Years to avoid

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Years to Avoid

The 2019, 2021, 2020, 2018 model years stand out as the weakest in this Chevrolet Silverado 1500 dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.

Data updated June 2026

Weakest year
2019

64/100 reliability

Model average
73/100

24-point range

Complaints, weakest year
1,043

30 crash · 12 fire reports

Recalls, weakest year
20

NHTSA campaigns on file

Bottom line

Why the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks last

The 2019 scores 64/100, rated good, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 1,043 owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns for this model year.

Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (290), Engine (184), Electrical System (149), Unknown Or Other (80). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.

Inspect the full 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 record →

Evidence by year

The weakest Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years compared

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

64/100Good
Complaints
1,043
Recalls
20
Crash reports
30
Fire reports
12

Top issues: Power Train (290), Engine (184), Electrical System (149)

View 2019 details →

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

67/100Good
Complaints
720
Recalls
13
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
12

Top issues: Engine (205), Power Train (201), Electrical System (77)

View 2021 details →

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

67/100Good
Complaints
693
Recalls
20
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
11

Top issues: Power Train (196), Engine (110), Steering (78)

View 2020 details →

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

70/100Good
Complaints
551
Recalls
16
Crash reports
11
Fire reports
6

Top issues: Power Train (150), Electrical System (86), Engine (53)

View 2018 details →

Better alternatives

Stronger Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years to put on your shortlist

Model yearScoreComplaintsRecallsResearch
202688/10000View year
202585/100761View year
202375/1002994View year

Read this carefully

“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN

A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.

Source trail

Where this Chevrolet Silverado 1500 data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Chevrolet Silverado 1500 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 research FAQ

Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years should I avoid?

2019, 2021, 2020, 2018 score materially below the strongest Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 64/100, with 1,043 owner complaints and 20 recalls on file.

Does a low-scoring Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year mean every car is bad?

No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.

What should I buy instead of the worst Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year?

The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (88/100), 2025 (85/100), 2023 (75/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Chevrolet Silverado 1500 you are considering.