CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 · model year

2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

449 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010CHEVROLETSILVERADO 1500 carries 449 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 SILVERADO 1500 is air bags with 196 filings, followed by unknown or other (43) and engine (30). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2010 SILVERADO 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

449
Complaints
10
Crashes
3
Fires
22
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

449 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS196
UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
ENGINE30
STRUCTURE:BODY30
POWER TRAIN22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
SUSPENSION9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
SEATS5
SERVICE BRAKES5
TIRES4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
STEERING4

Recalls (3)

21V05000005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally s

21V05300005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaba

21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,

Recent Complaints

20260218ENGINE

For the last couple years, I have been talking to Chevrolet GM. My engine has been replaced at 9000 miles. This motor now does not even have 100,000 miles on it. The second engine left me stranded twice coming back from a long trip. The motor shook stalled and I could not get it. Restarted once I did get it restarted the engine made a loud banging noise my truck looks practically brand new. It just sits in the driveway and looks pretty. I’m afraid to drive it because it’s gonna leave me stranded again and I have been talking with Chevrolet and he seemed to keep pushing me away and I don’t know what else to do

20260218AIR BAGS

As a safety recall, I did take the truck in for the airbag recall upon completion. I ran the codes and I have an airbag code. They’re saying that the dashboard was broken before they started. It was not. They broke it on installation of the new airbag.

20260213POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the ignition switch failed to turn over, and the catalytic converter failed and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the ignition was not repaired. Most recently, the engine displayed several fault codes. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20260213ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the ignition switch failed to turn over, and the catalytic converter failed and was replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the ignition was not repaired. Most recently, the engine displayed several fault codes. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20260106TIRES:SIDEWALL

My truck tires were bought at Costco in 2015 and had 70k Warranty or 6yrs WCF. My added truck mileage since then is 12k miles. I discovered my driver rear passenger tire go flat . I put the spare and took it to Costco for repair. Costco informed me that this is a tire defect as the tire had a side wall perforation. Tire cannot be repaired and a new replacement is required. I looked up Michelin tire recalls and found one issued in 2013 about Michelin X-Radial tires discussing this same defect but it did not include my tire size ( P245/70R17 ) . Fortunately this incident did not occur while driving at high speed.

20260103STRUCTURE:BODY

The rust damage to the frame is damaged beyond anything form just regular wear and tear and driver fault. To not be remedied is a real issue. The salt used in the roads and the material used by the car companies isn’t anything myself as a consumer could prepare for.

20250728CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 40 MPH, when the vehicle in front stopped suddenly, the contact's vehicle rear-ended the vehicle. The contact's vehicle came to a stop from the impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The paramedics were not called. Both the contact's son and the passenger sustained injuries. The contact's son was taken to an emergency care center by the girlfriend. The doctor diagnosed that the contact's son had a bruise on the right side of the ribs. And the passenger had a bruise on the back, his leg, bruised ribs, and a seat belt burned by the neck. The vehicle was towed to Auto Mill LLC. The insurance company was contacted, and pending results. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20250420ENGINE

Engine has a loud tapping sound and starting to stumble, have a collapse lifter on a 5.3L. Sell it or trade it in only wanna give me $2500 for due to the engine failure. I’ve maintained this vehicle. I work in the automotive industry change the oil every 5000 miles changed all the fluids spark plugs, brakes tires, no tears no rips, immaculate and I have a weight I’ve had it since 2012 or 2013 engine failure is not acceptable well like compensation or have it repaired?

20241226CrashAIR BAGS

I was in an accident and the truck is toatalled and the air bags did not deploy

20241023STRUCTURE:BODY

I just bought this truck in June of 2024. This was a bad dealer because he knowingly sold me the truck with severe frame damage and let me drive a dangerous truck off the lot. I cannot deem it as a total loss to have it replaced because it falls under “wear and tear”. I now have to pay for the truck for the next 5 years and don’t have the money to fix it because the quote states it will be around $13,000, which is how much he sold me the truck for. Because it is a 2010 the warranty has expired. I am completely frustrated and disappointed that there is no one to help me with this betrayal. I have read that many others who have bought GMC’s are and have had the same issues and GM refuses to recall the frames. Something needs to be done about this considering it is GM who did not apply any anti-rust or anti-corrosion to the frames on their vehicles.

20241023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I just bought this truck in June of 2024. This was a bad dealer because he knowingly sold me the truck with severe frame damage and let me drive a dangerous truck off the lot. I cannot deem it as a total loss to have it replaced because it falls under “wear and tear”. I now have to pay for the truck for the next 5 years and don’t have the money to fix it because the quote states it will be around $13,000, which is how much he sold me the truck for. Because it is a 2010 the warranty has expired. I am completely frustrated and disappointed that there is no one to help me with this betrayal. I have read that many others who have bought GMC’s are and have had the same issues and GM refuses to recall the frames. Something needs to be done about this considering it is GM who did not apply any anti-rust or anti-corrosion to the frames on their vehicles.

20241023ENGINE

I just bought this truck in June of 2024. This was a bad dealer because he knowingly sold me the truck with severe frame damage and let me drive a dangerous truck off the lot. I cannot deem it as a total loss to have it replaced because it falls under “wear and tear”. I now have to pay for the truck for the next 5 years and don’t have the money to fix it because the quote states it will be around $13,000, which is how much he sold me the truck for. Because it is a 2010 the warranty has expired. I am completely frustrated and disappointed that there is no one to help me with this betrayal. I have read that many others who have bought GMC’s are and have had the same issues and GM refuses to recall the frames. Something needs to be done about this considering it is GM who did not apply any anti-rust or anti-corrosion to the frames on their vehicles.

20241016POWER TRAIN

GM 3.0 diesel engine has a coolant control valve that fails putting the vehicle into a reduced power mode causing the vehicle to have significantly reduced acceleration and putting the engine fan at full to reduce engine heat. When stopped, the engine had been running very hot as you can hear the popping from the metal as it cools off. The part to repair this issue is 40009158 and is being replaced by 40009452. This part is on a nationwide backorder with hundreds on the waiting list just at this time for a repair and no clear picture of when parts will become available. Many other cases have been reported since 2021 for the same issue with the 3.0 GM Duramax engine with engine code/styles LM2 & LZO.

20241016ENGINE

GM 3.0 diesel engine has a coolant control valve that fails putting the vehicle into a reduced power mode causing the vehicle to have significantly reduced acceleration and putting the engine fan at full to reduce engine heat. When stopped, the engine had been running very hot as you can hear the popping from the metal as it cools off. The part to repair this issue is 40009158 and is being replaced by 40009452. This part is on a nationwide backorder with hundreds on the waiting list just at this time for a repair and no clear picture of when parts will become available. Many other cases have been reported since 2021 for the same issue with the 3.0 GM Duramax engine with engine code/styles LM2 & LZO.

20240826STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame is rusted out at the cross member where the shocks Mount

20240701AIR BAGS

My trailer brake service light is on and my trailer brakes don’t work . That’s about all I can think of and haven’t been able to figure out the fix.

20240701SERVICE BRAKES

My trailer brake service light is on and my trailer brakes don’t work . That’s about all I can think of and haven’t been able to figure out the fix.

20240701ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My trailer brake service light is on and my trailer brakes don’t work . That’s about all I can think of and haven’t been able to figure out the fix.

20240529STRUCTURE:BODY

Just told by car repair shop; dealer; and frame and body shop that the 2010 Silverado truck we paid $20, 000 for 2-1/2 years ago has a frame that is rotted. All professionals mentioned it is a design flaw GM was aware of. The 2010, however, was not part of their recall. What can we do to seek restitution for this vehicle that now is worth $800 to a scrap yard?

20240502ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable, and the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after 20-seconds on all occasions. The traction control, stabili-trak, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,300.

Mileage: 176,300

Compare 2010CHEVROLETSILVERADO 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 have?
The 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 has 449 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 3 fires, 22 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500?
Yes, the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 is AIR BAGS with 196 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.