This used Chevy Silverado 1500 review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. NHTSA's records show a clear split. In the 2015-2018 trucks, brakes and the transmission drive the complaints. In the 2019-2022 trucks, the engine is the top complaint component every year, and the text often mentions lifters. The 2018 has the fewest complaints in the span, and the 2022 has the fewest recall campaigns. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2018, look at a 2022 with every campaign closed, and treat the 2015 and 2019 with extra care. Check open recalls on any VIN and get an inspection.
The evidence below is public data: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov and Chevrolet's warranty terms. No owner reviews, invented scores or prices.
Where the Silverado 1500 ranks in Texas sales
CarEdge's best-selling new cars in Texas list, data updated October 27, 2026, ranks the Silverado 1500 fifth with 5,674 new units sold in Texas over the previous 45 days. Ahead of it are the Ford F-150 (7,939), Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Tacoma. Its close relative, the GMC Sierra 1500, ranks ninth on the same list. CarEdge uses new-vehicle dealer inventory data, not registrations, so this is a new-car signal. For used shoppers it means plenty of Silverados to compare, which makes it easier to walk away from a truck with gaps in its history.
Chevy Silverado 1500 years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022
Two designs cover this span. The engine and transmission lists on fueleconomy.gov show the change.
2015 to 2018
These trucks use a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8 or a 6.2-liter V8. The V6 and most 5.3 trucks use a 6-speed automatic; the 6.2 and some 5.3 trucks use an 8-speed. Many 4.3 and 5.3 versions are listed as flex-fuel (gasoline or E85).
2019 to 2022
The 2019 model year brought a new design, and fueleconomy.gov also lists a carryover "Silverado LD" for 2019. New options appear: a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an 8-speed, a 10-speed automatic for the 6.2 and, from 2020, for some 5.3 trucks, and a 3.0-liter diesel six with a 10-speed from 2020. The 4.3 V6 and 6-speed stay on some trims. Because one model year can mix several engines and transmissions, the exact powertrain matters more on these trucks than on most.
Used Silverado 1500 review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings
From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year; many cover only one engine, cab, axle ratio or build window. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top component.
| Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint component (count) | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 | 1,193 | 61 / 16 | Service brakes (383) | 5 stars |
| 2016 | 12 | 801 | 43 / 10 | Service brakes (266) | 5 stars |
| 2017 | 7 | 839 | 49 / 15 | Power train (224) | 5 stars |
| 2018 | 7 | 522 | 10 / 4 | Power train (170) | 5 stars |
| 2019 | 10 | 1,103 | 28 / 8 | Engine (383) | 4 stars crew cab 4WD; 5 stars extended cab |
| 2020 | 12 | 751 | 13 / 10 | Engine (251) | 4 stars crew cab 4WD; 5 stars extended and regular cab |
| 2021 | 8 | 858 | 20 / 12 | Engine (399) | 4 stars crew cab 4WD; 5 stars extended and regular cab |
| 2022 | 6 | 659 | 11 / 6 | Engine (257) | 5 stars crew cab 4WD; others not rated |
Rollover ratings are 4 stars in every year listed. The Silverado's totals are high next to the Toyotas in my other reviews, but it is also a high-volume truck with many configurations, so compare years within the Silverado rather than across brands. My guide to reading NHTSA complaint data explains why. Check any VIN on NHTSA's recalls page.
The Silverado recalls that matter most
These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names.
2015 to 2018
- Brake vacuum pump (19V645000), 2014-2018. The vacuum created by the pump may decrease over time. A related campaign (20V603000) covers 2018 trucks with the 5.3 or 6.2 V8, where the pump's output can drop and reduce power brake assist. With service brakes leading complaints for 2015-2016, these are first on my list.
- Brake pedal pivot nut (16V069000), 2015-2016. The nut may loosen and leave the brake pedal loose or inoperative. The campaign lists 2015-2016 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks built October 1, 2013 to February 1, 2016.
- Electric power steering (18V586000), 2015. Power steering assist may be lost for a moment and then return suddenly. Steering is the third-ranked complaint component for 2015.
- Roof-rail air bag inflators (20V736000, 21V504000, 26V611000 and, for 2018, 24V756000, 25V432000, 26V166000 and 26V325000). The inflator end cap may detach or the inflator sidewall may rupture. Several of these campaigns are recent, so a truck that looked clean a year ago may have a new open recall now.
- Wheel speed sensor and driveline protection (19V761000), 2014-2018 with the 5.3, 3.08 axle and 4WD. If a wheel speed sensor fails between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the brake module may activate driveline protection.
- Front upper control arms (16V256000), 2016-2017. Welds near the control arm bushing may be inadequate.
2019 to 2022
- Driveshaft (20V650000), 2019-2020. A driveshaft joint may not have been properly welded, and the driveshaft could separate while driving.
- Battery cable (19V888000), 2019-2020. Excess glue on the positive cable rings can cause an intermittent connection between the cable and the alternator.
- Brake caliper bolts (20V116000), 2020. The bolts may not have been heat treated and may break under load.
- Fuel pump (19V837000), 2020. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing the fuel system to over-pressurize.
- Engine connecting rods and crankshaft (25V274000), 2021-2022 with the 6.2 V8. Manufacturing defects in these parts can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Diesel transmission control valve (24V797000, followed by 26V083000), 2020-2022 diesels. The valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
- Air bag module (21V495000), 2021, and sensing diagnostic module left in manufacturing mode (22V873000), 2022. Both affect air bag performance.
Chevy Silverado problems owners report most
2015 to 2017: Service brakes lead in 2015 (383) and 2016 (266), and the complaint text often mentions the brake pedal. Steering is also high in 2015. From 2016, transmission and shifting complaints grow, along with "shudder" and vibration, and power train becomes the top component in 2017.
2018: The lowest total in the span (522). Power train leads, and the text centers on the transmission and shifting.
2019 to 2022: Engine is the top component every year (383, 251, 399 and 257). In the text, "lifter" is a frequent word from 2019 to 2021, and transmission and shifting complaints remain common. Engine knock or ticking and valve-related words show up more in 2020-2022. The lifter theme is not the subject of a recall in this data; the 6.2 V8 connecting rod and crankshaft campaign is the closest engine recall, and it applies only to that engine.
Silverado 1500 MPG and specs by engine
EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov for standard pickup versions (cab-chassis, Trail Boss, ZR2 and mud-terrain listings excluded). Ranges cover the trims listed.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | 2WD city / hwy / combined | 4WD combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 (gas or E85) | 2015-2018 | 6-speed auto | 16-18 / 21-24 / 18-20 | 18-19 |
| 5.3L V8 | 2015-2018 | 6- or 8-speed auto | 15-16 / 20-23 / 17-19 | 17-18 |
| 6.2L V8 | 2015-2018 | 8-speed auto | 15 / 21 / 17 | 17 |
| 2.7L turbo four | 2019-2022 | 8-speed auto | 19-20 / 22-23 / 20-21 | 18-20 |
| 4.3L V6 | 2019-2021 | 6-speed auto | 16 / 21 / 17 | 17 |
| 5.3L V8 | 2019-2022 | 6-, 8- or 10-speed auto | 14-17 / 19-24 / 16-20 | 16-19 |
| 6.2L V8 (premium) | 2019-2022 | 10-speed auto | not listed | 16-18 |
| 3.0L diesel six | 2020-2022 | 10-speed auto | 23 / 31-33 / 26-27 | 23-25 |
The EPA lists premium fuel for the 6.2 from 2018. The diesel is the efficiency pick, especially on the highway.
Is any Chevrolet factory warranty left?
Chevrolet's warranty page describes bumper-to-bumper coverage of 3 years or 36,000 miles and says powertrain coverage typically lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. On a 2015-2021 truck these have almost certainly expired. A low-mileage 2022 that went into service late may still have some powertrain coverage. Ask the seller for the in-service date and confirm the terms for that model year with a Chevrolet dealer. Recall repairs are free at a Chevrolet dealer regardless of warranty.
Texas notes for Silverado owners
Heat. A full-size truck parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date; on 2019-2020 trucks, confirm the battery cable recall. My used cars and Texas heat guide has the full list. fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips.
I-35 commuting. Most Silverado V8s rate 16 to 20 combined. If the truck is mostly a commuter between Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio, the 2.7 turbo or the diesel rate better on paper.
Towing. If you tow, the brake campaigns on 2015-2018 trucks, the driveshaft campaign on 2019-2020 and the diesel transmission valve campaign on 2020-2022 come first. Check the hitch, wiring and brake controller, and confirm the tow rating for that exact configuration in Chevrolet's specifications for the model year and on the door-jamb label rather than a listing.
Emissions counties. TCEQ requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Diesel vehicles are not tested. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my inspection and emissions guide.
Best years: the Silverados I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully
My opinion, based only on the data shown here.
Years I would shortlist
- 2018 Silverado 1500. The fewest complaints in the span (522), the fewest crash complaints (10), and seven campaigns. Confirm the brake vacuum pump and roof-rail air bag campaigns, several of which are recent.
- 2022 Silverado 1500. The fewest recall campaigns (6). Engine complaints still lead, so I would want service records and a mechanic's listen at cold start, and on a 6.2 or diesel, proof the engine and transmission campaigns are done.
- 2017 Silverado 1500. Seven campaigns and fewer brake complaints than 2015-2016, though transmission complaints grow. A reasonable older option with a careful test drive.
Years I would check extra carefully
- 2015 Silverado 1500. The most complaints of the earlier design (1,193), the most crash complaints (61), and service brakes leading by a wide margin. Confirm the brake pedal, vacuum pump and power steering campaigns.
- 2019 Silverado 1500. The first year of the newer design, 1,103 complaints and engine complaints at 383, with frequent lifter mentions.
- 2021 Silverado 1500. The highest engine complaint count in the span (399). On a 6.2, the connecting rod and crankshaft campaign is essential.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used Silverado 1500
Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist.
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask a Chevrolet dealer for completed recalls. Re-check close to purchase, since new air bag campaigns keep appearing.
- Confirm the exact engine, transmission, axle ratio, cab and drive from the build sheet or dealer lookup.
- Test the brake pedal with the engine running and after several stops. It should be firm, and assist should not fade.
- Check the brake pedal for looseness at its pivot on 2015-2016 trucks.
- Start the engine cold with the hood open and have a mechanic listen for ticking or knocking, especially on 2019-2022 V8s.
- Drive through all gears in traffic and on the highway; note shudder, harsh shifts or hesitation.
- On 4WD trucks, engage four-wheel and auto modes and watch for warning lights.
- Look under 2019-2020 trucks at the driveshaft joints and confirm the recall repair.
- If it tows, check the hitch, wiring, and trailer brake output.
- Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery and cable connections.
- Check the title through TxDMV Title Check for salvage, flood or buyback brands.
For model data across years, see the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 car data page, and for the recall process, my guide on checking recalls before buying.
Sources
- CarEdge, Best Selling New Cars in Texas (data updated 2026-10-27)
- NHTSA recalls lookup; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05
- fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, 2015-2022 Silverado)
- fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather
- Chevrolet, Owner Warranty
- TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas
- TxDMV Title Check
Frequently asked questions
What are the best years for a used Chevy Silverado 1500?
Based on NHTSA data for 2015-2022, the 2018 has the fewest complaints (522) and the 2022 has the fewest recall campaigns (6). Neither guarantees a good truck, so inspect it and check its recall history.
What is the most common Silverado 1500 problem in NHTSA complaints?
For 2015-2016, service brakes lead. For 2017-2018, power train leads. For 2019-2022, engine leads every year, and lifters are a frequent theme in the complaint text.
Which Silverado years should I check most carefully?
The 2015 and 2019 have the highest complaint totals (1,193 and 1,103), and the 2021 has the highest engine complaint count (399). Confirm every recall and have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes.
What MPG does a used Silverado 1500 get?
On fueleconomy.gov, most V8 versions rate 16 to 20 combined, the 2.7 turbo four rates 18 to 21, and the 2020-2022 diesel rates 23 to 27.
Does a used Silverado need an emissions test in Texas?
A gasoline Silverado needs one in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, per TCEQ. Diesel vehicles are not tested.
How does the Silverado do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA lists 5 stars overall for 2015-2018. For 2019-2021, the crew cab 4WD is rated 4 stars and other cabs 5 stars; for 2022 the crew cab 4WD is 5 stars. Rollover ratings are 4 stars.
Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.
