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2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering vacuum and wheel speed sensor/tone ring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission and torque converter failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #19V645000 · Jun 9, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Campaign #19V761000 · Oct 24, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP

Campaign #17V487000 · Mar 8, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The owner's manual for the affected vehicles may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk: If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 17307.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Campaign #16V256000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

Risk: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

69 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“Vehicle would not shift through gears while driving. Torque converter shudder. Dealer found excessive metal in trans pan. Had to replace transmission. Vehicle had 107, 000 miles. Almost $5700 to replace transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752385
“Torque converter clutch failed and sent metal chips through the transmission causing the transmission to fall and made the truck not drivable. The check engine light came on a few hours before the transmission finally gave out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750249
“The transmission lost every gear but 1st, 2nd. I was driving it down the highway when it lost the gear putting myself, other motor vehicles, and pedestrians safety at risk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614865

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake system service warning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“Trailer brake service message appears on dash and integrated trailer brake will not work. While towing heavy load system stopped working. Took to dealer. was told there was a bad wire in harness”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589487
“While towing a 22ft trailer from Virginia to Washington state, there were several moments where the “service trailer braking system” alert would appear on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618248

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine lifter and camshaft failure (AFM)

ENGINE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“At 54,900K miles my truck started to experience a tapping sound from the engine. I took it to a shop and was told that the Auto Fuel Management system can cause problems with the lifters”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712615
“My truck is a 2017, but only has 46,000 miles on it. The engine light came on and it started banding loudly. I lost power and it would not go over 30 miles per hour. The dealer informed me the lifter failed and destroyed the cam shaft”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644590
“Our 2017 High Country 1500 Chevy Silverado is garage-kept and has very low mileage (73k). But it has the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which just caused lifter failure, thus causing catastrophic engine damage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712983

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake assist loss from vacuum pump failure

SERVICE BRAKES

23 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“Upon reversing the vehicle and apply the brake, as if in a parking lot or driveway, if pushing the brake pedal more than twice the pedal becomes hard and the vehicle becomes hard to stop without and excessive amount of force being applied to the brake pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690260
“Brakes failed. The brake assist pump disintegrated, sending metal fragments into the Motor's oil circulation system. I was able to stop the truck using both feet and applying extreme force to the pedal. The dealer identified the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595168
“The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH through a drive-thru, the brake pedal was depressed but was firm. The contact pumped the brake pedal, and the vehicle slowly responded and nearly rear-ended another vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703667

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window defroster overheating and glass shattering

VISIBILITY

18 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“After starting the vehicle. I heard a hissing noise coming from the rear of the cabin. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a large amount smoke rising from the box where the rear defroster power connects to the window”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694790
“The rear window of my 2017 Chevy Silverado exploded. I had the rear defrosters on, and they malfunctioned. I thought I smelled something hot before this happened. I am surprised this didn't cause a fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698915
“Rear window drefroster began smoking. Pulled over and exited truck noticed defroster was glowing red. Window then shattered. This is a power slide window. Drivers side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571232

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical shutdown with Stabilitrak warnings

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“When driving all gauges go to zero, truck doesn’t illuminate which gear it’s in, warning lights come on (service 4WD, service stabilitrak, service traction control, reduced power steering, service traction control, service trailer brake system )”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692403
“Engine shuts down on its own causing steering wheel to jerk and almost locks preventing control. Has been doing this for three weeks and is now getting much worse. Seems to do when making slow speed sharp turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615612
“Every few minutes there would be a "stabilitrak" message showing on the driving information area. Then in slower speeds my dashboard screen would blank out and then go back to CarPlay”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683378

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake caliper seizure and drag

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“I was driving around today and my front brakes are not fully releasing. Brakes are hot and do not feel comfortable driving with this issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730880
“The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH and then attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle started pulling to the left, indicating the passenger’s side brake caliper had seized”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607903
“The contact husband noticed that there was smoke coming from the front driver's side brakes and the brake calipers and the front driver's side tire was significantly hot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574241

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 7, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 7, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

204 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

49

complaints mentioning a crash

15

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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