Is the 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 reliable?

The 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 has 76 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (19 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (13 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 has 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: a warning message comes on the dash telling the driver there is a issue with the trailer brakes, or wiring system. the trailer brakes become inoperable when this comes on. we have contacted gm with the issue, both at the dealer level and at the corporate level; and they insist it is a problem with o. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 3 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

19 complaints

25%

• A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O
• A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O
• A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Based on 49 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Later than typicalmedian 105K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 96K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES30/08/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2015 SILVERADO 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 76 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER IN SEPT 2015 WITH THE DEALER INSTALLED FLATBED ALREADY ON IT, ON THEIR DEALERSHIP LOT. FUEL MILEAGE WAS POOR FROM THE FIRST, "ENGINE LIGHT ON" FROM THE FIRST; TRANSMISSION DRAGGING FROM THE FIRST DAY WE BOUGHT IT. SERVICE ADVISORS AND THE SALESMAN SAID DRIVE IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER IN SEPT 2015 WITH THE DEALER INSTALLED FLATBED ALREADY ON IT, ON THEIR DEALERSHIP LOT. FUEL MILEAGE WAS POOR FROM THE FIRST, "ENGINE LIGHT ON" FROM THE FIRST; TRANSMISSION DRAGGING FROM THE FIRST DAY WE BOUGHT IT. SERVICE ADVISORS AND THE SALESMAN SAID DRIVE IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)