Chevrolet Silverado Structure Problems
Owners have filed 490 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Chevrolet Silverado across 22 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (94). The words owners use most often: “tailgate cable” (8% of reports).
- 490structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 21mention a crash
- 36mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tailgate cable: mentioned in 37 of 490 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 311 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 490 complaints, 21 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 36 an injury.
Chevrolet Silverado structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Silverado | 6 | 5% | 3,000 |
| 2015 Silverado | 3 | 4% | 4,900 |
| 2014 Silverado | 16 | 13% | 3,302 |
| 2013 Silverado | 9 | 14% | 12,000 |
| 2012 Silverado | 14 | 21% | 30,763 |
| 2011 Silverado | 15 | 20% | 43,000 |
| 2010 Silverado | 12 | 19% | 58,000 |
| 2009 Silverado | 14 | 18% | 52,500 |
| 2008 Silverado | 14 | 9% | 50,000 |
| 2007 Silverado | 23 | 13% | 60,000 |
| 2006 Silverado | 6 | 3% | 34,500 |
| 2005 Silverado | 11 | 3% | 42,021 |
| 2004 Silverado | 25 | 4% | 35,661 |
| 2003 Silverado | 19 | 3% | 31,250 |
| 2002 Silverado | 36 | 5% | 49,950 |
| 2001 Silverado | 53 | 6% | 47,250 |
| 2000 Silverado | 94 | 7% | 54,000 |
| 1999 Silverado | 84 | 5% | 95,500 |
| 1998 Silverado | 10 | 4% | 70,000 |
| 1997 Silverado | 7 | 3% | 105,983 |
| 1996 Silverado | 8 | 4% | 13,131 |
| 1995 Silverado | 11 | 4% | 291,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 1999, 2000
Problem: Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
Risk: If one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position.
Fix: Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during april 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
2008 chevrolet 1500. Consumer writes in regard to passenger side airbag inflation issue and severe rusting to the entire frame. The consumer is requesting the truck to be repaired/replaced or providing a truck where this problem does not exist.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while entering their vehicle after a rainstorm, they noticed water leaking into the interior of the rear section of the vehicle. A puddle of water was on the floor. The contact stated the water seems to be seeping into the interior…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, water started to leak near the driver's sun visor. The vehicle was taken to woodruff chevrolet located at (6007 sc-101, woodruff, sc 29388), where it was diagnosed with needing antenna to be replaced. The…
Paint seems to chip and peel extremely easily, especially from the front bumper
Takata recall total loss non repairable
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Silverados have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 490 owner complaints about structure for the Chevrolet Silverado. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Silverado structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Chevrolet Silverado?
The most frequent phrase is “tailgate cable”, in 37 of 490 complaints.
Other Chevrolet Silverado problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (2,302)
- Power Train problems (743)
- Electrical System problems (711)
- Service Brakes problems (706)
- Steering problems (533)
- Visibility problems (486)
- Air Bags problems (478)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (459)
See all Chevrolet Silverado problems.