The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a recognizable full-size
truck that is among one of the most popular in its class. From being one of the
first pickups to have an automatic transmission with a towing mode, the
Silverado 1500 is a used truck that is purchased frequently due to its
long-lasting reliability, power, and dependability. However, not every Chevy
Silverado 1500 is the same. To keep you in the fast lane, we have done the work
for you by pointing out the best used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup you
should buy and the worst model years that you should avoid.
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Used Chevy Silverado 1500 Years to Avoid
We thought we should get the bad news out of the way first.
Here are our top 5 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years to avoid based on our
research.
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you were to look at Chevy Silverado's since 2005, it has
been widespread that 2014 was known as the worst year for the 1500 due to its
malfunctioning heating and air conditioning system. Its AC condensers were
leaking, which required frequent replacements. Through NHTSA, this model
received more than 20 recalls, 3 investigations, and over 1,300 complaints due
to faulty systems, such as its electrical malfunctions. For example, the
infotainment screens went black, and engines would cut off or stall with no
codes would generate as to what could cause the issue. If that's not all, the
Stabilitrak system left a lot of owners complaining due to the steering wheel
locking up or centering itself while turning, which caused panic situations.
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one
of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of
oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem
continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years. Its NHTSA report
stated it had 5 recalls, 3 investigations, and over 1,024 customer complaints.
According to the IIHS safety review, this pickup received poor ratings for
side: original test with optional side airbags and side: original test without
optional side airbags crashworthiness, poor rating for structure and safety
cage, torso, and overall evaluation. This Silverado struggled with Takara
airbags which sent pieces of spare shrapnel towards passengers after deployed,
which resulted in many injuries being reported, with at least one reported
fatality that turned into a lawsuit later.
2015 Chevy Silverado 1500
Although the 2015 model year of the Chevy Silverado 1500 had
some improvements from the not-so-impressive 2014, there were still frequent
complaints about its fuel sensor delivering inaccurate readings. The sensor
inside the fuel tank, along with the failure results in the gas gauge,
displayed inaccurate information. Through NHTSA, there were more than 23
recalls, 3 investigations, and 896 complaints for this model year. A large
volume of owner complaints revolved around them not being able to completely
fill up their gas tank and the gauge reporting "low fuel", even when filled
with plenty of gas. General Motors issued a recall for the Silverado for having
a glitch with the four-wheel-drive models around its transfer case software,
which could shift the truck into neutral at any time. This was a huge safety
issue, and it was just one of the 23 recalls this model year had.
2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
With over 10 major recalls over its brakes, seat belts, and
possible fire hazards, the 2019 model year for the Silverado has a lot of red
flags to keep a good distance from. Customers also complained about its jerky
transmission, shuddering ride, lack of visibility, stiff suspension, and LATCH
connectors. One of the more serious recalls related to its anti-lock braking
and electronic stability control which had the possibility of switching off
without any warning. With the IIHS, this model received a poor rating for its
headlights having an excessive glare, as well as a marginal rating for its
LATCH ease of use and small overlap front: passenger-side crashworthiness.
2007 Chevy Silverado 1500
When it comes to looking at overall safety, the 2007 model
year suffered with a poor safety rating with the IIHS. Brake malfunctions were
a large issue for this model year, as a lot of complaints about rusted brake
lines or squealing brakes, while in some cases, drivers experienced intense
vibrations while operating the brakes. Multiple electrical issues, including a
failing car battery upwards of 5 times per year, were amongst the many
problems. According to its NHTSA safety report, it had 6 recalls, 3 investigations,
and over 1,023 complaints.
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