Best and Worst Years for Chevy Silverado 1500 to Buy Used: A Shopping Guide
Shopping for a used Chevy Silverado 1500 and unsure which one is best for you? With several generations, models, and configurations, reliability can vary based on the truck you choose.
Below, we'll break down the best and worst Chevy Silverado 1500 years to help you invest in the right pre-owned pickup.
What Are the Worst Years for the Chevy Silverado 1500?
Based on General Motors (GM) service bulletins, NHTSA recalls, crash-test results, and other reliability data, you should take a closer look at these five used Chevy Silverado 1500 model years.
However, these don't mean you should reject every used truck from these model years. Some concerns only apply to specific engines or transmissions, so ensure you check the exact configuration and VIN before deciding.
1. 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a used model year we recommend inspecting carefully if it's equipped with certain V8 engines featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM). GM issued a technical service bulletin for 2007-2011 Silverado 1500s with this configuration.
They shared that some higher-mileage used trucks could use engine oil faster than expected. In certain cases, excess oil could contribute to carbon deposits around the piston rings and fouled or cracked spark plugs - potentially causing rough engine performance or a check engine light. Excessive oil consumption can mean more frequent oil checks and top-offs, with additional repairs if the underlying problem isn't addressed.
Consumer Reports described the 2008 Silverado 1500 as less reliable. However, J.D. Power gave it a Great 81/100 Quality & Reliability score, which is why you shouldn't assume every 2008 Silverado 1500 has the same history or condition.
Confirm the truck's engine and look for documentation on its oil consumption history, previous AFM-related repairs, and consistent oil change records.
Average Used Price: $935 - $10,365
2. 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 was a redesign year, but you should approach used models cautiously due to documented steering and A/C concerns on certain trucks.
GM issued a safety recall on specific 2014 Silverado 1500 models because the power-steering assist could briefly stop working during low-speed turns and then suddenly return. This could make the steering wheel harder to control when turning or parking and increase accident risks. Dealers addressed this issue by updating the power steering software.
GM also released technical guidance after some owners reported their A/C blowing warm. GM found that a small crack or pinhole could develop in the line running between the A/C compressor and condenser, allowing refrigerant to leak out. If left unrepaired, the system could lose enough refrigerant that the air conditioning no longer cools properly.
J.D. Power gave the 2014 Silverado 1500 an Average 78/100 Quality & Reliability score, placing it in the Average category.
Check the VIN for any open recalls, ask for documentation showing the recall work was completed, confirm the steering operates normally at low speeds, and verify the air conditioning works properly.
Average Used Price: $3,007 - $25,676
3. 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
While the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 isn't a used model year you should automatically reject, certain configurations deserve extra attention.
GM issued a technical service bulletin for specific 2015-2018 Silverado 1500 models equipped with the 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. They found some affected trucks could develop noticeable shaking or shuddering during light acceleration, usually while driving at steady speeds. Some affected trucks could feel like they're vibrating, even on smooth roads. GM provided dealers with diagnostic procedures to determine whether the vibration was coming from torque-converter clutch shudder and address the problem.
J.D. Power gave the 2017 Silverado 1500 an Average 79/100 Quality & Reliability score, noting the transmission smoothness is among the areas owners liked least.
Again, this doesn't apply to all 2017 Silverado 1500 models and only to those with these powertrain configurations. Confirm if it has a six- or eight-speed transmission and pay close attention to vibration/shifting behavior during your test drive.
Average Used Price: $5,872 - $27,019
4. 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 launched a new generation, but certain models had documented braking and safety concerns worth checking.
GM issued an NHTSA safety recall for some 2019 Silverado 1500s that received an incorrect version of the electronic brake-control software during a previous dealership visit. In rare cases, under certain startup conditions while the truck was stationary, the software could disable the truck's electronic brake assist - meaning the brakes could require more effort to operate. The truck could also display brake, ABS, and electronic stability control warning lights and messages. GM addressed this issue by updating the software again. Previous-generation 2019 Silverado 1500s were excluded from this recall.
The 2019 Silverado 1500 also received mixed safety ratings from IIHS. Crew Cab models earned Good ratings in several crash tests, but the passenger-side small-overlap test received a Marginal rating. They also rated the available headlight configurations Poor due to factors such as limited visibility on curves and excessive glare.
A used 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 can still offer modern features and capability as a first redesign year. But you should verify its recall history and inspect the exact truck instead of choosing one based on model year alone.
Average Used Price: $9,143 - $35,683
5. 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a used model year we recommend researching carefully because of engine concerns. GM recalled some 2021-2024 Silverado 1500s equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine after identifying potential manufacturing problems with internal engine components.
According to the NHTSA safety recall, these defects could damage the engine and, in some cases, cause it to fail. Drivers may notice warning signs such as unusual knocking noises, a check engine light, hesitation, or reduced power beforehand. This issue doesn't apply to every 2021 Silverado 1500 or its other available engines.
J.D. Power even gave it an Average 80/100 Quality & Reliability score, so the model year itself isn't necessarily unreliable.
See if the 2021 Silverado 1500 has a 6.2L V8 engine, check the VIN for recall eligibility, and verify if the required inspection or repair was completed.
Average Used Price: $13,836 - $40,846
