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Chevrolet Silverado (5.3L)

14-19 · Chevrolet Silverado

82out of 100

America's best-selling truck with the same AFM reliability risk as the Suburban. Same fix applies.

Score breakdown

75/ 100Reliability×2.570/ 100True Annual Cost×2.070/ 100Safety×1.595/ 100Practicality×3.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

The GMT K2 Silverado 1500 with the L83 5.3L V8 is the standard full-size work truck. The engine is proven. The AFM system deactivates cylinders at highway speed and is the single point of failure to manage.

Why it's on this list

18.8% chance of reaching 250k miles. Best-in-class payload and towing at this price point. The LS-family V8 aftermarket support is unmatched. A tuned, AFM-deleted 5.3L is one of the most durable powertrains available.

The honest trade-offs

AFM lifter failure is the primary risk. Delete it proactively with a tune. NHTSA rolled the Silverado 4WD at 18.5% risk. The aluminum body on F-150 reduces weight. The steel Silverado body is more durable in minor impacts.

What to buy and what to avoid

LTZ or High Country for the better interior if it's a daily driver. Regular cab for work use. Delete AFM immediately. Avoid the 6.2L. AFM is more problematic at higher displacement and the premium fuel requirement adds $500+/yr.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,329 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$649 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$380 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,194 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,400 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,408 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,614 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
17[5]
MPG city / hwy
16 / 20[5]
Tank
24 gal[5]
Engine
L83 5.3L V8 (AFM)
Horsepower
355 hp
Torque
383 lb-ft
Seats
5
Tow capacity
11,600 lbs
Ground clearance
8.9"
Stock tires
265/65R18
Body
Truck
Rear seats
One-piece fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
19%[2]
IIHS rating
Marginal[4]

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Known issues by mileage

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
AFM lifter failures — disable via software tune proactively ($300)Major

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$714 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
48%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$45 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chevrolet Silverado?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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