MODEL
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 we cover (2019 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 31 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup aimed squarely at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability. Sitting at the top of GM's Silverado lineup, this Class 3 workhorse serves contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who demand maximum payload and truckbed utility. It competes directly with the Ford F-350 Super Duty and Ram 3500, and its sheer size and weight capacity define its identity.
The Silverado 3500 lacks federal crash-test ratings from 2019 to 2025, leaving a significant gap in its safety assessment. Without published star ratings from NHTSA, consumers cannot evaluate its performance in simulated collisions. This absence of data also precludes the calculation of a Safety Index score for these model years. The vehicle’s recall history is extensive, with 28 campaigns issued. Two of these recalls were critical, carrying park-outside or do-not-drive advisories, indicating severe defects. These directives highlight the necessity for owners to address all outstanding recalls promptly. Owner complaints total 186. This figure includes 6 reported crashes and 5 allegations of fire. Additionally, 2 injuries and 2 deaths were reported in connection with these complaints. While these are unverified reports from the public, the number and nature of these submissions, especially those concerning fire, warrant careful consideration.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Silverado 3500 to be a highly capable heavy-duty truck with a composed ride for its class and a well-structured, functional cabin. Driving dynamics are considered competitive with segment rivals, and the available powertrain options earn praise for real-world performance. Some reviewers note that interior refinement and materials quality trail lighter-duty truck alternatives in the same price range.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the Silverado 3500 in any model year from 2019 to 2025, so there are no independent star ratings to help gauge occupant protection in a collision.
- The truck carries 28 recalls across the covered model years, including 2 park-outside or do-not-drive campaigns, the most serious recall classifications NHTSA issues. Always run a VIN check to confirm all recalls have been remedied on any specific vehicle.
- Owner complaints include 5 fire-related allegations across the coverage window. While these are unverified reports, fire hazards in a large truck are high-stakes concerns worth investigating in the context of any specific recall or complaint trend.
- With 6 reported crashes and 2 reported deaths among the 186 owner complaints on file, shoppers should review the full NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year they are considering to understand what systems or components are generating the most concern.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with 8 recalls.