Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has multiple recalls and considerable owner complaints, particularly in the power train and service brakes categories. Although issues with airbags and electrical systems are less common, buyers should still be cautious. Some areas, like suspension and visibility, have fewer complaints, but the overall data indicates some common issues. Conduct a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle you're considering doesn't exhibit these reported problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 714 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 7 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V611000 Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V487000 Missing Child Anchorage Instructions/FMVSS 225 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V256000 Upper Control Arms May Have Insufficient Welds NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 191 complaints
- Service Brakes 175 complaints
- Electrical System 123 complaints
- Engine 114 complaints
- Unknown or Other 77 complaints
- Steering 58 complaints
Of the 714 complaints on file, 36 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 714 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Vacuum pump decrease
How to check: Inspect for brake assist problems during test drive.
Wheel-speed sensor failure
How to check: Test brakes at controlled speed; look for alerts.
Roof rail airbag inflator issue
How to check: Check for any airbag recall repairs.
Control arm welds inadequate
How to check: Look for signs of suspension issues or repairs.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking.
- 02
Idle
What to check: Check for stable RPM and quiet idle.
Red flag: Rough idle or fluctuating RPM.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test braking effectiveness and smoothness.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or noisy.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth power and response.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power.
- 05
Turning
What to check: Check for suspension noise or instability.
Red flag: Creaks or unstable turn response.
- 06
Braking from speed
What to check: Listen for ABS or unusual noises.
Red flag: Grinding or excess pedal vibration.
- 07
Stopping
What to check: Ensure smooth stop and no pull.
Red flag: Pulls to one side when stopping.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any unresolved brake issues?
- Has the vacuum pump been inspected?
- Were there any suspension repairs?
- Any electrical problems or repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair history
- Maintenance records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.