2017 Chevrolet Silverado Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Silverado: High Complaint Volume for Powertrain and Brakes, No Recalls, Unrated Crash Performance

883Complaints
0Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
51Crash Reports
20Fire Reports
22Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (163)Service Brakes (154)Engine (68)Electrical System (60)Unknown Or Other (53)Steering (35)Air Bags (25)Fuel/Propulsion System (21)Structure (18)Power Train,Engine (17)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a significant volume of owner-reported issues despite a lack of formal safety ratings from NHTSA. With 883 total complaints, including 51 crashes, 20 fires, and 22 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported problems revolve around the POWER TRAIN (163 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (154 complaints), suggesting potential systemic issues with critical vehicle functions. Engine-related complaints also stand out with 68 reports, often detailing lifter failures and Active Fuel Management (AFM) system problems. Despite the high number of complaints, there are no open recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, which is unusual given the reported issues. Several complaints specifically mention rear power sliding window shattering and transmission problems, with owners referencing existing recalls for similar issues in other model years or regions (e.g., recall N192265660 for rear window defroster issues) but finding their VINs excluded. This indicates a potential gap in recall coverage for known defects. Without NHTSA's official crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), it's challenging to assess the vehicle's passive safety performance. However, the 51 reported crashes and 22 injuries underscore that the reported mechanical failures, particularly with power train and brakes, can lead to real-world safety incidents. The recurring themes of transmission hesitation, sudden loss of acceleration, and brake failures are particularly alarming as they directly impact a driver's ability to control the vehicle and avoid collisions.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure/Hesitation
Owners report transmissions failing, hesitating, jerking, or not engaging gears, often leading to complete replacement. Many complaints mention issues around 80,000 to 120,000 miles.
High Common 50000-120000 miles
Active Fuel Management (Afm) Lifter Failure
Engine ticking sounds, lifter collapse, and camshaft damage due to the AFM system are frequently reported, sometimes leading to catastrophic engine damage.
High Common 50000-100000 miles
Rear Power Sliding Window Shattering
Rear windows, especially power sliding ones, spontaneously shatter, often in cold weather or when the defroster is activated, with owners noting similar issues to recalled models.
Medium Occasional any miles
Brake System Malfunction (Ecbm)
Brakes stop functioning at slow speeds, become firm, or cause the vehicle to lunge, often attributed to issues with the Electronic Brake Control Module (ECBM).
High Occasional any miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado:

Power Train 18% of complaints

Frequent complaints about transmission issues including failure, hesitation, rough shifting, and jerking, often requiring replacement.

Service Brakes 17% of complaints

Reports of brake failure at low speeds, hard pedals, and reduced stopping power, sometimes linked to the ECBM.

Engine 7% of complaints

Common issues include lifter failure, ticking noises, and catastrophic damage related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Various electrical issues, including dash lights blinking, and problems potentially related to the rear window defroster causing shattering.

Unknown Or Other 6% of complaints

A notable percentage of complaints fall into a general category, indicating diverse and sometimes unspecified issues.

Steering 3% of complaints

Some complaints mention issues with steering, though less frequent than powertrain or brakes.

Air Bags 2% of complaints

A small number of complaints related to airbag systems.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

Reports of issues with the fuel system or propulsion, contributing to overall vehicle performance problems.

Structure 2% of complaints

Complaints related to the vehicle's structural integrity, including issues like the rear window shattering.

Power Train,Engine 1% of complaints

Combined issues affecting both the powertrain and engine, highlighting interconnected mechanical problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado has a high volume of 883 owner complaints, including 51 crashes and 22 injuries, primarily concerning powertrain and brake failures. However, it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, making a definitive safety assessment challenging. The absence of recalls despite numerous complaints about critical components is a concern.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado are related to the POWER TRAIN (163 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (154 complaints), and ENGINE (68 complaints). Specific common problems include transmission failure/hesitation, Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failure, and rear power sliding window shattering.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

According to the provided data, there are currently no open recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. However, several owner complaints reference similar issues (e.g., rear window shattering, transmission problems) that have been subject to recalls for other model years or in other regions, suggesting potential gaps in recall coverage.

How does the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado does not have official NHTSA crash test ratings available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. Therefore, its crash test performance cannot be assessed based on this data.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

When considering a used 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, pay close attention to the transmission for signs of hesitation or rough shifting, listen for engine ticking noises indicative of AFM lifter issues, and inspect the rear power sliding window for any signs of prior shattering or repair. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended to check these known problem areas.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of complaints, particularly for powertrain and brakes, and the lack of official safety ratings, proceed with caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine (AFM system), and brake components is essential before buying a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The data includes 883 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 51 reported crashes, 20 fire incidents, 22 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.