MODEL
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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.
At MotorCaliber, we look at the Silverado 1500 through a strict safety lens, and the picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years is decidedly mixed. The best NHTSA Safety Index score we recorded is 78 out of 100, achieved in the 2025 model year, with ratings across the covered range falling into Average and Below Average bands. That is not a strong showing for one of America's most popular vehicles. Crash-test results tell a similar story of inconsistency: the best recorded figures show a solid 5 out of 5 stars on the side-impact test and respectable 4-star scores on both frontal and rollover evaluations, but those peaks do not represent every year in our window. Shoppers should check the specific model year they are considering rather than assuming the best numbers apply universally. The recall count of 41 across just six model years is notably high and demands attention before any purchase. Owner complaints total 3,721, a substantial volume that includes 82 reported crashes, 43 fire-related allegations, and 66 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the sheer number warrants scrutiny. The bottom line: the Silverado 1500 is a capable and popular truck, but its safety scorecard carries real cautions. Buyers should prioritize the 2025 model year for the strongest available safety index and verify open recalls before signing.
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.