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As a full-size pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado 1500 has typically enjoyed a certain level of popularity. Although it usually falls behind the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 in sales, the Chevy Silverado attracts loyal followers. But, for the 2019 model, this full-size truck has some serious issues. 

Is the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the 2019 Chevy Silverado looks to be fairly problematic. It has a variety of recalls issued. Including recalls for fire hazards and brake failure. It isn’t unusual for a truck to have recalls, but this one has 10 major ones. And that seems pretty high for a flagship vehicle. 

A 2019 Chevy Silverado is displayed at an auto show.
Chevy Silverado 1500 | Bill Pugliano via Getty Images

Perhaps the brake issue is the most serious recall facing the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500. Apparently, the anti-lock braking and electronic stability control can switch off without warning. Some owners have even reported the brakes locking up while driving at highway speeds. And that is definitely something that you don’t want to have happen. 

It might be best to avoid this Chevy truck

If you are interested in a used truck, avoiding the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 might be the right call. According to Vehicle History, this can be a reliable pickup. But it does seem like dealing with the recalls and other problems could get annoying in the long haul. 

It does make sense that the 2019 Silverado 1500 has so many recalls. It is the first model year for the fourth-gen Silverado. It rides on the new GMT T1XX platform, making it basically an all-new truck. Although updates like this are extremely exciting for truck enthusiasts, working out the kinks can take some time once production is ramped up. 

Of course, recalls are fixed for free by the manufacturer. So when it comes to fixing them, the biggest hassle is finding the time. Other than that, it looks like annual maintenance costs can be slightly higher than other trucks. But not by a significant margin. 

What is the best used Chevy Silverado 1500?

Chevy has a reputation for making reliable trucks, but the best Silverado 1500 might be the second generation. Models from 2011 to 2014 offers a good mix of value and reliability. Plus, because they are toward the end of this generation, a lot of the issues have been fixed. You also get a decent level of modern features, such as infotainment. 

A 2014 Chevy Silverado can be a reliable full-size truck.
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Christopher Evans via Getty Images

At the end of the day, the best truck is the one that fits your budget and your lifestyle. And overall, most Chevy Silverado models rank well in terms of reliability. They are often on par with more popular full-size trucks like the Ford F-150. So that should add to your peace of mind. 

In fact, according to J.D. Power, some Chevy Silverado models outrank the Ram 1500 in terms of reliability. But it does fall short of the Toyota Tundra, one of the most reliable trucks on the market.

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