The Chevy Silverado is one of the most popular pickups on the market today. But some consumers are reluctant to buy a used one, as some model years have been plagued by many maintenance issues. Which models are considered the worst in terms of reliability? Let’s look at the 2004, 2007 and 2009 versions and see what each has had issues with.
2004 Chevy Silverado
According to CarComplaints.com, this model year had the most problems of all, but a good portion of the complaints filed were about the vehicle’s electronics. One of the most common problems reported had to do with the speedometer. Owners were unhappy that the speedometer was giving an inaccurate reading.
In total, 61 people (who reported to CarComplaints) had the problem, and the average mileage that happened was 64,000 miles. One owner claimed he got a speeding ticket because of it, and even the officer issuing the ticket noticed it said 5 mph even though the truck wasn’t moving.
Other indicators also gave owners problems. These include gas, oil and battery gauges, which would not reflect actual levels. Those who updated their complaints with a resolution said they had replaced the digital instrument cluster for $600.
Steering column noises were another frequent problem. Those who experienced it complained of hearing banging noises coming from this area without any warning. Many owners just lived there, but some looked for answers only to find a steering column bearing to blame. Once replaced, to the tune of $188, the noise went away.
2007 Chevy Silverado
This model year saw an oil consumption problem that affected the 5.3 liter V8 engines. A total of about 78 complaints were posted on the site with an average mileage of 66,000. The owners reported that they started noticing that the truck would eat about a quart of oil every 2,000 miles. Some said it was a quarter every 500-1,000 miles, though.
Some of these people were told it was normal for so many kilometers (100,000 miles or less) while some were told they needed a new engine. It cost one driver $4,500 to replace, but another owner reported paying only $200 for a new valve cover. In one case, a driver posted that they had other damage due to the oil consumption issue.
Another common problem that was reported from this annual mode was the speakers not working. The problem would happen randomly and affect any of the speakers at any given time. The average mileage for the faulty speaker problem was 68,000 miles.
This was an ongoing problem, with many of the owners affected by it. Replacing the stereo for $190 didn’t even solve the problem for some owners.
Other problems reported for this model were cracks in the dashboard, battery draining, and the electrical system dying while the owner was driving the truck.
2009 Chevy Silverado
The 2009 Silverado was plagued with the same engine problem as the 2007 version with the oil consumption deal. With this model, 45 complaints were posted on the site and another 6 reported to NHTSA. This time, the average mileage of the trucks that experienced it was about 76,000 miles.
The symptoms mirrored the same as the 2007 model regarding the vehicle using a quart of oil every 500-2000 miles. Some owners had to replace the pistons and rings, which reportedly cost about $4,200 in total. One driver received $9,000 for a new engine and another $2,000 fee for labor to install it.
A service bulletin issued in 2012 confirms the oil consumption problem; however, it states that if the engine has an active fuel management system, the problem is caused by the fuel management system pressure relief valve.
To fix the problem, a technician should install a baffle over the valve and make sure the pistons and rings are working properly.
The Chevy Silverado isn’t a bad pickup, but there are a few model years to avoid. This would include the 2004 model for its electrical issues and 2007/2009 for the oil consumption issues.
