Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: Crash Test and Safety Ratings

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-2006).

Manufactured with a strong gas engine and an improved braking system for the most aggressive ride of any full-size truck on the market, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid truck that lives up to its reputation for high performance, strong handling and top speed. Rated well across major crash tests, the Silverado receives high marks for frontal impacts, making it safe for both the driver and passengers. Let's see how the crash test safety ratings for this powerful truck line up!

Crash Test Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2000-2002 Silverado 1500 models with a three-star rating for driver side frontal impacts and a four-star rating for passenger side frontal impacts. The 2003-2006 models saw a reversal in ratings for frontal impacts, with the driver's side now receiving four stars and the passenger's side receiving three. NHTSA did not test any of the 1999-2006 Silverado 1500s for side impacts, and the 1999 model did not undergo tests for frontal impacts. Overall, the 1999-2006 Silverado 1500 was rated as marginal for frontal offset collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), although tests were not done for side impacts or roof strength. Motor Trend awarded the 2001 Silverado with four stars for rollover resistance.

Common Questions

What safety features come standard on the Silverado 1500?

The Silverado 1500 comes loaded with a number of safety features, including, but not limited to, 4-wheel ABS, air bags, integrated and adjustable safety belts, and daytime running lights.

What does Consumerreports.org say about the 1999-2006 2WD Silverado 1500?

Consumerreports.org predicted average to above-average reliability, which consumers agree the 1999-2006 2WD Silverado has delivered on.

Which Silverado 1500 would hold up best against abuse and heavy cargo load?

For a Silverado that can haul heavy cargo loads as well as handle most driving situations (and abuses from the road), the Extended Cab 2WD with LS trim is recommended. This model offers a 5.3-liter Vortec small-block V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission.

Which warranties are available?

• Basic – 36 months/36,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance Coverage – 36 months/36,000 miles
• Corrosion Perforation – 72 months/100,000 miles
• Powertrain – 36 months/36,000 miles

How does the V8 engine run?

The Chevrolet V8 engine is one of the best on the market. Expect a tight and aggressive ride with superb handling at top speeds and around hard corners.

Scheduled Maintenance

To ensure your Silverado 1500 achieves the greatest number of miles possible, follow the recommended maintenance schedule.

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles.
• Replace your engine oil and filter every 7,000 miles using a synthetic hydrocarbon oil.
• Replace your air filter every 30,000 miles.
• Swap out your old transmission filter and add new transmission fluid every 50,000 miles.
• Replace hoses and fan belts as well as flush the brake system every 100,000 miles.
• Flush year cooling system annually.

Common Issues

Transmission Replacement

The Silverado 1500 is known for having some transmission problems as the vehicle ages. However, by replacing the fluid and filter as suggested in your owner's manual (50K miles), you can increase the lifespan of your transmission by several thousand miles.

Head Gasket Replacement

While a head gasket replacement may be needed as you near the 200,000-mile mark, making this expensive repair is not recommended, unless your head gasket is actually failing.

Related Sites

• Silverado Crash Test Videos - IIHS.org
• Silverado Crash Test Photos - IIHS.org