Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD best and worst years

Each year is compared with the typical (middle) complaint count of the heavy-duty trucks we cover from the same model year, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Comparing within a year is fairer than one overall ranking, because older trucks have had more time to collect complaints.

Fewest complaints for their age

201853 complaints vs. 127 typical
201974 complaints vs. 105 typical
2017178 complaints vs. 245 typical
202295 complaints vs. 103 typical
2020108 complaints vs. 112 typical

Most complaints for their age

2007204 complaints vs. 98 typical
2011179 complaints vs. 105 typical
2009137 complaints vs. 82 typical
2015258 complaints vs. 178 typical
201083 complaints vs. 62 typical

Every year

Year	Complaints	Typical that year	Compared
2007	204	98	Above average
2009	137	82	Above average
2010	83	62	Above average
2011	179	105	Above average
2012	121	106	About average
2013	115	102	About average
2014	164	149	About average
2015	258	178	Above average
2016	128	131	About average
2017	178	245	Below average
2018	53	127	Below average
2019	74	105	Below average
2020	108	112	About average
2021	86	74	About average
2022	95	103	About average

Years not listed are too new to compare fairly, have too few trucks to compare against, or NHTSA lumps them in with other trucks.

What each generation is known for

2007–2010
6.6L Duramax LMM diesel and 6.0L V8 gas
Airbag recalls top the complaints; idler and pitman arm wear and cracked dashes are common; the Duramax LMM is well regarded.
2011–2014
6.6L Duramax LML diesel and 6.0L V8 gas
The Duramax LML's high-pressure fuel pump is the costliest risk; DEF and NOx sensor repairs and airbag recalls are common.
2015–2019
6.6L Duramax diesel (LML 2015–2016, L5P 2017–2019) and 6.0L V8 gas
2015–2016 diesels carry the fuel pump risk; the 2017+ L5P has far fewer fuel pump complaints; trailer brake warnings are common.
2020–2026
6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and 6.6L V8 gas
The 10-speed transmission is the most reported problem, with a valve body recall on 2020–2022 diesels; trailer brake warnings are common.

Read this before deciding. Complaint counts aren't reliability scores. Best-selling trucks collect more complaints simply because more are on the road, and one widely reported problem (or a recall) can drive a year's numbers. The condition and history of the specific truck you're looking at matter more than its year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and bring our inspection checklist.