2019 Chevrolet Silverado: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 1,043 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 1,043
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 30
- 20 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Chevrolet Silverado: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/4
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Silverado is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 4.3L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 18–19 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 17 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 16–17 mpg |
- The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado was sold in five versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Silverado that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Early brake system failure
3,500–6,000 miles
Ground strap power steering loss
26,000–40,000 miles
Frame rust
34,000–35,000 miles
Oil cooler line leaks
36,000–65,000 miles
Harsh transmission shifting
58,000–63,000 miles
Lifter and camshaft failure
62,735–115,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission2904 crashes
Hard, erratic shifting is a common complaint, along with clunks, shudder, and lurching at stops as the torque converter locks. Dealer fluid flushes often help only for a while, and one valve body repair stalled because the part was backordered. Many filings here are actually engine failures: collapsed lifters, camshaft damage, and misfires that cut power at highway speed, usually between 58,000 and 108,000 miles. ESC and parking brake warnings often come on at the same moment. Crash reports include a front axle separating at speed and a rear differential failure that ended in a small fire.
Engine229No crashes
Collapsed lifters and scored camshafts lead the complaints on both the 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Symptoms include ticking, misfire, shaking, sudden loss of power on the highway, and "Service Parking Brake" and "Service ESC" messages. Most failures land between about 62,735 and 88,643 miles, often just after the warranty ends, and many owners face an engine rebuild or replacement. In a second pattern, oil cooler lines crack or come loose, dump the oil, and drop oil pressure to zero, sometimes seizing the engine. Three reports describe engine compartment fires with no cause found.
Oil cooler lines come loose at their crimp joints. The result is slow leaks, frequent low oil warnings, or a sudden loss of oil pressure that sprays oil under the truck. Many owners cite program N212326940 but say their VIN is not included. Lifter and camshaft failures also appear here, cutting speed to 25 to 35 mph at 79,000 to 115,000 miles, and owners point to federal investigations PE25001 and EA25007. Other reports cover heavy oil use, a cracked radiator, and one heavy-duty truck throwing sparks from the rear.
Electrical1492 crashes
Many warnings light up at once, including service brake, parking brake, ESC, and ECM, and power loss often follows. Some trucks are limited to 43 mph or get stuck in low gear. Another common complaint is a "Shift to Park" message that stays on after shutdown. Other reports describe stalling with no restart, rear wheels locking at low speed until the transmission control modules were replaced, and sudden forward lurches, one of which caused a crash. Four fire reports include a blower motor fire and a fire in a parked truck near the hitch wiring.
Brakes906 crashes
The brake pedal goes soft or sinks to the floor, power assist drops out, and the dash shows "Brake System Failure" with speed capped at 43 or 62 mph. ESC and trailer brake warnings often appear too. Some failures start in the first few thousand miles, and several owners say they came back after brake recall reprogramming. Six reports describe crashes, mostly rear-end collisions, with three injuries. Other complaints cover pads and rotors worn out early, which owners tie to a customer satisfaction program, and rear brakes locking in cold weather.
Steering701 crash
Power steering assist cuts out without warning, often at startup, along with "Service Power Steering" and "Service ESC" messages. Trailer brake and rear camera faults sometimes appear at the same time. Several owners traced the problem to a corroded body-to-frame ground strap behind the passenger front wheel, failing at 26,000 to 40,000 miles. Some brand-new trucks lost assist within a few hundred miles. The fault is often intermittent and may clear after a restart. One crash report describes the truck turning hard into a gas pump island at low speed.
Suspension204 crashes
Front upper control arm ball joints break, and the wheel folds under or comes off. The failure can take out the CV axle, tie rod end, brake lines, tire, and rim. Failures occur both in parking lots and at 70 mph while towing, with owner-reported mileages as low as 9000. Several owners cite recall 21V718 but say their VIN was not included, and some trucks had dealer-installed leveling kits. Four reports describe crashes. Other complaints include a sway bar that came off its frame mount, loose wheel bearing bolts, clunking, and repeated misalignment.
Body and structure171 crash
The rear sliding window leaks into the cab. Owners report wet carpet, a stained headliner, mildew smells, and corroded rear modules. Dealers call it a known problem and point to a service bulletin, but reseals do not always hold, and one out-of-warranty quote ran over $4000. Paint chips and peels easily, sometimes within the first few thousand miles. Several owners also report heavy frame rust, including rust-through, at around 34,000 to 35,000 miles.
Airbags1310 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious collisions, including T-bones and 45 to 55 mph impacts. Seatbelts often fail to lock in the same crashes. Ten of these reports involve crashes, and the filings list 13 injuries, including head, spine, and hand injuries. One heavy-duty truck had its curtain airbags fire while driving at 55 mph, and the driver lost control and left the road. Dealers often could not find a cause or did not inspect the vehicle.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Silverado owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The vehicle was shifting hard and eratically on the highway. All dashboard lights came on including the ESC failure warning. A misfire in cylinder 2 occurred without any warning lights causing the vehicle engine to stop running on a highway. The mechanic repair shop did a disgnostic evaluation and reported a catastrophic engine failure from cylinder 2. The engine does not run and requires full replacement. The vehicle has only 80,000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Truck lost power and began to shake while on the interstate traveling at 75 mph. The check engine light came on. The screen also displayed a message to service the ESC system and the parking brake system. The truck has been maintained at the recommended service intervals. The dealership said the lifters needed to be replaced as well as the electronic brake control module. With a cost of over $8000. The truck has 108,000 miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
Driving on a farm to market road, I passed a slow dump truck, when I let off the gas, every light on my dash came on, I lost all power and my engine started knocking. I Had 60662 miles on it. I bought it with 442 miles on it. The rod bearing went out and threw the rod thru the block. Complete engine replacement. The issue is not only on the 6.2 motors, I know many 5.3 ecotec owners that have had this issue as well as me. gm file # 9-13551227044.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
On January 1, 2025, while driving, I heard a loud bang, after which the engine began to knock. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on January 2, 2025, where I was charged over $4,000 for diagnoses. On January 9, 2025, the dealership informed me that the camshaft had broken. The truck had 130,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. I have consistently had the oil changed every 5,000 miles. In my opinion, this damage occurred prematurely.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Def pump and heater module had burned terminals. This caused failure to the def pump and heater module. This was the second instance of this happening on this truck in roughly 40,000 miles. Burned terminals can start electrical fires that are a danger to occupants and others in the vicinity. Failure of this system forces a drop in speed after so many miles that make you a danger on the road.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
When turning off the vehicle, the DIC gives an indication of Shift to Park warning. After a few minutes the beeping and warning would turn off. Started happening at 62,000 miles. Dealer looked for it April 18, 2023, could not duplicate the problem.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
I had to use my brakes hard because someone pulled in front of me. It drove fine for 10 miles afterwards on the interstate. I parked and turned the truck off but when I returned and turned the truck on the dash read ABS , Traction Control, EBS need service or failed as well as 43 miles per hour maximum speed. The power brakes do not work and the truck will not drive more then 43 mph.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
How the 2019 compares with other Silverado years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Silverado years we cover, about 2.3 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission290123
- Engine229109
- Electrical14967
- Brakes9027
- Steering7027
- Suspension203
Where the 2019 fits in the Silverado's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the first model year of the Silverado's fourth generation (2019–2023). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that Chevrolet fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.
Chevrolet updated the Silverado for 2022, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2022 (not on a 2019)
- New front-end design
- Updated interior
- New trim levels added (ZR2, Denali Ultimate)
Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V432000AirbagsJun 2025
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.
24V756000AirbagsOct 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.
23V047000Fuel systemFeb 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
21V985000Wheels and tiresDec 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. 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.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
21V496000EquipmentJul 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
21V423000Wheels and tiresJun 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212336230.
21V115000Wheels and tiresFeb 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
20V650000TransmissionOct 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
20V055000BrakesJan 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268091.
19V888000ElectricalDec 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. 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.
Risk: An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.
19V889000BrakesDec 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. 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. Furthermore, if this specific error occurs, the vehicle's diagnostics will not illuminate the instrument cluster ESC and ABS malfunction warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.
19V814000Seat beltsNov 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
19V328000EngineApr 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
18V868000AirbagsDec 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N182198820.
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