Chevrolet Pickup problems

General information about Chevrolet Pickup
Chevrolet Pickup years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

Chevrolet has produced full sized pickup trucks under many nameplates and platforms. Almost all Chevrolet branded vehicles were also available under the GMC brand as well.

Full-size pickup trucks

Pre-1960 models

Chevrolet C/K

The Chevrolet C/K is a line of pickup trucks and other vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet from 1960 to 2002. It was discontinued and replaced by the Chevrolet Silverado.

Chevrolet Silverado

Introduced in 1998, the Chevrolet Silverado replaced the Chevrolet C/K as Chevrolet's flagship line of pickup trucks.

photo of Chevrolet Pickup car production

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Chevrolet Pickup model years

Common Chevrolet Pickup problems

Common Problems with Chevrolet Pickup Cars:

Erratic Dash Instrument Gauges: Some Silverado owners have reported issues with the dash instrument gauges, which can be erratic and unpredictable.

Fuel Pump Failure: The fuel pump is another component that has been known to fail in Chevrolet pickup trucks, causing the vehicle to lose power or stall.

Very Early Engine Failures: Some Silverado engines have been reported to fail prematurely, with some owners experiencing engine failure within the first 50,000 miles of ownership.

Frame Build Quality: There have been reports of poor frame build quality in some Chevrolet pickup trucks, which can lead to various issues, including rust and corrosion.

Defective In-Car Electronics: The latest Silverado models have been reported to have issues with the in-car electronics, including faulty radios, Bluetooth calls, and reverse camera problems.

4WD Position Switch Failure: Early models of the Silverado have been reported to have issues with the 4WD position switch, causing the vehicle to automatically switch between 4WD and 2WD and the Service 4WD light to come on.

Front Wheel Bearing Failure: Early Silverado models have been reported to have premature front wheel bearing failure, which can cause a growling or humming noise while driving, uneven tire wear, soft-feeling brake pedals, and an illuminated ABS warning light.

Knock Sensor Failure: The knock sensors in LS-powered GM trucks, including the Silverado, have been reported to fail, which can cause catastrophic damage to the engine.

Fire Risks: The 2019 and 2020 Silverado models have been reported to have fire risks, especially those with carpeted floors. The fire risks are due to leaking oil cooler lines and pretensioner gas that can ignite the carpeted floor in the event of a crash where the pretensioners activate.

It is important to note that these issues may not affect all Chevrolet pickup trucks and that the company has taken steps to address some of these problems, such as issuing recalls and releasing software updates. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

What years to avoid on a Chevy 1500?

2012 and 2013 Silverado Years

Within the second generation, these two are among the worst years for the Silverado 1500. Complaints covered many topics with transmission, engine, and interior accessory problems at the top of the list.

What is the most common problem with Chevy Silverado 1500?

1. 4WD Position Switch Failure. Almost every generation of Chevy Silverado has suffered various issues with the 4WD switch.

Which Silverado to stay away from?

2008 Chevy Silverado 1500

The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.

What is the most reliable year Chevy truck?

Here are some of the most dependable used Chevy pickup trucks:

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with an EcoTec3 engine that powers all its trims. ...
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. ...
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. ...
2012 Chevrolet Colorado. ...
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. ...
2016 Chevrolet Colorado.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Pickup years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Pickup cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Pickup model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Pickup model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Pickup years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Pickup car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Pickup , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Visibility problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Tires problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Pickup model years

A total of 28 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Pickup model years

There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Pickup model years

There were a total of 22 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 436 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Pickup . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Pickup vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Chevrolet Pickup 1994

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-22
Date Complaint: 2023-04-27
Crash: 1
VIN: 2GCEC19K0R1
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: The contact called on behalf of a 1994 Chevrolet GMT-400. The contact stated while driving uphill at night, she suddenly noticed that there was a vehicle at a complete stop in front of her. The contact stated that she swerved to avoid the vehicle; however, the driver's side front end of the vehicle hit the rear passenger's side bumper of the other occupied vehicle. The contact stated that the tail lights and the brake lights of the other vehicle were not engaged as they had failed. The contact stated there were no injuries sustained; however, the occupants of the vehicle were transported to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was totaled. The other vehicle was driven to the residence. There was no further information provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
Date Complaint: 2016-02-29
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING HAD TO GO OFF ROAD TO AVOID A COLLISION

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Chevrolet Pickup 2001

Date Of Incident: 2015-11-03
Date Complaint: 2015-11-04
VIN: 2GCEC19T211
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.NO BRAKES .THIS HAPPEN PULLING INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE.I HIT THE CURB PRETTY HARD

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Chevrolet Pickup 2003

Date Of Incident: 2014-12-29
Date Complaint: 2015-01-14
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET PICKUP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

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Chevrolet Pickup 1973

Date Of Incident: 1983-07-21
Date Complaint: 2014-03-30
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: MY GM PICK UP TRUCK WAS IMPACTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND UPON IMPACT THE FUEL TANK EXPLODED, BURNING MY BODY WITH 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS REQUIRING SKIN GRAFTS AND RELATED OPERATIONS TO SAVE MY LIFE. GM'S COVER UP OF THIS DESIGN FLAW HAS CAUSED ME PAIN AND AGONY AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP THAT WILL LAST MY LIFETIME. HOW IS IT THAT GM WILL RECALL TRUCKS THAT HAVE NO FATALITIES AND YET REFUSE TO RECALL THE C/K PICK UP TRUCKS THAT CONTINUE TO EXPLODE AND INCINERATE ITS OCCUPANTS? THERE ARE ESTIMATED TO BE 4, 000, 000 OF THESE TERRORIST DESIGNED PICK UP TRUCKS STILL ON OUR TAXPAYER HIGHWAYS. I DEMAND A FULL RECALL OF THESE DEFECTIVE TRUCKS BUILT BY GM BETWEEN 1973 THRU THE EARLY 1990'S. GM'S CONTINUING COVER UP KNOWLEDGE AND REFUSAL TO RECALL THESE TRUCKS IS A TERRORIST STYLE PREMEDITATED ATTEMPTED MURDER AIMED AT THE DRIVING PUBLIC. *TR

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2012-05-05
Date Complaint: 2013-08-17
VIN: 2GCEC19V121
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: MAY OF 2012 THE BRAKE LINE ON THE FRAME RAIL UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED, AUGUST 2013 BRAKE LINE FAILED IN TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME JUST AFTER A STATE INSPECTION,REPAIRED,AND ANOTHER BRAKE LINE 1 FOOT FROM THE MASTERCYLINDER ALONG THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL JUST HOURS AFTER THE LAST REPAIR, I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED TO JUST MY TRUCK FAILURE G.M. HAS KNOWN FOR SOMETIME NOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH LOW GRADE METAL BEING USED ON THEIR TRUCKS BUT IT WOULD COST TOO MUCH TO ADDRESS, SO INSTEAD THE PUBLIC SAFETY IS BEING JEOPARDIZED OVER COSTS I AM POSITIVE IF SOMEONE WOULD CHECK BRAKE RELATED CRASHES THEY WOULD BE SHOCKED AT THE RESULTS OF THE FAILURES OF THESE TRUCKS. *TR

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Chevrolet Pickup 1997

Date Of Incident: 2012-08-26
Date Complaint: 2012-11-13
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP 1500. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF FROM INSIDE *TGW

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2012-06-01
Date Complaint: 2012-08-20
Crash: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 2002 CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES FAILURE OF ABS SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS HIS GRANDSON TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE PEDAL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN. EVEN THOUGH THE ABS FAILED, THE WARNING LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. HIS GRANDSON HIT TWO VEHICLES PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY.

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Chevrolet Pickup 1999

Date Of Incident: 2010-09-01
Date Complaint: 2010-09-01
VIN: 1GCGC33F9XF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 3500 CHEVROLET PICK UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT NOTICE BY LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE LINE HAS CORROSION ON IT AND THAT'S WHAT CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER NOR CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED A SERIOUS CRASH COULD HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THE FAULTY BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

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Chevrolet Pickup 1995

Date Of Incident: 2007-10-18
Date Complaint: 2010-04-12
VIN: 1GCEK14H0SZ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET PICKUP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR BRAKE FAILURE SERVICE REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED FAILURE IN THE BRAKES LINES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST CORROSION WHICH WAS REPLACED IN 2007. RECENTLY, THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AND THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE DEFECT WITHOUT THE EXPERIENCED FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

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Chevrolet Pickup 1994

Date Of Incident: 2006-07-20
Date Complaint: 2008-08-01
VIN: 1GCEC19K0RE
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET PICKUP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY FAILED TO WORK. INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE WIPERS MAY FUNCTION PROPERLY; HOWEVER, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT USED OFTEN. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BOTH STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
Date Complaint: 2008-02-28
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 2002 CHEVY PICK UP WITH BRAKE SENSOR DEFECT. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WORKED ON 4 TIMES, AND THE BRAKE SENSOR PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. *KB

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Chevrolet Pickup 1997

Date Of Incident: 2008-01-17
Date Complaint: 2008-01-23
VIN: 1GCEK14R7VZ
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP. WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND PLACED THE GEAR INTO PARK. HE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. HE HAD TO DO THIS TWICE BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,000.

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2007-06-21
Date Complaint: 2007-06-24
VIN: 2GCEC19T121
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: ABS MODULE STAYS ON NO WARRANTY . *AK

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Chevrolet Pickup 2002

Date Of Incident: 2006-10-01
Date Complaint: 2006-10-26
VIN: 1GBJC34U82F
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE FAILURE ON CHEVY DUMP TRUCK. *NM

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Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Pickup

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Pickup.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Chevrolet Pickup 1994
Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Model: Chevrolet Pickup 1995
Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Model: Chevrolet Pickup 1996
Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Model: Chevrolet Pickup 1997
Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Model: Chevrolet Pickup 1998
Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.