If you are in the market for a new or used pickup, you are probably wondering what the common issues are with the Chevrolet Silverado. After all, these Chevys are the second-best selling pickups after the Ford F150. Knowing the common problems with each model you are looking at will give you a rough idea of what to check for on vehicles as you inspect them as well as what to expect during your ownership of the truck.
To identify these problem areas, I have scoured various recall and repair bulletins as well as owner forums to pinpoint exactly which issues are most likely to crop up each model year.
Issues with the Chevy Silverado tend to group into each generation, so here are the common problems within each generation:
- First Generation (1999 - 2006): First-gen Silverados frequently experience transmission sunshell failures on the 460LE transmission. There was also a recall on nearly all models addressing a bad parking brake system.
- Second Generation (2007 - 2014): This generation of Silverado was affected by the Takata airbag recall. These trucks also frequently experience broken or cracked dashboards and some were involved in the ignition lock recall as well.
- Third Generation (2015 - Present): The transmission problems were finally behind us, but the newest generation of Silverados are still troubled by airbag and dashboard problems.
So there you have a very general overview of the issues common to each generation of Silverado. To truly gain an understanding of all issues specific to each model year, however, keep reading.
Chevy Silverado 1999 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: 4WD motor position selector switch failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200.
Chevy Silverado 2000 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: 4WD motor position selector switch failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Loss of Brake Fluid Pressure
Solution: Replace front right-hand brake pipe.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2001 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: PBR brake systems require a low-force spring clip retainer, while TRW systems need a new brake cable assembly.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Chevy Silverado 2002 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: PBR brake systems require a low-force spring clip retainer, while TRW systems need a new brake cable assembly.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Chevy Silverado 2003 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: PBR brake systems require a low-force spring clip retainer, while TRW systems need a new brake cable assembly.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Tailgate Hinge Corrosion
Solution: Replace tailgate hinge cables.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Chevy Silverado 2004 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: PBR brake systems require a low-force spring clip retainer, while TRW systems need a new brake cable assembly.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2005 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: PBR brake systems require a low-force spring clip retainer, while TRW systems need a new brake cable assembly.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Fuel Rail Failure (5.3-liter engines only)
Solution: Replace fuel filter.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Fuel Leak
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Chevy Silverado 2006 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: 8.1-liter Engine Fuel Rail Clip
Solution: Replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Wheel Hub Failure
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2007 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Washer Fluid Heater Can Catch on Fire
Solution: Disable washer fluid heater.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Wheel Hub Failure
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2008 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Airbag Inflator Defect Causing Metal Fragments to Emit during Airbag Deployment
Solution: Replace frontal airbag
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Washer Fluid Heater Can Catch on Fire
Solution: Disable washer fluid heater.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2009 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Airbag Inflator Defect Causing Metal Fragments to Emit during Airbag Deployment
Solution: Replace frontal airbag
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Chevy Silverado 2010 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Airbag Inflator Defect Causing Metal Fragments to Emit during Airbag Deployment
Solution: Replace frontal airbag
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Chevy Silverado 2011 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Airbag Inflator Defect Causing Metal Fragments to Emit during Airbag Deployment
Solution: Replace frontal airbag
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Steering Linkage Separation
Solution: Tighten intermediate steering shaft bolts.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Rear Axle Cross Pin Failure
Solution: Install new cross pin.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2012 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Fuel Transfer Pump Failure on 6.6-liter Diesel Engines
Solution: Replace Fuel Transfer Pump
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2013 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Fuel Transfer Pump Failure on 6.6-liter Diesel Engines
Solution: Replace Fuel Transfer Pump
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Steering Column Lock Failure
Solution: Replace Steering Column
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2014 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Tie Rod Attachment Improperly Tightened
Solution: Inspect inner tie rod to make sure they are properly tightened and replace steering gear as necessary.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2015 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Overheating Exhaust
Solution: Reprogram the engine control module.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Axle Shaft Failure
Solution: Replace faulty rear axle shafts.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Loose Knee Bolster under Steering Column
Solution: Tighten screws underneath the bolster as well as the ones on the bolster.
Cost: $100 (labor) or free, if you have the tools and know-how
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Covered under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2016 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Loose Knee Bolster under Steering Column
Solution: Tighten screws underneath the bolster as well as the ones on the bolster.
Cost: $100 (labor) or free, if you have the tools and know-how
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2017 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken Front Control Arm
Solution: Replace both upper control arms.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Loose Knee Bolster under Steering Column
Solution: Tighten screws underneath the bolster as well as the ones on the bolster.
Cost: $100 (labor) or free, if you have the tools and know-how
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Covered under recall)
Chevy Silverado 2018 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Loose Knee Bolster under Steering Column
Solution: Tighten screws underneath the bolster as well as the ones on the bolster.
Cost: $100 (labor) or free, if you have the tools and know-how
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
In Summary
Okay, now that you are armed with the mighty power of knowledge, you will know what problems and issues to look for on your next Chevrolet Silverado. As you can see, each generation has common and slightly different issues that tend to rear their ugly heads. Luckily, many of them were or are covered under warranty, so GM will perform the fix free of charge.
As a general rule, the first model in each generation often has more issues than other years. That's because Chevy works quickly to fix any common problems they find with their redesigned trucks on subsequent model years. Other problems, however, are more persistent.
Of course, it's always still important to verify that proper maintenance has always been performed on any used vehicle you purchase. For more help as you search for your next pickup, check out our guide about buying a used pickup truck.