The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty truck designed for the most challenging jobs. As part of the Silverado lineup, it’s difficult to discern how many heavy-duty models have been sold, but the brand is only second to Ford’s trucks based on sales alone. With a clear battle between Ford and Chevy all these years, it’s important to figure out if the 2500 HD is worth your money. Some models can’t pull their weight, as you will see from the data.
We’ve reviewed all the research to find the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500. You want this information if you are in the market for a used truck to tow or haul. On the other hand, current owners can analyze this data to determine if the truck is worth holding onto. Our information comes from the thousands of FIXD car scanners installed in Chevy Silverado models. Together with the owner surveys and the published information on safety ratings, recalls, and fuel economy, you’ll see which models stack up better than the rest.
| Best Years | Why? | Worst Years | Why? |
| 2018-2020 |
Great reliability ratings, higher safety rating, low cost of ownership |
2013-2014 |
Expensive to own, higher chance of engine, brake, or fuel system repairs |
| 2015-2016 |
Superior reliability scores, low cost of maintenance and repairs |
2009-2011 |
High cost of ownership, increased likelihood of engine or brake repairs |
| 2012 |
Exceptional reliability ratings, low chance of expensive repairs |
2001-2005 |
Decreased reliability scores, higher chance of repairs costing more than $500 |
| 2006-2008 |
High owner satisfaction ratings, reasonable cost of ownership |
2017 |
High cost of ownership, increased chance of expensive brake repair |
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG and Value vs. Maintenance & Repair Costs – Year by Year
Before you decide what truck suits your needs the best, it’s important to look at all of the available data. We compare the Chevy Silverado 2500 models by looking at safety scores, engine reliability, fuel economy, repair costs, and resale value.
If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USAs’ most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years
Looking at 2 different ratings, we get a feel for how reliable each Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is. Here are the 2 ratings to look at.
- The FIXD Reliability score (Green line) – based on how many check engine lights are thrown by Silverado 2500s every 12,000 miles of driving (1 year’s worth of driving).
- The Owner Reliability score (Gray line) from the surveyed Silverado HD owners.
Other than a few of the newer models, there’s a pretty substantial gap between the two surveys, especially with the 2017 truck. One reason for this may be owner blind spots, especially if they are loyal to the brand.
We are also lacking some data with the 2010 models. Because of that, we were able to group these trucks in the middle of the rankings before and after it, allowing for a generalized view of the model.
You can analyze the reliability scores for every year to make a shopping list for yourself or jump ahead to the model you care about the most. We break down every ranking in more detail below.
The FIXD Reliability score is based on Check Engine Light (CEL) frequency. Every time your CEL goes on, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is generated. These help the mechanic determine what’s wrong with the engine. If you’re curious, we put together a cheatsheet with the Top 5 DTCs (& what they mean) for the top Chevrolet models.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes the safety scores of most vehicles. Yet, information on heavy-duty trucks can be spotty, as they aren’t all tested. We’ve provided the information that is available.
These scores shown in the chart above consist of two lines, each equally important. The Safety Rating is listed as a Green line, while the Average Safety Rating is shown as a Gray line. The second ranking indicates an average of all the vehicles we’ve collected NHTSA safety data on, so you can see where the Silverado trucks stand.
For the most part, the Chevy Silverado 2500 rates lower than average across the board. However, this is to be expected with a large pickup.
The better the safety rating on a truck is, the easier it becomes to get cheap car insurance for your used SUV.
If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
| What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
| Ohio |
| North Carolina |
| Michigan |
| Georgia |
| Texas |
| New York |
| Illinois |
| Pennsylvania |
| California |
MPG – Over The Years
No one expects the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 to get superior fuel economy ratings, considering that it’s a big truck. Still, even a few mpg can make a big difference at the pump, which is why you would rather have a truck averaging 12 versus 14 mpg. Our graph shows the average mpg by model year, based on information from Fuelly.com, based on the gasoline models alone.
Several models achieve an average of 14 mpg, which isn’t too shabby considering all the truck can do. Yet, there are also a few models that dip down a couple of mpg. If saving money at the pump is your biggest concern, opt for the 2006-2008, 2013, or 2016 Silverado 2500.
Current Market Value of All Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each
Evaluating the average maintenance and repair cost of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500, you must examine the relationship between these figures and reliability scores. If your heavy-duty truck has an engine malfunction or expensive transmission problems, you are going to spend more money. These problems also lead to more time in the shop.
The average costs also affect the resale value of the Chevy Silverado 2500 models. As the trucks are newer, you can expect a higher resale value. This relationship is due, in part, to the newer models needing fewer repairs as the mileage stays lower. In our chart, we have the Average Cost of Repairs listed as a Gray line and the average KBB market value placed as a Green line.
If you see two comparable models with resale values that are similar, you may want to choose the newer one and get more bang for your buck. Just be sure you reference the reliability data to ensure you don’t get a lemon.
Also keep in mind that the values for each of these years is based on the average mileage reported by owners in the survey. Mileage is one of the most important factors in price and something you should take into account when sizing up a potential car purchase. The cars you may consider purchasing could cost more or less than the prices we have graphed. Get a KBB value once you have a car consideration picked out, this graph is meant to be referenced when assessing what is likely to be on the market.
If you’d like to learn about this vehicle’s past depreciation rate & our projected depreciation rate based on that, check out: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | Depreciation Rate & Curve Graphed
When shopping for a used Chevrolet Silverado 2500, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
Important Features Timeline
1999: Completely redesigned C/K pickup with a new name
2000: Fourth access door added to extended cab models
2001: Redesign includes updated torsion bar front suspensions
2002: Standard air conditioning added to all trim levels
2003: New front fascia, updated side moldings and taillights, 6.0L V8 engine gets electronic throttle control
2004: Three new exterior colors added – Sandstone Metallic, Silver Birch, and Sport Red Metallic
2005: Redesigned hood and grille debut, extended and crew cab models receive an optional power sunroof
2006: Duramax 6.6L engine receives several upgrades to increase power and reduce emissions, Allison transmission is now a six-speed
2007: 2nd generation Silverado debuts with updated cabin and increased comfort
2008: Satellite radio becomes standard with all trims
2009: Newly available options include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and real-time traffic with the navigation system
2010: 6.0L V8 becomes more powerful
2011: Chevy adds a stronger frame, introduces a new diesel motor with exhaust braking, and offers more available driver aids
2012: LTZ has an available navigation system and heated/ventilated seats, Z71 Off-Road appearance package debuts
2013: 6.0L V8 bi-fuel compatible engine available
2014: Extended cab body dropped from the lineup
2015: Redesigned with a new interior and released double cab body
2016: Newly available 7- or 8-inch MyLink touchscreen, higher trims offer available variable-assist steering
2017: New diesel engine released
2018: Some previously available options now standard, including a 7-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker stereo, and a rearview camera
2019: Regular cab model discontinued
2020: Redesigned with a more spacious back seat
2021: Available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, new appearance packages unveiled
2022: Multi-Flex tailgate becomes available on all trims
The Best Years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500
To get the best model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, we look at every factor together. It’s important to compare the FIXD app engine reliability data, along with safety test scores, fuel economy ratings, and owner feedback scores. We also take a look at the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from each year and any applicable recalls that may be available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2018-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 6-9/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $28,875-$43,296
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $250-$500
Safety Rating: 4.2/5
The 2018 to 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 makes up some of the newest models on the road. They receive great scores from owners and have a relatively low cost of ownership.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 6 out of 10, while the 2019 and 2020 models earn a 9 out of 10. What’s better yet is the Owners Reliability score, offering a perfect 10 out of 10 for all three models.
The NHTSA crash testing scores on both the 2018 and 2019 Silverado 2500 were a 4.2 (out of 5), which isn’t bad for this big truck.
These three models have some of the lowest repair and maintenance costs of all models. Coming in at just $250 per year is the 2020 pickup. However, this may be low simply because of the factory warranty, lasting 3 years or 36,000 miles or due to the powertrain warranty, with a length of 5 years or 60,000 miles.
We see two common DTCs in the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The first DTC is Fuel Pump “A” Low Flow/Performance (P2635). You may need a fuel pump to fix this, costing between $457 and $617. Otherwise, the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) code is also prevalent. Thankfully, this may only be due to an oxygen sensor, which can cost $153 to $306. If your truck is still covered under the warranty, these problems might be covered.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is subject to four recalls, while the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has three recalls. However, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 lists seven recalls and one open investigation by the NHTSA.
2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 6-8/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $21,086-$23,007
Fuel Economy: 13-14 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $250-$750
Safety Rating: 4.2/5
The scores on the 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 remain closely in line with our top choices. The safety rating also stays higher and the cost of ownership remains low.
The FIXD Reliability score on the 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 6 out of 10, while the 2016 earns an 8 out of 10. Still, the Owners Reliability score continues to be a perfect 10 out of 10 for both models.
There are NHTSA crash testing scores on both the 2015 and 2016 Silverado 2500. The rating is 4.2 (out of 5), which is exactly the same as the previous three.
There are also still some lower maintenance and repair costs, with the 2016 averaging just $250 per year. The cost does seem to rise slightly with the 2015 models, as there is a higher instance of brake and AC/heat repairs.
Two common problems seem to happen with the 2015 and 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 models. First, the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) code happens. An oxygen sensor may resolve this code, which can cost $153 to $306. Additionally, the Catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 2 (P0430) code is common. To put on a new catalytic converter, you may spend $1,538 to $2,041.
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is subject to 18 recalls. Yet, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 only has seven.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 7/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $9,489
Fuel Economy: 12 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $375
Safety Rating: 3.8/5
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 continues to do well with reliability scores. It also has a low cost of ownership but could face a few problems.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 7 out of 10. However, the Owners Reliability score remains a perfect 10 out of 10 for this truck.
There are NHTSA crash testing scores on the 2012 Silverado 2500, but they dip a little lower. The average safety rating is 3.8 (out of 5), so it’s not ranked as well as newer models.
The maintenance and repair costs continue to be low, costing just $375 per year, on average. With that said, there could be a higher repair cost for engine or AC/heat problems.
We see two regular problems with the 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 models. First, the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) code occurs. An oxygen sensor may be all that’s required to fix it, which can cost $153 to $306. There’s also an Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) code that occurs. Our research indicates that an oil pressure sending switch should fix the problem for about $91 to $151.
What’s most impressive is that the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 only has five recalls. This is among the lowest yet.
2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 1-2/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9-10/10
KBB Value: $6,872-$9,874
Fuel Economy: 14 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $583-$885
Safety Rating: N/A
The 2006 to 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 models continue to rank among the highest with owners. While the FIXD Reliability score is lower, the cost of ownership remains reasonable.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2006 and 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 1 out of 10, while the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 earns a 2 out of 10. However, the Owners Reliability score remains a perfect 10 out of 10 for the 2006 and 2008 models, while the 2007 earns a 9 out of 10.
We don’t have NHTSA crash testing scores on these three Silverado models. This isn’t abnormal, considering the size of the truck. Yet, we expect it would continue to rate around 4 out of 5, just like the rest of the models.
Repair and maintenance costs are still reasonable, which is surprising considering the age. The lowest of the three is the 2008 at $583 a year. The 2007 averages $667 a year, while you may spend $885 a year on the 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500. Still, because of the age, you can expect some higher instances of engine and transmission repairs with the two older models.
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 models show a high instance of the Evaporative System (EVAP) Vent Circuit Control Malfunction (P0449) trouble code. To fix this, you may only need a new gas cap. The 2007 and 2008 models also show a higher chance of the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) “A” Circuit Range Performance Problem (P0121) code, which could indicate something severe. Finally, the 2007 Silverado 2500 deals with the Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (P0420) trouble code. With this, you may need a new catalytic converter, costing $1,538 to $2,041.
There’s no NHTSA data for the 2006 truck, but the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has three recalls. Additionally, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 suffers from six recalls.
The Worst Years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 7-8/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9-10/10
KBB Value: $11,561-$12,884
Fuel Economy: 13-14 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $875-$1,500
Safety Rating: 3.8/5
At first glance, the reliability scores of these two Chevy Silverado 2500 models can be deceiving. Both have a higher instance of repairs costing more than $500, although the problems between the two seem to differ.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 7 out of 10, while the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 earns an 8 out of 10. The Owners Reliability score is a 9 out of 10 for the 2013 model and remains a perfect 10 out of 10 for the 2014 truck.
The NHTSA crash test ratings drop these down to a 3.8 out of 5. While we expect a lower score on bigger trucks, this is a little lower than we would like to see, especially since these aren’t that old.
The repair and maintenance costs take a leap, especially with the 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500. This model suffers from a higher chance of expensive brake repairs. Additionally, you may be fixing the brakes, engine, or fuel system on the 2013 Silverado 2500.
Both trucks suffer from the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) code. An oxygen sensor may be all that’s required to fix it, which can cost $153 to $306. Additionally, the 2014 Silverado 2500 deals with the Catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 2 (P0430) code. To put on a new catalytic converter, you may spend $1,538 to $2,041.
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has six recalls and an open investigation by the NHTSA. More alarming is the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with 16 recalls and an open investigation.
2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 1-6/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $9,429-$10,627
Fuel Economy: 12-13 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,000
Safety Rating: 3-3.5/5
While we lack some data for the 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500, we can group it with the 2009 and 2011, which have relative scores. The biggest concern with these three is expensive repairs.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 1 out of 10, while the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 earns a 6 out of 10. The Owners Reliability score is a perfect 10 out of 10 for both the 2009 and 2011 Silverado 2500.
The NHTSA crash test ratings drop to the lowest rating yet, between 3 and 3.5 out of 5. If you are looking for a safe truck, these models aren’t going to suit your needs.
We also have higher repair and maintenance costs, averaging $1,000 across the board. The 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 has a high instance of transmission, AC/heat, and fuel system repairs, while the 2011 model suffers from brake and fuel system repairs exceeding $500.
All three models deal with the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance (P0521) code that occurs. You may need to replace the oil pressure sending switch, costing $91 to $151. Additionally, the 2009 and 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500 models show a high instance of the Evaporative System (EVAP) Vent Circuit Control Malfunction (P0449) trouble code. It’s possible you may just need to purchase a new gas cap to fix this.
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 doesn’t fare too poorly with the NHTSA, showing five recalls. Plus, both the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 models have six recalls.
2001-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 1-4/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7-8/10
KBB Value: $4,604-$7,813
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $650-$1,333
Safety Rating: N/A
Reliability scores begin to suffer with these models. There’s also an abundance of problems costing more than $500 to fix.
The FIXD Reliability score for the 2001, 2004, and 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500 is 1 out of 10, while the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 earns a 2 out of 10, and the 2002 model comes in at 4 out of 10. The Owners Reliability score drops to 7 out of 10 for the 2001 and 2002 trucks, while the other three earn 8 out of 10.
We don’t have NHTSA safety scores for these models but we expect that they wouldn’t be much better than the ones after them. If anything, they’ve probably gotten safer as the models are newer.
We also have higher repair and maintenance costs, averaging $650 to $1,333, with the 2004 at the bottom of the spectrum and the 2001 Silverado 2500 topping the charts. The 2001, 2003, and 2005 trucks suffer from engine, transmission, and brake problems. The 2002 truck doesn’t do much better, with an increased focus on transmission, brake, and fuel system repairs.
Many of these trucks suffer from the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300) code. With the other models, we’ve determined that an oxygen sensor may be all that’s required to fix it, which can cost $153 to $306. The 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500 also shows a higher instance of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit Malfunction (P0650) code. To fix it, you may need to put in a new instrument cluster, costing $302 to $453. There’s also a higher chance of the 2003 trucks and the System Too Lean – Bank 1 (P0171) code. We list the best fix for this problem as an intake manifold gasket, costing $357 to $746.
Sadly, there’s no recall data from the NHTSA on these four models.
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 10/10
KBB Value: $33,565
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $1,250
Safety Rating: 4.3/5
The FIXD Reliability score and annual repair cost of this model are surprising, considering it’s a newer truck. Yet, it seems to suffer from a high instance of brake repairs costing more than $500.
The FIXD Reliability score is 1 out of 10. The Owners Reliability score remains at 10 out of 10, like the other models around it.
The NHTSA safety rating is 4.3 out of 5. That’s one of the higher ratings of the Silverado 2500 lineup, so we can assume it’s a safer model.
The big downfall for this Silverado 2500 is the higher repair and maintenance cost of $1,250 per year. Considering this truck is only a couple of years out of warranty, this number is alarming. It also seems to suffer from an excessive amount of brake-related repairs. If it weren’t for these two aspects, it could have made our list of the best models.
The most prevalent code for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is the Random, Multiple Misfire Detected (P0300). A simple oxygen sensor may be all that’s required to fix it, which can cost $153 to $306. Additionally, the Catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 2 (P0430) code is common. This code may require a new catalytic converter, forcing you to spend $1,538 to $2,041.
The NHTSA lists five recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and no open investigations.
FAQs
What years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have engine and/or transmission problems?
Engine trouble seems to be most common with the 2001, 2003, 2006-2007, and 2012-2013 trucks. Additionally, the transmission repairs are more common with the 2001-2003, 2005-2007, and 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 trucks.
What is considered high mileage for a Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
Heavy-duty trucks get a lot of use and can easily be abused. For that reason, it is difficult to determine what an average mileage might be for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500. If you take care of the truck and follow the recommended maintenance schedule, you should expect to hit 200,000 miles. Yet, it’s also easy to see premature failure because of how it’s cared for.
Based on our data, a high-mileage Silverado 2500 could be considered anything over 175,000 miles.
Older Silverado 2500 models (2001-2014) show an average mileage range between 125,000 and 250,000. Our data shows several Chevy Silverado 2500 models exceeding 200,000 miles. It’s important to note that once the truck hits 175,000 miles, the resale value starts to drop faster, leaving just one major repair bill between the road and the salvage yard.
We hope to see the newer trucks last even longer, but we won’t know that for several years. Yet, our initial data is pointing to many of the newer models faring better.
What other vehicles should I consider?
Chevrolet also has the Silverado 3500 to choose from if you want even more power and capability. If you don’t need as much as these trucks offer, you could also consider the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the even smaller Colorado. In upcoming years, there will also be a Silverado EV to buy.
Outside of the Chevy lineup, you could choose other large trucks. You can choose the GMC Sierra 2500 HD, which is a rebadged Silverado in many ways. There’s also the biggest competitor to the Chevy model, the Ford F-250 Super Duty. Your other options include the Ram 2500 HD and Nissan Titan XD.
What owners of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 like to use their car for:
Percent based x/5-star: 0-10% = 1, 11-20% = 2, 21-30% = 3, 31-40% = 4, 41%+ = 5
| Frequent Use Categories: | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | ** |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | ** |
| Hauling/Towing | ***** |
| Office on Wheels | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * |
| Luxurious Driving | * |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | ** |
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners who use FIXD.
The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
This is a subjective score.
To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:
How reliable would you say your Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is?
a. Just point A to point B driving
b. A Daily Commuter
c. Good for a 100 mile road trip
d. Good for a 500 mile road trip
e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem
From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:
a. = 2
b. = 4
c. = 6
d. = 8
e. = 10
Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- Full-size Truck U.S. Sales Report for 2022, tfltruck.com. Retrieved May 8, 2023, from https://tfltruck.com/2023/01/full-size-truck-u-s-sales-report-for-2022-gm-is-still-on-top-ram-slides-down-here-is-what-happened/
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Review, edmunds.com. Retrieved May 8, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/silverado-2500hd/
- Chevrolet Factory Warranty, Chevrolet.com. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.chevrolet.com/owners/warranty
Brian Jones owns a used car dealership outside of Dallas, Texas. He has also worked for decades as an ASE Certified Master Technician for a variety of new car dealerships. Now he spends his time consulting dealerships and writing for some renowned publications, such as Motor1 (https://www.motor1.com/info/team/brian-jones/). When he’s not working, he’s tinkering around with pickup trucks and traveling with his family.
