Chevrolet Pickup Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet Pickup model year from 1995–2003 using 379 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1995, 1997 and 1996, which drew far more complaints than other Pickup years at the same age. The best years are 2003, 2002 and 2001.

9model years
379complaints
0recalls
1995, 1997worst years
2003, 2002best years

Complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120022003796075503932171710
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Pickup. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200310−76%—BrakeGood
200217−65%—BrakeGood
200117−60%—Wheel & TireGood
200032−27%—BrakeAverage
199939typical—BrakeAverage
1998501.4×—BrakeAverage
1997752.1×—BrakeAvoid
1996601.7×—Window & WiperCaution
1995792.1×—Window & WiperAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Pickup year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Chevrolet Pickup problems

  • Brakesworst: 1997
    10528%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    7319%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2000
    4612%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1998
    308%
  • Steeringworst: 1997
    277%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1996
    257%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1996
    236%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 1997
    205%
  • Suspensionworst: 1997
    154%
  • Seatsworst: 1995
    144%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1999
    133%
  • Body & structureworst: 1997
    123%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    92%
  • Lightsworst: 1998
    92%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1999
    92%
  • Other / not specified
    72%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1997
    41%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1995
    21%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1997
    21%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Pickup should you avoid?

1995, 1997 and 1996 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Pickup years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 1995.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Pickup?

2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Pickup years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Chevrolet Pickup problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (105), windows, wipers & sunroof (73) and wheels & tires (46). Brake complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Pickup had?

0 recalls across 1995–2003.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.