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Chevrolet Silverado 1500: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2026 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2012 (85/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2012 85 · 2013 83 · 2011 76 · 2024 73

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202664/100
Too New

51 complaints · 3 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

202473/100
Buy

275 complaints · 2 recalls

202367/100
Caution

344 complaints · 3 recalls

202259/100
Caution

569 complaints · 6 recalls

202153/100
Caution

756 complaints · 8 recalls

202052/100
Caution

684 complaints · 12 recalls

201952/100
Caution

1,033 complaints · 10 recalls

201862/100
Caution

506 complaints · 7 recalls

201758/100
Caution

831 complaints · 6 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

201654/100
Caution

791 complaints · 11 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

201549/100
Caution

1,173 complaints · 11 recalls

201453/100
Caution

1,553 complaints · 6 recalls

201383/100
Buy

364 complaints · 2 recalls

201285/100
Buybest year

282 complaints · 2 recalls

201176/100
Buy

637 complaints · 4 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2012?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.