NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 50 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A park-outside recall campaign mars the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's otherwise strong safety profile. This single, critical recall contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, positioning it in our "Strong" band. The score also reflects solid crash-test performance, alongside the inclusion of standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks 64 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 50 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 64 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The 2026 Silverado 1500 enters the market with three active recall campaigns, one of which carries a "park outside" or "do not drive" serious designation for four-wheel-drive variants, tied to the transfer case. This recall stands as a critical factor for prospective buyers of a vehicle still in its initial sales cycle. This specific model year shows a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, a two-point increase from the 2025 model's 78, moving it into the "Strong" safety band. This improvement is largely attributed to a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, the highest-weighted component in the Index. The side crash test results in a 5 out of 5 star rating. The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects the inconsistent availability of forward collision warning, listed as both standard and optional depending on trim. This configuration leaves some buyers without the complete suite of safety technologies. The defect record sub-score is 14 out of 20, directly influenced by the three recall campaigns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Silverado 1500 earned a 5-star rating for side-impact protection from NHTSA, its highest mark. This strong performance contributed to an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the vehicle. In frontal crash tests, the Silverado 1500 also achieved 4 stars. Rollover protection was rated at 4 stars, with a 20 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21857
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The most urgent is a powertrain transfer case recall designated as a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, meaning owners should not garage the vehicle until the remedy is complete. Two additional recalls address owners and service manual documentation deficiencies across multiple GM models.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)26V289000
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recal
Reported 2026-05-07
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL25V815000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 25, 2025.
Reported 2025-11-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Fifty unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components cited are the Engine with 29 alleged reports, followed by the Electrical System and Unknown or Other categories each with 10, and the Powertrain with 6. None of these are established facts.
50 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
A critical active recall requires owners to park this vehicle outside due to fire risk. Before purchase, any shopper must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm the transfer case remedy has been completed. A dealer-prepared vehicle should not be assumed to have all open campaigns resolved.
- The 2026 model year carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the transfer case on four-wheel-drive variants, the most urgent safety action specific to this year.
- The Safety Index rose two points to 80 out of 100 compared to the 2025 model's 78, crossing from the Average band into the Strong band, driven primarily by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70.
- The side crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the standout result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each came in at 4 stars with a 20 percent rollover risk.
- Fifty unverified consumer allegations have already been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with 29 of those citing the Engine as the affected component, a concentration worth monitoring as the model year matures.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 places
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 safety questions
Was the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 50 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Silverado 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21857), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 64 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.