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When you’re shopping for a truck, you’ll want to avoid specific models that have recall concerns. Chevroletproblems.com tracked popular model recalls, and the results may surprise you. Today, we’ll discuss the Chevrolet Silverado model year with the most recalls ever, along with a few others that have numerous issues.

How the data is measured

A man looks at the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck
A man looks at a Chevrolet Silverado truck | Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Some recalls are specific to multiple model years, while others can be narrowed down to precise VIN ranges. For this list, Chevroletproblems.com compiled the campaigns from all model years. A lot of the data is from CarComplaints.com, which is based on feedback from vehicle owners directly.

They also gather recall and investigation information directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA). The safety and crash test numbers are from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

The Chevy Silverado models with the most recalls

The Silverado 2500 tops the list of Chevrolet recalls with a whopping 79 overall. Which model year had the most trouble? The 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500 held 23 of those total recalls. Here are a few of the other model year 2500s and the number of associated recalls:

  • 1999 Silverado 2500: 19 recalls
  • 2001 Silverado 2500: 17 recalls
  • 2002 Silverado 2500: 17 recalls
  • 2004 Silverado 2500: 16 recalls
  • 2015 Silverado 2500: 16 recalls

Many of the recalls involved lighting problems and upgrading side reflectors. Others were related to braking, as the ABS would engage without warning. There were also issues with electrical components, tailgate cables, and airbag malfunctions.

These Chevy Silverado models also have a lot of recalls

Coming in a close second on the all-time list of recalls is the Silverado 3500. According to this tally, the 3500 has a total of 78 recall campaigns. Here are a few of those specific years with the most trouble:

  • 2000 Silverado 3500: 21 recalls
  • 1999 Silverado 3500: 18 recalls
  • 2001 Silverado 3500: 17 recalls
  • 2002 Silverado 3500: 17 recalls
  • 2004 Silverado 3500: 16 recalls

The reported issues for these model Silverado trucks include lighting component trouble, fuel system, brakes, powertrain, and electrical.

How did the Chevy Silverado 1500 do?

The Silverado 1500 didn’t have as many recalls as its brothers. However, it didn’t avoid the top 10 Chevy models with issues. Ranked No. 7 among all Chevys, the Silverado 1500 has a total of 50 recalls. The model years you should note have the majority of issues are 2015, 2014, and 2002.

What to do if you own one of these Chevy Silverado model years

Some of these recalls may not be new information for Silverado enthusiasts. However, if you see your truck on one of the lists above, you can check your VIN. The NHTSA offers an online resource for anyone to plug in a VIN and check the status of any outstanding recalls. You can always visit your local Chevrolet dealer to check, too.

Not all recalls are newsworthy or make the front page. So, it’s important that you check to ensure you can properly address any problems. Unfortunately for Silverado, it looks like there’s a host of recalls to work through, at least according to this list.

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Contributing Writer

Desiree Homer

Desiree Homer began contributing content to MotorBiscuit in 2018. She is a veteran in all things sales and marketing and at writing results-oriented sales copy. Her professional credentials include: 15+ years in direct Sales (local, regional and national industries), 5+ years in Television Advertising, 5+ years in Staffing and Business Development, and 3+ Years in Automotive Sales.

She began contributing to Endgame360 in 2018. She is a Jeep enthusiast at heart and spent more than three years selling cars for GM and Ford dealerships. Desiree has sold everything from high-end Cadillac models to farm-reliable pickups. She has also written for Bob Vila.