 528
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2005
- Electrical system190 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Brakes83 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Airbag system51 reports · median 85,000 mi
8 recall campaigns name the 2005: Engine and engine cooling; Steering — hydraulic power assist; Seat belts — rear/other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 365
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2006
- Brakes120 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit53 reports · median 47,000 mi
- Electrical system50 reports · median 62,000 mi
4 recall campaigns name the 2006: Wheels — rim; Engine and engine cooling; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 1999 reports latest and the 2006 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 1999 has had 7 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 1999–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 81,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 160,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,937
- Recalls
- 24
Most reported
- Brakes28.0% of complaints · median 106,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit24.0% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
- Electrical system16.9% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
Documented problems
- Instrument Cluster2003–2007
- Brakes / ABS1999–2002
- Steering1999–2007
- Transmission1999–2007
Owners filed 4,674 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; the brakes leads with 28% of them, and half of the 3,937 that record an odometer reading came by 81,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 50,000 and 119,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1999–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 1999–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, half of the 3,937 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 81,000 miles and 90% by 160,000 miles.
495 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 127 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Silverado 1500 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1999–2006 · 3,937 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 192 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 127 complaints (3.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 28,500
- 25%
- 50,007
- Median
- 80,800
- 75%
- 118,560
- 90%
- 160,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 84 | 2.1% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 41 | 1.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 54 | 1.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 73 | 1.9% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 82 | 2.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 71 | 1.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 88 | 2.2% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 139 | 3.5% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 144 | 3.7% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 153 | 3.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 192 | 4.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 132 | 3.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 170 | 4.3% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 171 | 4.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 148 | 3.8% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 155 | 3.9% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 172 | 4.4% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 146 | 3.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 162 | 4.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 138 | 3.5% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 149 | 3.8% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 101 | 2.6% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 106 | 2.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 98 | 2.5% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 129 | 3.3% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 84 | 2.1% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 76 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 73 | 1.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 61 | 1.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 50 | 1.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 60 | 1.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 39 | 1.0% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 59 | 1.5% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 35 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 40 | 1.0% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 29 | 0.7% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 35 | 0.9% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 15 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 31 | 0.8% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 25 | 0.6% |
| 200,000+ | 127 | 3.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Silverado 1500 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1999–2006
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Steering263 reports40,00021,000–77,000Steering: 263 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 21,000 to 77,000 miles.
- Electrical system791 reports70,00047,000–95,000Electrical system: 791 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 47,000 to 95,000 miles.
- Hydraulic brake circuit1,120 reports70,00045,000–102,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 1,120 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 102,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline204 reports75,00045,000–107,000Transmission and driveline: 204 reports, median 75,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 107,000 miles.
- Airbag system206 reports99,00062,000–138,000Airbag system: 206 reports, median 99,000 miles, middle half 62,000 to 138,000 miles.
- Body structure219 reports104,00080,000–150,000Body structure: 219 reports, median 104,000 miles, middle half 80,000 to 150,000 miles.
- Brakes1,310 reports106,00075,000–140,000Brakes: 1,310 reports, median 106,000 miles, middle half 75,000 to 140,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1,310 | 28.0% | 106,000 | 75,000–140,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 1,120 | 24.0% | 70,000 | 45,000–102,000 |
| Electrical system | 791 | 16.9% | 70,000 | 47,000–95,000 |
| Steering | 263 | 5.6% | 40,000 | 21,000–77,000 |
| Body structure | 219 | 4.7% | 104,000 | 80,000–150,000 |
| Airbag system | 206 | 4.4% | 99,000 | 62,000–138,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 204 | 4.4% | 75,000 | 45,000–107,000 |
| Suspension | 152 | 3.3% | 79,000 | 45,000–110,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 127 | 2.7% | 70,000 | 40,000–109,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 118 | 2.5% | 69,000 | 50,000–120,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 81,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The brakes account for 28.0% of complaints (1,310 reports, 1,249 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 106,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 75,000 and 140,000 miles.
A single system taking 28.0% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The hydraulic brake circuit accounts for 24.0% of complaints (1,120 reports, 964 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,000 and 102,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 16.9% of complaints (791 reports, 675 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 47,000 and 95,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 5.6% of complaints (263 reports, 205 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 40,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 21,000 and 77,000 miles.
Body structure accounts for 4.7% of complaints (219 reports, 176 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 104,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 80,000 and 150,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 4.4% of complaints (206 reports, 138 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 99,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 62,000 and 138,000 miles.
Known problems with the 1999–2006 Silverado 1500
Instrument Cluster 2003–2007
Stepper-motor failure in the gauge cluster causing gauges to stick, read wrong or drop to zero; the fuel-level sender also fails from sulfur deposits.
Brakes / ABS 1999–2002
ABS wheel-speed sensor and EBCM faults causing unwanted low-speed ABS activation and extended stopping distance; subject of NHTSA recall action on 1999-2002 GM trucks.
Steering 1999–2007
Intermediate steering shaft wear producing a clunk or knock on turn-in; a very high-volume TSB item.
Transmission 1999–2007
4L60E clutch pack and sun-shell failures, worsened by towing.
Before you buy a 1999–2006 Silverado 1500: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,937 mileage-tagged complaints, 24 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 24 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check instrument cluster on 2003–2007 cars. Stepper-motor failure in the gauge cluster causing gauges to stick, read wrong or drop to zero; the fuel-level sender also fails from sulfur deposits.
- Check brakes / ABS on 1999–2002 cars. ABS wheel-speed sensor and EBCM faults causing unwanted low-speed ABS activation and extended stopping distance; subject of NHTSA recall action on 1999-2002 GM trucks.
- Check steering on 1999–2007 cars. Intermediate steering shaft wear producing a clunk or knock on turn-in; a very high-volume TSB item.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 50,000 and 119,000 miles, with a median of 81,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the brakes and the hydraulic brake circuit are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The hydraulic brake circuit in particular shows a median failure mileage of 70,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Silverado 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi32% below | At 90k mi56% below | At 120k mi75% below | At 150k mi87% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 75,000–140,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 45,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 47,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 21,000–77,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 80,000–150,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 62,000–138,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 45,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1999–2006 · 3,937 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 32% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 56% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 75% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 3.2% of reports (127) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
1999–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recalls (24)
NHTSA records 24 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (5), the steering (3), the engine and its cooling system (2). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Nov 2007 · 2001 · Engine and Engine Cooling filed under the shared nameIf the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1L v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if…
What can happen. If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Oct 2006 · 2004 · Air Bags filed under the shared nameIf the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it…
The defect. Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat…
What can happen. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of…
The free fix. Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (gm) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated…
Aug 2006 · 2006 · Wheels filed under the shared nameIf a customer replaces a wheel and only relies on the rim size designation that is indicated on the label, a…
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles and trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation on the certification/tire label located on the…
What can happen. If a customer replaces a wheel and only relies on the rim size designation that is indicated on the label, a wheel that is of a different rim contour designation may be installed. It may be difficult…
The free fix. A label that will correct the label originally installed will be mailed to consumers along with installation instructions. The customer will have the option for dealers to install the label. The…
Aug 2006 · 2004–2006 · Engine and Engine Cooling filed under the shared nameIf the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result.
The defect. On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1L v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
What can happen. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at…
Mar 2006 · 1999–2000 · Structure filed under the shared nameIf one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position.
The defect. Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
What can happen. If one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary. The recall is expected to…
Dec 2005 · 2006 · Equipment filed under the shared nameA misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result…
The defect. Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle…
What can happen. A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on march 31, 2006. Owners may contact…
Oct 2005 · 2005–2006 · Steering filed under the shared nameIf this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
What can happen. If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC…
Aug 2005 · 1999–2002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameThis can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a…
The defect. Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut…
What can happen. This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface…
Apr 2005 · 2003–2005 · Seat Belts filed under the shared nameA lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up…
The defect. On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this…
What can happen. A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can…
The free fix. Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21…
Apr 2005 · 1999–2005 · Parking Brake filed under the shared nameIf the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a…
What can happen. If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned…
Feb 2005 · 2005 · Power Train filed under the shared nameThe vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." Under…
What can happen. The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and GMC at…
Feb 2005 · 2004–2005 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameIf a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause…
The defect. Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
What can happen. If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface…
The free fix. Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall…
Jan 2005 · 2005 · Steering filed under the shared nameIf this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
The defect. On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
What can happen. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Jan 2005 · 2000 · Power Train filed under the shared nameAn inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased…
The defect. Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition…
What can happen. An inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased braking effort, but does not completely eliminate the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Aug 2004 · 2005 · Fuel System, Gasoline filed under the shared nameIf the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3L (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
What can happen. If the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and, if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on july 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began august 5…
May 2004 · 2003–2004 · Seat Belts filed under the shared nameThe standard requires child seat lower anchorages in two seating positions for vehicles with three rear…
The defect. Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (cng) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'Child restraint anchorage systems.' These vehicles have one seating…
What can happen. The standard requires child seat lower anchorages in two seating positions for vehicles with three rear seating positions. The standard cab and cargo van vehicles, which only have front seating…
The free fix. To bring the standard cab and cargo van vehicles into compliance, dealers will inject epoxy into the air bag off switch to prevent air bag activation, relocate the switch behind the instrument panel…
Mar 2004 · 2000–2004 · Structure filed under the shared nameAnyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would…
What can happen. Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october…
Feb 2004 · 2003–2004 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameConsequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?Passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake…
What can happen. Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase…
The free fix. Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer…
Nov 2003 · 2002 · Fuel System, Other filed under the shared nameA strong odor of natural gas may be detected from inside the vehicle, possibly accompanied by a hissing noise.
The defect. Some 2wd and 4WD pickup trucks, converted to either dedicated or bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) fuel usage, were assembled with a throttle cable that can contact and rub through the flexible pressurized fuel line creating a pinhole leak of natural gas…
What can happen. A strong odor of natural gas may be detected from inside the vehicle, possibly accompanied by a hissing noise. If the natural gas were accidentally ignited, serious injury could result.
The free fix. Dealers will secure the throttle cable to eliminate the possibility of contact with the cng fuel line. The cng fuel line, throttle cable, and cruise control cable are also to be inspected and…
Jan 2003 · 2003 · Visibility filed under the shared nameIn vehicles with this condition, the windshield may not be retained in accordance with the safety standard…
The defect. Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "Windshield mounting." Some of these vehicles lack a continuous urethane bonding bead between the body surface and the windshield.
What can happen. In vehicles with this condition, the windshield may not be retained in accordance with the safety standard during a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Dealers will remove, reseal, and reinstall the windshield. Owner notification began on january 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…
Jul 2002 · 2000 · Air Bags filed under the shared nameIn a vehicle crash, front seat occupants may receive more severe injuries.
The defect. On certain pickup and utility trucks, some of these vehicles have an air bag sensing diagnostic module (sdm) which contains an anomaly that could result in the driver and passenger's air bag failing to deploy during certain frontal crashes.
What can happen. In a vehicle crash, front seat occupants may receive more severe injuries.
The free fix. Dealers will recalibrate the sdm on the affected vehicles. Owner notification began august 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Oct 2000 · 1999–2000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameDuring braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of…
What can happen. During braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section. If there are not…
Feb 2000 · 2000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameThe base brakes would remain fully functional, but the dynamic rear proportioning (drp) system, which…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Some of these vehicles have an antilock brake system (ABS) motor containing an out-of-specification spring clip. This clip could allow the motor bearing to become misaligned. If…
What can happen. The base brakes would remain fully functional, but the dynamic rear proportioning (drp) system, which optimizes front to rear brake balance, would become inoperative.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake pressure module valve assembly.
Oct 1998 · 1999 · Steering filed under the shared nameIf this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the…
The defect. Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This…
What can happen. If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the…
The free fix. Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,674 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 303 (6.5%)
- Fires
- 85
- Injury reports
- 122
- Fatality reports
- 12
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Silverado 1500 problems by model year
The 2003 drew the most complaints of this generation, 805, most of them about the brakes, and the 2006 the fewest, 365. A typical year drew about 558.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 587 | 418 | 111,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (222) | 5 |
| 2000 | 614 | 487 | 100,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (237) | 8 |
| 2001 | 468 | 382 | 90,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (147) | 4 |
| 2002 | 509 | 443 | 88,000 | Brakes (184) | 4 |
| 2003 | 805 | 725 | 80,000 | Brakes (273) | 6 |
| 2004 | 798 | 701 | 68,000 | Electrical system (268) | 8 |
| 2005 | 528 | 464 | 63,000 | Electrical system (190) | 8 |
| 2006 | 365 | 317 | 60,000 | Brakes (120) | 4 |
What Silverado 1500 owners reported
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with Dextero Tires, Tire Line: DHT2, Tire Size: LT245/75/R16, DOT Number: Y9B0LL1X3718. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the doors were rattling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
2000 · 153,000 miles · Tyres
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact returned and discovered that the vehicle had caught fire. There was smoke coming from the center console below the radio. The contact extinguished the fire with a juice bottle. The Police…
2006 · 60,000 miles · Firerelated
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was supposedly 168,000. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be…
2005 · 183,000 miles · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact was interested in purchasing a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from a local used car dealer. The contact stated that the odometer indicated that the mileage was 187,000. The Carfax report indicated that the last reported mileage was 312,000. In addition, the contact was informed that the…
2004 · 312,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 3,937 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Silverado 1500 generations
- Silverado 1500 1988–1998 455 reports with mileage, most about visibility equipment
- Silverado 1500 2007–2013 1,787 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Silverado 1500 2014–2018 2,796 reports with mileage, most about the brakes
- Silverado 1500 2019–2025 1,037 reports with mileage, most about the engine