The Lemon IndexAll cars · Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Chevrolet Silverado.
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is better than average by owner complaints: 442 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 75, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 16 to 19 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Silverado year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,191 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Silverado year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 64K miles on the car (493 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 16K–100K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 3K–44K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–36K miles
Recalls 10
- tires 2021
The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
- tires 2021
The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
- tires 2021
The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Show all 10 recalls
- seat belts 2020
The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
- brakes 2020
These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).
- brakes 2019
Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled.
- electrical 2019
The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
- seat belts 2019
When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
- airbags 2018
The passenger-side frontal air bag module may have been damaged during assembly, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly in the event of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 2012 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 18319 - Service Update
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Service esc,service trailer braking system, brake system failure 62mph top speed and a check engine light. Have another appointment at dealer after recall for esc brake module has been performed
2019 Chevrolet Silverado owner · NHTSA complaint 11297249
More owner reports
Took truck in for recall to reprogram brake system software informed I have one of the 'few' trucks that will no accept update and apparently working to find solution
NHTSA complaint 11296757
When shifting from reverse to drive the transmission makes a hard slamming sound. It also shutters when driving 70 mph. The dealer told me itâs normal.
NHTSA complaint 11421505
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 75; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Silverado year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (30%), transmission & drivetrain (27%) and electrical (24%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado have?
10 safety recalls (latest: tires). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado get?
16 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Chevrolet Silverado problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 64,000 miles. The middle report was at 15,000 miles, from 493 complaints.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 27% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Silverado year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works