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Is a Chevy Silverado safe?

The Chevy Silverado is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its capability and durability. When it comes to safety, the Silverado has consistently performed well in crash tests and offers a range of advanced safety features to help protect drivers and passengers.

Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance

The Chevy Silverado has earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In NHTSA crash tests, the Silverado has received a 5-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. The IIHS has also given the Silverado a "Good" rating, the organization's top score, in their various crash test evaluations. These ratings indicate that the Silverado is designed to provide excellent protection in the event of a collision.

Safety Features

The Chevy Silverado comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:

Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect an impending collision and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.

Forward Collision Alert: This feature warns the driver of a potential front-end collision, allowing them to take evasive action.

Lane Departure Warning: This system alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, helping to prevent accidents.

Rear Vision Camera: This camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to maneuver and park.

Airbags: The Silverado is equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

These advanced safety features, combined with the Silverado's robust construction, contribute to its overall safety performance and help protect drivers and passengers.

Conclusion

In summary, the Chevy Silverado is a safe and reliable full-size pickup truck. Its strong safety ratings, advanced safety features, and robust construction make it a good choice for those seeking a capable and secure vehicle. Drivers can feel confident in the Silverado's ability to protect them and their passengers in the event of a collision.

How safe is a Chevy Silverado?

NHTSA and IIHS Safety Scores
The 2025 Silverado 1500 got moderately high ratings from the IIHS. It scored "Good" in many important tests. It also got an "Advanced" rating for pedestrian crash prevention, showing Chevrolet's dedication to road safety.

Which Silverado to stay away from?

You should be wary of the 2014, 2015, and 2017 model years, as well as earlier models from 2007-2011, due to numerous reported problems. Common issues include transmission problems, air conditioning failures, and excessive oil consumption.
Specific model years to be cautious of

2007–2011: These early GMT900 models are known for Active Fuel Management (AFM) system problems, leading to oil consumption and costly engine repairs.
2014: This model year saw the highest number of complaints, with issues including transmission problems, electrical faults (like the infotainment screen), and air conditioning failures.
2015: Another year with significant recalls and complaints, particularly involving transmission and suspension issues.
2017: This model is frequently cited for major transmission problems, including rough shifts, jerks, and hard shifts.

Other potential issues to consider

Some earlier models (2001-2005) may have poor safety ratings and inconsistent reliability.
The 2012-2013 models also experienced issues with engines and transmissions.
More recent models may have their own set of potential issues, such as the 2024 model having a lower-than-average predicted reliability, according to some sources.

Which truck is safest in a crash?

The safest trucks in a crash, based on safety ratings and crash tests, include the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, 2025 Ford F-150, 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2025 Ram 2500 are also highlighted for heavy-duty models. Safety features like advanced airbags, reinforced frames, and driver-assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are key factors in their high safety scores.
Top-rated trucks

2024 Toyota Tacoma: Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, rebuilt on the new TNGA-F platform for 2024, and received perfect scores in all side-impact categories from the NHTSA.
2025 Ford F-150: Has top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, featuring a reinforced frame, military-grade aluminum construction, and advanced airbags.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Received a perfect five-star overall score from the NHTSA, indicating top performance in crash tests.
2021 Honda Ridgeline: Received top ratings in crashworthiness, including high marks for side and roof strength, and scored "superior" in front crash prevention.
2025 Toyota Tundra: Achieves "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, supported by strong and sturdy construction and effective airbags.
2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2025 Ram 2500: Named the best heavy-duty trucks for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.

Key safety features

Structural integrity: Reinforced frames and crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy.
Driver assistance: Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring help prevent collisions.
Airbag systems: Advanced airbag systems provide comprehensive protection for occupants in various crash scenarios.
Electronic stability: Systems like electronic stability control, traction control, and rollover prevention help maintain stability.

What is the #1 safest vehicle?

There is no single "number one" safety-rated vehicle; safety ratings are categorized by vehicle type and a vehicle's overall safety score depends on its performance in crash tests and its standard safety features. However, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mazda3, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius all received top "Top Safety Pick+" ratings from the IIHS and 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. Many other models also earned high marks in their respective categories.
Top-rated vehicles for 2025

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.
2025 Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback): Also received both a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.
2025 Toyota Camry: Both the standard and hybrid models are rated as 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star from the NHTSA.
2025 Toyota Prius: Achieved a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Ford Mustang Mach-E: This electric SUV earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
Honda Accord: The hybrid model is highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as one of the safest cars with a 9.8/10 safety score, along with standard safety features like traffic-jam assist and forward-collision warning.

How to choose

Check the official ratings: Consult the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the latest ratings on the specific models you are interested in.
Consider vehicle type: Safety ratings are often broken down by vehicle type, such as small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
Prioritize specific safety features: Some ratings, like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, require specific optional equipment to achieve the highest ratings.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.