MODEL
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 69. 44 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck, one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, aimed squarely at buyers who need a capable workhorse for towing, hauling, and daily driving. It competes at the heart of the brutally contested half-ton truck segment against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, appealing to both commercial users and families who want truck utility without sacrificing comfort.
A NHTSA Safety Index score of 78 out of 100, achieved by the 2025 model year, represents the highest safety rating for the Silverado 1500 across its 2019 to 2025 model years. Other model years in this range fall into the Average and Below Average bands, indicating an inconsistent safety profile for the vehicle. NHTSA crash-test results for the Silverado 1500 corroborate this mixed performance. While certain model years earned 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection and 4 out of 5 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance, these top scores are not universal. Prospective buyers must consult specific year data for precise ratings as they vary. The recall record for the Silverado 1500 is substantial, with 41 recalls issued across these six model years. This volume necessitates a thorough review of any specific vehicle's recall status. Owner complaints number 3,721, a significant figure. These complaints include 82 reported crashes, 43 fire-related allegations, and 66 reported injuries. While these are unverified reports, their sheer quantity points to areas requiring further investigation. For those considering a Silverado 1500 from this generation, the 2025 model year offers the strongest safety index. Verifying open recalls is a critical step prior to any purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Silverado 1500 for its strong towing capability, comfortable ride, and broad powertrain options, positioning it as a competitive and well-rounded full-size truck. Most acknowledge it trails some rivals in certain areas of refinement, but overall professional opinion tends to be favorable toward its real-world truck utility and improved interior quality in recent generations.
- The Silverado 1500 earned its best NHTSA Safety Index score of 78 out of 100 in the 2025 model year, with earlier years in the 2019 to 2025 window falling into Average or Below Average bands. Always check the score for the specific model year you are considering.
- With 41 recalls across just six model years, the Silverado 1500 carries an above-average recall burden. Before purchasing any used or new example, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all outstanding safety campaigns have been completed.
- Owner complaints across the covered years total 3,721, including 82 reported crashes, 43 fire-related allegations, and 66 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the volume is high relative to the segment and deserves serious consideration during the buying process.
- The best available crash-test results show a 5-star side-impact rating, but frontal and rollover protection peak at 4 stars. Full-size trucks carry an inherent rollover risk due to their higher center of gravity, making it important to confirm that your target model year includes electronic stability control as standard equipment.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 12 recalls.