2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1229.3%
- Engine819.5%
- Fuel system512.2%
- Steering49.8%
- Brakes49.8%
- Transmission24.9%
- Electrical24.9%
- Driver assistance24.9%
- Powertrain (other)12.4%
- Seat belts12.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" - I RECEIVED MY LETTER REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG RECALL DATED JULY 2015. I CONTACTED CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND THEY WERE NO HELP AND KEPT TELLING ME THE VEHICLE WAS "SAFE" TO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE LETTER SAYS DISCHARGE OF THE AIRBAG COULD CAUSE "INJURY OR DEATH TO OCCUPANTS." ON 2/15/17 I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BLADE CHEVROLET AND ASKED THEM TO FIX THE RECALL. THEY JUST DOCUMENTED THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. IT IS GOING ON TWO YEARS NOW - THIS IS UNREASONABLE. I CAN'T USE THE TRUCK FOR INTENDED USE - EXTENDED CAMPING TRIPS - OR EVEN SELL IT FOR TOP DOLLAR WITH A SAFETY RECALL THAT IS NOT BEING FIXED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoking coming from the under the front vehicle. The contact mention he pulled over the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off and then exited the vehicle and opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the back of the engine. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The contact dialed 911 and there no police report filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 377,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET 3500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ *CN
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, DIESEL FUEL SPRAYED BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE FILLER NECK TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 285,064.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET 3500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my new 2007 Chevy duramax diesel with an already installed fabtech lift kit. My pitman arm has snapped 3 times since I purchased my truck leaving me with complete steering loss. I have had to replace all steering components several times. My truck is unsafe due to a fabtech lift kit that the dealer installed before I purchased it. Led Schwab was the installer. I have several complaints with nhtsa and vsh.
Rattling noise in intermediate shaft of steering column and key tumbler is sticky
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH, I HAD TO STOP FOR A GARBAGE TRUCK DOING A TRASH PICKUP. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES ON MY PICKUP, THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED AND I NEARLY DROVE ANOTHER CAR INTO THE BACK OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK. THAT AVERTED CRASH WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE KILLED THE CAR'S DRIVER. I AVOIDED A CRASH BY A RAPID TURN INTO THE ONCOMING LANE JUST AS A CAR COMING TOWARD ME CLEARED THE OPPOSING LANE. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROFESSIONALLY AND THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS A GREAT SHOCK TO ME. MY TRUCK IS A 2007 CHEVY SILVERADO 3500 DUALLY.
BRAKE LINE FAILURE FROM RUST ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 82,000 MILES ON IT. ALL THE LINES MUST BE REPLACED. FAILED IN MODERATE SPEED IN MAJOR TRAFFIC JAM. SECOND FAILURE ON SAME VEHICLE. AFTER FIRST FAILURE ALL LINE WERE INSPECTED AND NO PROBLEMS WERE NOTED. APPARENTLY WITHOUT PERFORMING AN ULTRASOUND THICKNESS ANALYSIS IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKE LINES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES FOR THE ALLISON TRANSMISSION. 123,000KM'S ON MY 3500 AND THE TRANSMISSION LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. 2 TIMES WERE ON WARRANTY AND THE 3RD I HAD TO PAY FOR MYSELF. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IS NOT COVERED, BUNCH OF BS. COST ME 850 DOLLARS TO FIX. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEM, EVEN THE DEALER SHIP SAYS THEY HAVE LOTS OF PROBLEM WITH THE LINES. WHEN EVER IT TURNS COLD THEY START TO LEAK AND HAVE TO BE CHANGED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANS COOLER LINES WERE LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED; THE TRANSCOOLER LINES AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,890. UPDATED 01/21/11 *BF UPDATED 04/13/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON DECEMBER 17TH, I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR A KEY/IGNITION RECALL.THEY INSTALLED A KEY INSERT AND KEY RINGS ON BOTH THE KEYS. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, MY DAUGHTER INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND IT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED ON HER AND SHE COULD NOT TURN THE KEY NOR COULD SHE TAKE THE KEY OUT. I CALLED BETTEN CHEVROLET THINKING THAT THIS HAD TO BE RELATED TO THE RECALL THAT WAS DONE. THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE AT BETTEN CHEVROLET STATED THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL AND THAT SHE MUST HAVE A DEAD BATTERY AND THAT WE SHOULD TRY JUMPING IT. WE ATTEMPTED TO JUMP START IT WITH NO AVAIL. I CALLED BETTEN BACK AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND A TOW TRUCK BUT WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET TO MY CAR UNTIL THE NEXT DAY.I CALLED THE NEXT AFTERNOON AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY BATTERY WAS CORRODED AND FRIED AND THAT HAD ALSO FRIED MY COMPUTER MODULE. IS IT COINCIDENTAL THAT MY BATTERY CHECKED OUT GOOD ON THE INSPECTION BUT THAT IN 5 DAYS THE BATTERY IS CORRODED? I AM SURE THAT IF THE BATTERY WAS CORRODED ON THE INITIAL INSPECTION THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION AND SUGGESTED TO BE REPLACED AT THAT TIME. I TOLD HIM IT HAD TO BE RELATED TO SOMETHING THEY DID DURING THE RECALL MAINTENANCE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND THAT THIS WAS COINCIDENCE. I CALLED A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT ANY KEY THAT IS ALTERED WILL SEND AN ALERT TO THE CAR THAT THE KEY IS ALTERED AND THAT THIS COULD BE SOMEONE TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE VEHICLE AND THAT WOULD CAUSE THE KEY TO LOCK UP. THEREFORE, BETTEN ALTERING THE KEY FOR THE RECALL COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED THIS LOCK UP. THIS LOCK UP COULD HAVE CAUSED THE COMPUTER MODULE AND THE BATTERY TO FRY. *TR
WE PURCHASED A 2007 CHEVROLET 1 TON NEW IN AUGUST OF 2007. ON JANUARY 23, 2008 MY EMPLOYEE WAS DELIVERING TRAFFIC CONTROL. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AS HE WAS DOING HIS PAPER WORK. HE NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED FLAMES AND SMOKE. HE USED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THAT IS PART OF OUR ON BOARD SAFETY EQUIPMENT, AND PROCEEDED TO KNOCK DOWN THE FIRE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO WATSON CHEVROLET, WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, AND THERE IT REMAINS TO THIS DAY. THE WIRING HARNESS HAS BEEN ORDERED MORE THAN ONCE AND MORE THAN ONCE THE MANUFACTURER HAS SENT THE WRONG ONE. I AM REPORTING THIS AFTER READING ABOUT THE FIRES IN THE FULL SIZE SUV'S. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN ARE SIMILAR IN THESE VEHICLES AND IN MY 1 TON TRUCK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITH AN RV TRAILER HOOKED ON, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WOULD GO FROM 60 MPH TO 10 MPH. THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE WAS TOO LOW, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED AT FIVE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, BUT THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000.
THERE IS A SAFETY DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO PEDESTRIANS. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW 2007 CHEVROLET 3500HD, LTZ PICKUP TRUCK. THIS TRUCK WAS PURCHASED WITH THE FACTORY INSTALLED ULTRASONIC BACKUP SENSOR SYSTEM. MY SYSTEM WORKS JUST LIKE IT IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE DESIGN IS DANGEROUSLY UNSAFE. IT RELIES ON VISUAL ONLY, INSTEAD OF AUDITORY (OR A COMBINATION OF AUDITORY AND VISUAL) WARNINGS. USERS EXPECT TO HAVE AN AUDITORY WARNING AND THUS WILL LIKELY HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE BEFORE DISCOVERING THEIR MISUNDERSTANDING. BRIEFLY, IN NORMAL OPERATION, THE SYSTEM WILL EMIT A SINGLE BEEP WHEN IT FIRST DETECTS ANY OBSTACLE WHILE BACKING UP IN REVERSE. WHEN THE OBSTACLE IS LESS THAN 12 INCHES FROM THE REAR BUMPER, IT EMITS A BURST OF BEEPS. THIS IS, OF COURSE, SO CLOSE THAT IT ONLY SERVES AS A PANIC STOP INDICATOR. IN BETWEEN THOSE TWO AUDIBLE SIGNALS, NO AUDITORY ALERTS ARE PROVIDED. INSTEAD THE DRIVER IS INSTRUCTED TO LOOK OVER THEIR SHOULDER OUT THE REAR WINDOW AND OBSERVE A SET OF LIGHTS ON ONE SIDE. AS ONE BACKS EVER CLOSER TO AN OBSTACLE, FIRST ONE AMBER LIGHT COMES ON, THEN A SECOND AMBER LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING THAT THE DRIVER IS STILL CLOSER TO THE OBJECT AND FINALLY A RED LIGHT COMES ON SIGNIFYING THAT YOU ARE VERY CLOSE. THIS SYSTEM DESIGN IN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE DRIVER MUST LOOK AT THE PANEL WHILE BACKING UP TO GET THE BENEFIT OF THE CLOSING RANGE INDICATION. AS ANYONE KNOWS WHO DRIVES A PICKUP TRUCK, ESPECIALLY A OR 1 TON MODEL, YOU USE YOUR SIDE MIRRORS TO BACKUP. THIS IS BECAUSE THE TAILGATE IS SO HIGH THAT YOU CAN NOT SEE ANYTHING BUT THE HORIZON FROM THE REAR WINDOW. THIS SUBTLE BUT VITAL FLAW MEANS THAT THE DRIVER CAN BACKUP USING THEIR SIDE MIRRORS BUT CANNOT BENEFIT FROM THE ULTRASONIC SYSTEM UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE OR CAN USE THE ULTRASONIC SYSTEM BUT CANNOT SEE TO BACKUP. I HAVE MORE TO ADD BUT HAVE RUN OUT OF ALLOWABLE SPACE (2000 CHR)..[XXX] *TR REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH TRANSMISSION LINES AT THERE EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THAT THEY WERE UNWILLING TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .