Despite its macho resume, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has some serious problems including glitch-prone electronics and multiple recalls for fire hazards. Does the Silverado’s reputation for reliability override its problems? We consider the pros and cons.
Key Points
- The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been the subject of 10 major recalls regarding its brakes, seat belts, and possible fire hazards.
- Customers list many complaints about its jerky transmission, shuddering ride, poor visibility, stiff suspension, and difficult LATCH connectors.
- One of the most serious recalls is over the 2019 Silverado 1500’s anti-lock braking and electronic stability control, which may switch off without warning.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s Most Serious Safety Recalls Concern Malfunctioning Seat Belts and Potential Engine Fires
The Chevy Silverado is an American institution, despite its wildly inconsistent track record. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is powerful and roomy, with acceptable gas mileage for its size.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated its front crash avoidance as “Superior”. J.D. Power gave the 2019 Silverado 1500 a reliability rating of 81 out of 100. However, Chevy’s light-duty 1500 pickup truck was the subject of 10 major recalls.
One of the more serious recalls is over malfunctioning electronic braking equipment. Reportedly, the 2019 Silverado 1500’s anti-lock braking and electronic stability control systems might switch off without warning. If this happened, the warning light may not activate either.
Another recall warned that the electronic brake assist might stop working. This affected roughly a quarter (148,055) of Silverados and GMC Sierra 1500s from 2019.
The NHTSA also recalled some 2019-2020 Silverados over another seat belt issue due to malfunctioning seat belt pretensioners that may cause hot gas to vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
Also, some 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks may have an alternator issue, with a recall going out over wiring that may lose contact and cause the engine to stall and possibly create a fire.
2019 Silverado’s Structure, Safety Cage, and Headlights Rate Poorly in Crash Safety
The International Institute for Highway Safety gave an overall crash safety rating of “Marginal” for the Silverado 1500, rating the structure and safety cage poorly. Both low and high-beams reportedly produced excessive glare on all 2019 Silverado 1500 trims.
Overall, they rated the headlights on the Silverado 1500 as “Poor.”
2019 Silverado owners also note that the dashboard, including the speedometer, often displays incorrect information. The 1500 also saw many complaints about a jerky transmission and delayed gear shifts. The truck may also shudder at highway speed.
A Mixed Bag, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has a Few Serious Problems but is Overall a Quality Pickup Truck
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado racked up 10 recalls, without about half of them of serious concern. Among recalls for glitchy software are recalls for problems including a poor alternator connection that may cause a crash or fire. Plus, the pickup’s reported rough-shifting transmission is a drawback.
Along with its 10 recalls and over 300 registered complaints, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also comes with decades of Chevy’s proven reliability and high-quality vehicles. So, although its problems and recalls should be considered, the 2019 Silverado is nevertheless a quality vehicle with a solid longtime reputation as a dependable brand.
Photos: Chevrolet