Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 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

201822 complaints vs. 127 typical
201924 complaints vs. 105 typical
202028 complaints vs. 112 typical
202227 complaints vs. 103 typical
200739 complaints vs. 98 typical

Most complaints for their age

200986 complaints vs. 82 typical
201064 complaints vs. 62 typical
2011104 complaints vs. 105 typical
2014134 complaints vs. 149 typical
201390 complaints vs. 102 typical

Every year

Year	Complaints	Typical that year	Compared
2007	39	98	Below average
2009	86	82	About average
2010	64	62	About average
2011	104	105	About average
2012	91	106	About average
2013	90	102	About average
2014	134	149	About average
2015	134	178	About average
2016	61	131	Below average
2017	139	245	Below average
2018	22	127	Below average
2019	24	105	Below average
2020	28	112	Below average
2021	40	74	Below average
2022	27	103	Below 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.