In 1999, General Motors first introduced the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and it hasn’t stopped refining and updating the series over the years. As one of the most dependable full-size pickup trucks, the Silverado 1500 is now in its fourth generation.
While every model has its own innovation and flavor, they are not without flaws. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what model years are worth investing in and what years you need to avoid if you are interested in buying a used Chevy Silverado 1500.
Silverado 1500 Models From 2012 To 2019 Are The Most Problematic In The Series
The Silverado 1500 has had several rocky years in its record. From 2012 to 2019, each model was filled with problems specific to itself. While the 2014 Chevy Silverado showcased a new sense of luxury in the series, it is reportedly the most problematic according to consumer reviews in Car Complaints, with a massive portion of them relating to A/C and heating defects.
The 2015 model is also one of the worse ones, with many issues regarding transmission failures. 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for the very same issues as 2015.
While 2018 and 2019 models don’t have as many complaints as their predecessors, their reported defects are said to occur at low mileage and can ruin your experience of this car.
Which Model Years Are Worth Your Money?
Now that we have talked about what years to avoid, it isn’t bad to know what years are good and worth the money you want to spend. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a beast on the roads with a solid frame and plenty of storage space, and the fourth generation even includes aluminum doors, hood, and tailgates.
Most Silverados in the first, second, and fourth-generation models are pretty good and reliable and will be solid purchases. The truck didn't have any complaints until 2012, except for a few issues regarding the 2002 model. Some problems include rusted brake lines or hubs going out, with most of them costing about $1,000 to fix.
Common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems
The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most favorable American pickups. The 2007 model won the North American Truck of the year, and it has always held a fierce and close competition with its rival, the Ford F-150. Still, it is good to know some common issues that tend to occur in this vehicle.
- Service 4WD message – Owners have complained about receiving a service 4WD message while driving. This problem is reported to be mostly happening around 150,000 miles and is due to dirt and debris below the driver’s door.
- Transmission issues – As was mentioned before, this is a widespread issue in the Chevy Silverado 1500s, especially in the models discussed above. A lit 'check engine' light usually follows this issue. Surging and jerking are also other common issues. The advice here is to keep up with your maintenance plan as it impacts this issue positively.
- Excessive oil consumption - One of the significant reported concerns of the Silverado 1500 is its thirst for oil. In 2016, Chevrolet faced a class-action lawsuit in Minnesota. Many owners claimed to lose a quart of oil after only 1,000 miles, and the issue occurred in mileages as low as 60,000.
- Faulty speakers – Some owners were annoyed by their speaker going out of order in just a few months. At times, they seem to work, adding up to the confusion and frustration.
Conclusion On Buying A Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Many owners and experts agree that the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most reliable trucks available on the market. A clean Silverado can last over 200,000 miles, which for many is more than 14 years of use if you look after it well enough. Even if it isn’t in perfect conditions, you can still expect it to last for about 150,000 miles, or about 10 years of reliable service.
The Chevrolet Silverado generally has an excellent reputation among truck lovers (well, not the third-gen). It is a very reliable vehicle that can handle almost anything you throw at it. There are some notable benefits to buying a second-hand one. You can easily learn its history and get a higher trim while saving a bunch of money and avoiding depreciation as it happens within the first years of ownership.
If you are in the market for a Chevy Silverado 1500 it is best to avoid years from 2012 to 2019 due to their problems. Try to get your hands on models from 1999 to 2011 and the most recent additions from 2020 to 2022, and you will be good to go.