NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 706 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2017 Silverado 1500 draws the most complaints around the powertrain and brakes. On the transmission side, owners frequently report a torque converter shudder, often describing a vibration felt during light acceleration or cruising, along with rough or hesitant shifting, particularly during deceleration as the transmission hunts between gears. Several owners note the shudder returning after fluid changes or torque converter replacement, suggesting the issue can recur across higher mileage. Brake complaints center on pulling during hard stops, with owners describing the truck veering sharply to one side when braking firmly, especially at highway speeds. Engine complaints are the third-largest group and include a recurring ticking or knocking noise, which owners tend to notice at startup or under load. The transmission shudder pattern is by far the most consistently described issue across this model year's complaint set.
706
Total Complaints
36
Crash-Related
12
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a front upper control arm that can separate from its bushing, causing loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
A brake-related recall affects certain trucks equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, 3.08-ratio rear axle, and four-wheel drive: a faulty sensor can trigger unintended braking on one side of the vehicle, causing it to pull sharply in that direction without warning. There is also a vacuum pump that can weaken over time, reducing brake assist and extending stopping distances. On the safety equipment side, front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to fire in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection; prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why two separate campaigns address it. Finally, some owner's manuals are missing instructions for the child seat tether and anchorage system, which can lead to improper installation and reduced protection for a child passenger in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 7 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual lacks instructions for using the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems, failing to meet federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will provide a corrected owner's manual insert at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front upper control arms may have weak welds near the bushing, which could fail during driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front upper control arms and realign the front end at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.