GMC Silverado Problems by Year

We compared every GMC Silverado model year from 1999–2002 using 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1999, which drew far more complaints than other Silverado years at the same age. The best years are 2002 and 2001.

4model years
47complaints
0recalls
1999worst years
2002, 2001best years

Complaints by model year

1999200020012002151499
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Silverado. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20029−40%—AirbagGood
20019−27%—BrakeAverage
2000141.4×—BrakeAverage
1999151.5×—BrakeCaution

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

Most common GMC Silverado problems

  • Brakesworst: 2000
    2655%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    613%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1999
    511%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2000
    49%
  • Air bagsworst: 2002
    36%
  • Steeringworst: 2000
    24%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2002
    24%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1999
    12%
  • Body & structureworst: 2000
    12%
  • Other / not specified
    12%
  • Suspensionworst: 2001
    12%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    12%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC Silverado should you avoid?

1999 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Silverado years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.

What is the best year for the GMC Silverado?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Silverado years at the same age, followed by 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 GMC Silverado problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (26), engine & cooling (6) and speed control & acceleration (5). Brake complaints peak in the 2000 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC Silverado had?

0 recalls across 1999–2002.

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.