The Chevy Silverado 1500 was introduced in the year 1900 by general motors.
Over the years, they have been consistent with their models, series, and line of pickup trucks. The Chevy Silverado models and General Motors have witnessed sky heights in the past.
However, from 2012 to 2013, they received quite a few negative remarks due to some severe issues.
The Silverado models released in 2014 had to suffer a lot of problems from AC defects, getting stalled on the road, etc., followed by 2015 models, those too have similar problems and transmission issues.
If you want to know which models you should strictly avoid, I am here to tell you.
Being one of the most coveted and reputed pickup trucks on the road, not every model of Silverado is worth the price you pay.
I strictly do not recommend you buy these models below:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2012)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2013)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2015)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2016)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2017)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2018)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019)
According to the research, Silverados released in the year 2012 came along with innumerable faults in them.
From then on, all the models mentioned have shared common problems like low acceleration, overconsumption of fuel, etc.
The trucks, as mentioned earlier, are the same Chevy Silverado years to avoid.
Table of Contents
The 6 Common Chevy Silverado Problems: Models
All the Chevy Silverado models often struggle with the same type of problems every year.
Unfortunately, developed engineering and tech knowledge severely affect the most reliable vehicles, like the Chevy Silverado.
Here is the list of the most common problems that you get to see in every Silverado model.
Problem1: Issues With Transmission
If you own a Chevy Silverado, it is not unusual for you to notice shift flares the moment you accelerate.
You may also see the ‘engine light’ turned on, and your truck’s transmission may be dysfunctional when going forwards and backward or even both.
You may also observe the shift is hard, clunking, and has slow acceleration. These can occur when you have a malfunctioning torque converter.
Having transmission problems can be a significant hassle to deal with on the road; moreover, they can be pretty expensive to fix.
Having shift flares cannot be fixed by changing the filter and fluid. So the chance is either you rebuild your truck’s transmission or get it replaced.
Problem 2: Excessive Oil Consumption
One of the most annoying problems that users of Chevy Silverado often face is the consumption of oil in excessive amounts.
The newly introduced vehicles can last 3,000 – 5,000 miles per half a quart of oil.
However, this is not the case with some Chevy Silverado’s at all. Instead, the Silverados offers you 1,000 miles per quart.
This is the most common of all problems reported against Chevy Silverados. Also, in some cases, you even start to lose more oil, say 3 – 4 quarts of oil for every 1,000 miles.
And, if you continue to use your Chevy Silverado, you need to follow a strict oil change routine. And, to reduce oil consumption, you can rebuild the entire engine or get it replaced.
But, no matter which way you go, you will spend more money if you wish to keep this truck.
Either way, changing the oil can be hectic and a complete waste of time for you and the mechanic.
Problem 3: Engine Knock
For the Chevy Silverado, there are many complaints, and ‘knocking of the engine’ is one of those.
They say you have your engine knocked when the combustion of air and fuel takes place in a different combustion front.
You will observe if you do not maintain proper oil change. And, it is way too risky if you have sludge on your truck’s internal engine components.
This can block or black the passages, which will make the parts starve that require oil. With time, as they run out, your engine will end up getting knocked.
If you figure out the cause soon enough, you may be able to fix this issue by getting the sludge flushed off your Silverado’s engine.
Nevertheless, over time you do need to replace, strip or reframe your truck’s engine. If you do not exterminate the sludge, your engine is going to blow out sooner or later.
Problem 4: Interior Issues
If you know someone who owns a Chevy Silverado, you could see his pain. Chevy Silverado comes with tons of interior issues, and it develops more of them over time.
Over the years, Silverado is renowned for having plenty of internal problems like the malfunctioning of the AC, sensors, battery, etc.
Now, there is a problem with the speakers too, and if you are a music enthusiast, it can be a significant issue for you.
However, faulty speakers can start working randomly, which can be even more frustrating. Therefore, it would be best if you get them replaced.
In sporadic cases, some users have do reported having some power steering issues.
Problem 5: Selector Switch Failure
This can be the worst issue a Silverado owner needs to deal with. This can be observed when your Silverado has successfully covered 1,00,000 – 1,30,000 miles.
The switch failure occurs because the dirt from driving can ruin the conductivity between the wires down the driver’s door.
However, this is an easy problem to solve. It would be best if you had a new sensor and replace it with the old one.
Moreover, you can do it all by yourself, remove the old sensor, clean the surface, and install it.
Problem 6: Starting Issues
If you have problems with the ignition switch or dead battery, you will not start your Chevy Silverado. If you are unable to start up your Chevy Silverado, it will be best if you check these:
If you find the ignition switch working and the battery is still there, then the chance is you have an electrical problem to deal with.
Also, to fix this, you may try clean if there is any corrosion, but you can try other methods to fix this if it doesn’t.
But that will cost you a severe amount of money. Also, these methods won’t guarantee the fix; you can even lose all the money.
They reported that many Silverado owners had done everything they could do, like replacing the fuses to rebooting the computer, but it was of no use.
Related: Why Won’t My Chevy Silverado Start?
What Years Silverado Are Most Reliable And Safe To Purchase?
Most of the Chevy Silverados from the first, second, and fourth generations can be solid picks and an absolute delight on the roads.
As a result, these models received no hatred, no negative remarks from the buyers.
The Chevy Silverados, at its pretty best, is the heavy-duty pickup truck dominating the roads. These trucks offer abundant storage and have an unimaginably strong frame.
All these models are available at a reasonable price, and I guarantee that you won’t have a difficult time with the trucks mentioned below:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2000)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2001)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2002)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2003)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2004)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2005)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2006)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2008)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2009)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2010)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2011)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2020)
These models have very few complaints compared to third-generation Silverados.
These models are the best of all time, and serious issues won’t be popping until it serves you a total of 1,00,000 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why Shouldn’t I Buy A Silverado 1500 Of The Third Generation?
It would be best not to buy any of the third generations Chevy Silverado because all the models released between 2014 – 2018 are filled with problems.
The models of 2014 have suffered significantly compared to the other models of Silverado.
The 2014 model is widely known due to its faulty AC system, and you may replace it by 60,000 miles. And if you are that unlucky, your truck would end stalled at the middle road.
They are followed by 2015 models, the same kind of problems along with frame and interior issues.
Finally, the 2015 model is highlighted due to its atrocious transmission and AC problems.
The models 2016 – 17 models tend to have hard shift and suspension issues. While 2018-19 are not that problematic.
But still, we suggest not to invest as they have new problems that focus on the serpentine belt. These problems can get you in trouble. Therefore, it is better not to invest in these models.
Q2. How Many Miles Can My Silverado Last?
Silverado comes with an improved engine, and it can efficiently last for 2,00,000 – 3,00,000 miles, which can be the best pickup truck for any driver who relies on longevity.
However, if you need to choose a Silverado, choose from the first, second, and fourth generations.
Related: How Long Do Chevrolet Silverados Last?
Q3. Why Is Chevy Transmissions So Bad?
According to many users, the Chevy Shake can cause a chance of premature failure of the transmission.
The jerking and shaking result in damaging the torque converter and the transmission.
Q4. Does The Chevy Silverado 2020 Have The Same Transmission Problems?
Yes, the Silverado 2020 has similar problems similar to the other models realized in 2000 – 2012.
The problems like hard shifting, jerking, downshifting trouble, and other minor issues that you may encounter.
However, it is in no way close to the third-generation Silverado. The 2020 model is worth an investment.
Conclusion
Voila, now that you read the entire article, you probably know about the problems of GMC Chevy Silverado.
But, unfortunately, due to rapidly increasing issues in pickup trucks, potential buyers like you are getting perplexed about this particular model.
This article shared valuable information about the models of Chevy Silverado years to avoid. Unfortunately, all the third-generation models released in 2012 – 2019 are filled with problems.
I have also shared the common problems in a Chevy Silverado and things you can fix.
Later in this article, I have shared the safest Chevy Silverado models: the first, second, and fourth-generation models.
I hope this article has helped you figure out the one truck you would like to invest in. choose from the very first series, and you will not be disappointed.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
