What are the most common problems on a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado?

Brakes have the most complaints at 1,026 of 1,919 total. Structure has 127, power train 119 and engine 112.

How many recalls does the 2000 Silverado have?

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year. Add after.

What gas mileage does a 2000 Silverado get?

EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 17 MPG depending on the version.

Is the 2000 Silverado the worst year for complaints?

No. 1999 has more at 2,247 against 1,919 for 2000.

2000 Chevrolet Silverado Problems, Recalls, MPG

Owners filed 1,919 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Silverado, and brakes lead the list^[1]^[2]. Eight recalls are on file, so a used buyer should check brake work and recall history first^[3].

1,919owner complaints^[1]

8recalls^[3]

12–17MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 1,919 owner complaints for this model year^[1]. Some mention 209 crashes, 16 fires, 122 injuries and 5 deaths^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Brakes lead by a wide margin with 1,026 complaints, 112 crashes and 21 injuries^[2]. The median mileage at failure was 76,252^[2]. In the 12 brake complaints we read, 7 describe a pedal that sinks toward the floor or a longer stopping distance^[2]. Two of those 12 are duplicates of each other^[2].

Other groups with the most complaints:

Structure: 127 complaints^[5]. In the 12 we read, 4 describe door, seal or water leak problems and 3 describe frame damage or cracking^[5].
Power train: 119 complaints^[6]. In the 12 we read, 4 describe a transmission shudder when pulling away^[6].
Engine: 112 complaints^[7]. In the 12 we read, 5 describe stalling or loss of power while driving and 4 describe a rough idle^[7].
Suspension: 101 complaints^[8].
Tires: 99 complaints^[9].
Speed control: 97 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 42,000^[10].

Air bags have only 84 complaints, but 77 of them mention a crash, 74 an injury and 2 deaths^[11]. That is a small group with serious outcomes.

Recalls

NHTSA lists eight recalls for this model year^[3]. Newest first:

Tailgate cables (06V066). Galvanized support cables can rust and break. If both break, the tailgate drops and anyone standing or sitting on it could fall. Dealers were to replace the cables with stainless steel ones and check the hinge. The recall was expected to begin in April 2006^[12].
Antilock brakes (05V379). The ABS can switch on when it should not, especially in corrosive areas. That can lengthen stopping distances at low speed. The fix is cleaning, greasing and rust-proofing the wheel speed sensor mounting surface. The recall was aimed at Salt Belt states only^[13].
Parking brake (05V161). On trucks with manual transmissions, the parking brake linings can wear until the brake no longer holds a parked truck. The truck could roll and crash. Dealers install a spring clip or a redesigned cable, depending on the brake system^[14].
Power steering pump driveshaft (05V005). The pump driveshaft can break and cut power steering assist. With hydro-boost brakes, braking effort rises too, though the truck can still be steered and slowed. Dealers replace the hydraulic pump^[15].
Tailgate cables (04V129). Same corroding cable problem as the later recall. Cargo or people on the open tailgate could fall. Dealers replace the cables^[16].
Air bag module (02V178). A fault in the sensing module could keep the driver and passenger air bags from deploying in some frontal crashes. Dealers recalibrate the module^[17].
Brake pipe (00V345). The front right brake pipe can rub the body and be damaged, leaking brake fluid. The pedal sits lower and stopping distances grow. Dealers inspect the pipe, then replace it or add a spacer clip^[18].
ABS motor (00V055). A bad spring clip can misalign the ABS motor so the ABS stops working. The base brakes keep working, but the rear brake balance system stops working. Dealers replace the brake pressure module valve assembly^[19].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Combined ratings run from 12 to 17 MPG^[4]^[20].

Version	City / Hwy / Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, manual^[4]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, automatic^[21]	15 / 19 / 16	$4,200
1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, automatic^[22]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, automatic^[23]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, automatic^[24]	13 / 16 / 14	$4,800
2500 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, automatic^[20]	11 / 15 / 12	$5,600

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new^[21]. More versions are listed on the EPA pages^[25]^[26]^[27]^[28]^[29]^[30].

Engine and size

EPA lists 4.3L 6-cylinder, 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L 8-cylinder engines across the versions above^[21]^[22]^[23]^[20]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks^[31].

Version	Length / Width / Height (in)	Wheelbase (in)	Curb weight (lb)
1500 extended cab, long box^[31]	241 / 78 / 71	157	4,493
1500 extended cab, long box, 4x4^[32]	241 / 78 / 74	157	4,762
1500 extended cab, short box^[33]	222 / 78 / 71	144	4,259
1500 extended cab, short box, 4x4^[34]	222 / 78 / 74	144	4,641

How 2000 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Silverado model year. The 2000 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1999	2,247	5
2000	1,919	8
2001	1,344	4
2002	1,219	4
2003	1,500	6
2004	1,420	8
2005	844	8
2006	547	4
2007	1,056	3
2008	1,076	4
2009	520	3
2010	425	3
2011	638	6
2012	284	4
2013	365	5
2014	1,560	19
2015	1,186	18
2016	802	14
2017	839	7
2018	524	7
2019	1,096	10
2020	747	12
2021	847	8
2022	650	6
2023	388	3
2024	342	6
2025	120	1
2026	126	6

Among the Silverado model years NHTSA lists, 2000 has the second highest complaint count at 1,919^[3]. Only 1999 is higher at 2,247^[3]. The next highest is 2014 at 1,560^[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show how much was reported, not how likely a truck is to fail.

Its 8 recalls tie 2004 and 2005^[3]. Several later years have more, including 2014 with 19 and 2015 with 18^[3].

Should you buy a used 2000 Silverado?

The complaint record is heavy on brakes, with 1,026 reports out of 1,919^[1]^[2]. Ask for brake service records and check that the brake recalls were done^[13]^[18]^[19]. Check whether the tailgate cable recalls were done^[12]^[16]. Owner reports are unverified, so treat the counts as a guide to what to inspect. Fuel use differs a lot by version, so compare the truck you are looking at with the EPA table^[4]^[20].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado?: Brakes have the most complaints at 1,026 of 1,919 total^[1]^[2]. Structure has 127, power train 119 and engine 112^[5]^[6]^[7].
How many recalls does the 2000 Silverado have?: NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year^[3]. Add^[16] after^[15].
What gas mileage does a 2000 Silverado get?: EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 17 MPG depending on the version^[4]^[20].
Is the 2000 Silverado the worst year for complaints?: No. 1999 has more at 2,247 against 1,919 for 2000^[3].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,919 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado (209 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 122 injuries, 5 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
1,026 complaints name the brakes component group (112 crashes, 1 fires, 21 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,252). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Silverado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
127 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
119 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,750). NHTSA vehicle records
112 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
101 complaints name the suspension component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,821). NHTSA vehicle records
99 complaints name the tires component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,755). NHTSA vehicle records
97 complaints name the speed control component group (13 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,000). NHTSA vehicle records
84 complaints name the air bags component group (77 crashes, 1 fires, 74 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 06V066, filed March 8, 2006: Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V379, filed August 29, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V161, filed April 22, 2005: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V005, filed January 7, 2005: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V129, filed March 17, 2004: Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
Recall 02V178, filed July 1, 2002: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
Recall 00V345, filed October 30, 2000: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 00V055, filed February 28, 2000: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado 2500 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 2500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX F/SIDE: length 241 in, width 78 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,493 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX F/SIDE 4X4: length 241 in, width 78 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,762 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB S/BOX F/SIDE: length 222 in, width 78 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,259 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB S/BOX F/SIDE 4X4: length 222 in, width 78 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,641 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2000 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and fuel economy