Sherry Bryan
Sep 20, 2021
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is a popular pickup with segment-topping comfort and capability. However, certain 2017 models had problems off the line, some resulting in safety recalls being issued by the NHTSA.
Key Points
- The Chevrolet Silverado was and is a top-selling pickup with plenty of amenities, technology, and style. But the 2017 model year faced six safety recalls and mixed reviews.
- Most issued recalls were not specific to the Silverado nameplate and included other GM vehicles as well.
- In addition to the recalls, drivers have mentioned other issues with the transmission as early as just 3,000 miles.
While a Top Pickup in the Half-ton Class, the 2017 Chevy Silverado Struggles with a High Number of NHTSA Recalls
The half-ton Chevrolet Silverado has had a great deal of success in the always-volatile pickup truck segment. The ubiquitous Silverado has been a formidable opponent to Ford and Ram, among others. Initially introduced as a trim level for the C/K trucks in 1975, the Silverado made its debut as model in 1999. And since that time, it has been a consistent favorite among drivers and critics alike.
The 2017 Chevy Silverado was produced in the truck’s third-generation, which ran from 2014 to 2018. This is important to note as automakers are more likely to have their biggest problems in the first year of a new redesign; with problems typically decreasing with the release of more tenured models in a generation.
Overall, the 2017 Silverado is a hale and hearty pickup with an impressive selection of options, including some very beastly V8 engines. It ranked at the top for towing capacity, and drivers liked the roomy cabin and easy-to-operate onboard technology.
However, the 2017 Silverado was the subject of six recalls, as well as a number of consumer complaints. In researching the safety of the Silverado, we discovered that some of the mudslingings was unfairly put on the 2017 Chevy Silverado instead of General Motors.
While recalls and complaints are not unusual for the auto industry, vehicle safety is paramount.
The NHTSA Issued Six Safety Recalls for the 2017 Chevy Silverado
There have been six recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You’ll count only five below as one issue was actually recalled twice.
Inadequate Suspension Welds may Lead to Separation
Front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing. Insufficient or inadequate welds could allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing overall risk. This recall went out for 3,738 potentially affected vehicles which also included Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra, and other vehicles.
To resolve the issue GM replaced the left and right front upper control arms, and realign the vehicle.
Airbags & Seat Belts may Not Deploy Correctly in an Accident
Frontal airbags were recalled in two different recalls. Because of a possible defect, it was possible that front airbags or seat belt pretensioners might not deploy correctly in the event of an accident. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
It is difficult to say how many of the vehicles impacted were Silverados as this expansive recall included almost every make and model that GM produced from 2014-2017 and expanded to include over 3,600,000 vehicles.
General Motors replaced or reset the diagnostic module (SDM) software.
Child Seat Installation Guide might be Missing from Your Owner’s Manual
Another recall was issued because the instructions on child seat installation could be missing from the owner’s manual. As a result, the child seat may be installed incorrectly nor properly secured. This recall is specific to the 2017 Silverado and 2017 GMC Sierra pickups, 29,647 vehicles total.
To correct this, GM and dealers have a corrected insert for the child seats for the owners manual.
Brakes/Hydraulics issues can Cause the Brake Assist to Fail, Increasing Stopping Distance
A recall was issued because there is a possibility that the amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. Should the vacuum level drop it would decrease the brake assist. This would make braking more difficult and therefore, puts it at risk. 3,456,000 cars, SUVs, and trucks are included from Caddys to Tahoes.
To correct this, the Electronic Brake Control Module was reprogrammed by dealers.
Specific 2014 to 2018 Silverados with 5.3-liter and 3.08 Rear Axle may Brake Unintentionally
Specific only to the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle, and four-wheel drive. If a wheel speed sensor fails, the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system, causing unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor.
The EBCM needs to be reprogrammed to repair the issue. As a result, 638,000 trucks were cited including Chevrolet Suburban, Yukon, among others.
While the ideal number of recalls is none, we have to say that the information is enlightening. When you look at these recalls, it becomes less of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado problem, and more of a reflection on GM.
Also, it is reassuring to see that some of these are not chassis-shattering problems. As most of the recalls were applicable to three to four years of various makes and models, it is clear that these were not Silverado-centric. With the exception of the child seat instructions and the electronic stability control.
However, an informed driver today is at an advantage when purchasing a 2017 Silverado. Both buyer and (reputable) seller should be aware of and address these issues. And buying a 2017 Silverado in 2021 means it is much more likely that the pickup has already been updated and/or repaired.
Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Reveal it to be a Top Performer
Overall, the 2017 Chevy Silverado scores well for safety. Crashworthiness was rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in a series of tests. It scored “Average,” which is, well, average for the industry… if not a little better. J.D. Power rated the 2017 Chevy above-average 4.5 out of five for reliability. U.S. News & World Report gave the pickup an overall score of 8.7 out of 10 overall, and a 9.2 for safety. And the NHTSA gave it a perfect five out of five for crash tests.
Submitted Consumer Complaints About the 2017 Chevy Silverado
This is where it gets a little more interesting. When it gets right down to the real nitty-gritty, we turn to owner reviews. At Vehicle History, the average rating was 4.63 out of five. Owners rated the 2017 Chevy Silverado 3.3 out of five on Edmunds. And The Car Connection writers gave it a 6.3 out of 10, and readers and riders gave it four out of five stars.
On the road, it is a confident ride, and the engine options (in the particular the 6.2L V8) are varied but pack a lot of muscle. People really liked the bold style and power, as well as the relaxing cabin. Inside the pickup is comfortable, loaded, and rides high and confident. Technology is already a little dated by 2021/2022 MY standards; but it is easy to use and set up very clean.
In the cons column, some felt the interior materials were subpar for the segment. Fuel efficiency is not great at 15-18 (city)/19-24 (hwy). And some owners did complain about issues that certainly give us pause. Car Complaints had 648 complaints about the 2017 Silverado, with 75 specific to the transmission. Issues and complaints include hard shifts, hesitation, jerking, and clunking in low gears.
“The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 has an early trend of the transmission shifting hard, surging, and jerking,” they write. “At the moment these trucks are still under warranty. However, this transmission problem shows up right away with the average reported mileage only around 3,000 miles.”
2017 Chevy Silverado Offers Marginal Reliability Ratings that Should Be Carefully Considered Before Committing
It is a mixed bag when it comes to the 2017 pickup. For the price point (about $25,000-$48,500) it is quite a bargain for a lot of truck. Drivers and consumers were largely very happy with their rig.
But we would say the 2017 Chevy Silverado rates between Fair and Good. If this is the one model year you really want, be certain that you know the problem areas. And make sure that all recall issues have been set to rights. Owning a sleek, cool pickup has many benefits. But transmission problems can be a black hole of frustration.
To be fair, the numbers of complaints do make up a sliver of Silverados sold. And we did find consistently large numbers of happy 2017 Silverado 1500, 2500 reviews.
Ultimately it comes down to your comfort. Risk versus reward is considerably improved by 2021 standards: the Silverado is offered at good price, the lions share of issues are resolved, but for a handful of varying issues.
Is it a safe truck? Statistically, yes it is safe. Is it dependable? Yes again, the data agrees that it is.
Photos: Chevrolet
Frequently Asked Questions
Mar 31, 2022
Are 2017 Chevy Silverados reliable?
The 2017 Chevy Silverado has an expected reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power. This is an above-average reliability rating and makes it one of the most reliable half-ton trucks on the market. These should have no problem lasting over 250,000 miles as long as you take care of them.
Chevrolet builds the Silverado to be a long-lasting vehicle because they understand that many of their customers need full-size trucks for their jobs where reliability is extremely important. Chevrolet also knows that their trucks may face more abuse than other vehicles since they will be used to haul a lot of cargo and tow, which are both harder on the drivetrain. Knowing that these will be used for tough work Chevrolet choose to over-build these trucks to be able to last a long time.
The 2017 Silverado 1500 series is a great truck to look at if you want something reliable. These have managed to score even higher than the F-150 for the 2017 model year.
What is the best year for the Chevy Silverado?
If you are looking for the best year for the Chevrolet Silverado the 2017 and 2018 are great years to go with. These are near the end of the production run for the third generation Silverado and they have fewer complaints than many other years. These also have most of the latest technology in them, which will help them not feel obsolete for years to come.
If you're in the market for an older truck that is a better value then the 2006 Silverado 1500 series is considered to be one of the best. These are known to be extremely reliable and there are plenty of examples out on the road that have gone over 250,000 miles. In 2006 Chevrolet was building a very tough truck that was designed to stand up to the test of time.
The Chevy Silverado is a great truck to look at if you need a full-size truck. There are a few years where they are known to have some issues, but for the most part, these are long-lasting professional-grade trucks.
Is 2017 Silverado a good truck?
In short yes the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is a good truck. These are full-size trucks that are built to last a long time and are made to stand up to excessive wear and tear that occurs when trucks are used in a professional setting. These can be a good truck for hauling your family around, or for hauling supplies and towing machinery to a job site.
The 2017 Chevy Silverado does have a couple of problems. The most common thing that has been reported as an issue is the 4WD transfer case sensor has been known to fail. Fortunately, this is a part that is only about $100 to replace if something does go wrong with it. Another problem that was reported is the HVAC blend door actuators have been known to fail, but these are also relatively affordable to replace as well.
The Silverado is a good truck to look at no matter what your needs are. If you want a half-ton truck this is one of the best on the market and is worth taking for a test drive.
Owner Reviews
Adrian Waller on September 9, 2022
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
I purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado LT New in August of 2017 and paid for the 72 month 100K mile premier powertrain warranty. My truck has only been driven lightly and never been off road. It only just hit 50K miles and my transmission went out on Monday 9/5/22 (Monday, Labor Day). I brought my truck into the Westside Chevrolet dealer in Katy, TX and provided my warranty number. Today I got a call from the service shop saying that the warranty company is not cooperating and they want the dealer to have me approve 15 hours of labor costing $3000 to breakdown the transmission to have one of their investogators come out to inspect. Even then I was told that the warranty company will only pay for the torque converter replacement and that they would be dragging that out as long as possible while I will be billed for storage fees daily at the dealer. I was also told that my cost would be $9000 for labor and transmission replacement plus storage fees. I don’t understand what is happening. I paid for a warranty that covers this type of thing. A warranty good for 72 months (its only been 61 months) or 100K miles (it only has 50,000 miles). I don’t have that kind of money sitting around and my truck isn’t paid off and it’s going to be hard to sell it for a decent price undrivable now. I saw in this blog that some folks have suggested emailing Cohen Milstein who have a class action lawsuit against Chevrolet. I sent what I posted here to information@cohenmilstein.com
Derek Larkin on October 28, 2022
Transmission and Torque Converter
I bought a 2017 Z71 Silverado a few years ago. I have always been a long time owner of Chevrolet Silverado trucks. My last truck before this 2017 Z71 was a 2005 Silverado. Had no problems at all with this truck. 288.000 miles on her. I'm very upset and unhappy with my 2017 Z71 Silverado. My transmission went out with only 124.000 on her. July of this year. 5.000 to replace!!! It's been 3 months since then, now it's doing the same thing again..... Surging and slipping. Hard shift down coming to a stop. I've had enough!!!!! I'm not happy with this problem. GM HAS A BIG PROBLEM!!!!! I would hate to leave Chevy and buy a Ford or Dodge!!! I just can't do that..... Please address this issue and make it right with your loyal customers.....
very scared and happy to be alive on February 2, 2022
Transmission exploded immediately after being rebuilt
We bought a 2017 Silverado 6 months ago. It has been in the shop for 8 weeks out of those 6 months. Went and picked it up again after the transmission was rebuilt. 10 miles from the dealership the truck started clunking then shuddering then a really loud bang and the truck burst in to flames. The transmission was gone so every time I tried to step out of the truck, took of the brake, the truck would begin to roll. I finally got out, while the truck was rolling, cranked the steering wheel to the right so that it would roll off the road instead of into 65 mile an hour highway traffic. Very scary. I am 66 years old and a dialysis patient. I was nearly killed.
Tom H on January 30, 2022
2017 Silverado 1500
I bought the truck because I liked the way it looked. From the time I bought it there was hard shifting and clunking issues. Had it at the dealership I bought it from and was told this is common for this truck & not a problem. At 62,000 highway miles the transmission went out and GM would not honor the warranty. The said because I had lift kit installed on the truck that caused the transmission to fail. After researching this after the purchase only to find out this was a common issue for Silverado’s for a range of years including mine. This was my first new vehicle purchase ever and will be the last of a GM product.
Charles Dubyak on September 9, 2022
Silverado is junk.
First, don't buy anything from Steve Rayman in Atlanta, Ga. They will cheat you. Second, don't buy a Silverado. They are junk. In addition to numerous recalls my 2017 has had three major mechanical failures. All in less than 75K miles. Rear end, transmission, and now engine. Roughly 9K for the rear end and transmission. So far 2.5 K plus parts and labor for rebuild. GM REQUIRES UPGRADES TO WARRANT THEIR WORK to the tune of 750 dollars for parts that I have to pay. My extended warranty will not cover those and GM will not provide them free of charge. Stay away from GM for all future car purchases.
John Ludington on June 20, 2022
Transmission needs to be replaced and it only has 61,000 on it!
I bought my 2017 Silverado on 10 - 12-2017 and it had 5,808 miles on it because a salesman was driving it. The truck was sold to me as new because it was never registered. I was under the impression that my warranty would be up on 10 -12 -2022 or 6,808 miles on it because it was sold as new with a 60,000. I went to GM online and they show my warranty expiring on 2 -22 -2022 and at 63,000 miles. I believe the warranty should start from when I bought it, not when they recieved it and the mileage should not include the salesmen's mileage! The truck shouldn't need a new transmission yet!!!
Kristi B on February 17, 2022
2017 Chevy Silverado 5.3L (6speed) transmission problems
I have 2017 Chevy Silverado 5.3L V8 (6speed) transmission went out. Only 103k miles on the vehicle. Was told by the local body shop that this happens to this transmission (6speed) all the time and that GM knows about it but won't recall it. Cohen Milstein attorneys have a current lawsuit against GM for the 8speed transmissions. I emailed them about my 6 speed. EVERYONE EMAIL THEM YOUR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SO WE CAN FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST GM FOR THE 6SPEED TRANSMISSION! I have read hundreds of reviews for the same problems! This is GM's fault and they should be held accountable.
Michelle on June 26, 2022
2017 Silverado LT transmission
I have had my truck for just over 5 yrs, 78000 miles. I have only 2 problems with it. Right around 32000 miles I had to have 2-3 cylinders replaced. It has been fine since. However once it reached 72000 I began having transmission problems. I was told, 2 months ago (in April 2022) that it was the valve ball getting stuck. The dealership flushed it and "repaired" it. Today (June 2022), I find myself with the same problem. Anyone know how to join the class actionlawsuit against GM?
April on February 4, 2022
Lifters again in Silverado
We have 2017 Silverado like new!!! Drive around town never has this truck been worked hard but to carry groceries for two ! We now have a 3,500 repaired bill for new lifters were am I going to get that money for this repairs that I felt after talking to other owner of this Silverado this is a BIG problem they have not at all my fault it Chevy manufacture in these trucks This is the second Silverado I’ve own with these lifters going out? WHY ? Step up to your terrible Chevy!
Kristi B on February 17, 2022
2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 (6speed) transmission went out
2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8 5.3L 6speed transmission went out at 103k miles. Local mechanic said they rebuild these all the time because there is a known problem with these transmissions but GM won't recall them. Cohen Milstein is an attorney that current has a lawsuit pending against GM for the 8speed transmissions. If you have a 6speed transmission problem, send them an email. Maybe there will be enough of us to start another lawsuit against GM! This is ridiculous!
Thomas Winkleblack on December 9, 2021
Twinkleblack5@gmail.com
Have an LTZ 6.2l that has been nothing but a money pit. Within 10,000 miles of warranty expiring transmission had to be replaced. Replaced radiator. At 170,000 miles motor replacement....still waiting for the motor since they are back ordered. Have a 2000 and a 2004 that have original motors in them and are 10 times the truck Chevrolet produced in 2017. When I get it back from dealership it will be traded off for a different manufacture. Chevrolet has lost my support.
Jeff on May 12, 2022
Most unreliable vehicle I’ve ever owned
Bought it brand new. Two years later had to replace air conditioning compressor. Year three replaced transmission. Year four, broken motor mounts and three bolts broken on passenger side of exhaust manifold. (Truck is a highway driven vehicle. No off-roading). Year five, thermostat issue is causing the truck to overheat when going up hills. Need to go back for my yearly repair work! So sad for Chevy. I’m thinking Toyota will be my next truck!!
Jeff on May 12, 2022
Most unreliable vehicle I’ve ever owned
Bought it brand new. Two years later had to replace air conditioning compressor. Year three replaced transmission. Year four, broken motor mounts and three bolts broken on passenger side of exhaust manifold. (Truck is a highway driven vehicle. No off-roading). Year five, thermostat issue is causing the truck to overheat when going up hills. Need to go back for my yearly repair work! So sad for Chevy. I’m thinking Toyota will be my next truck!!
T.Goodson on November 27, 2021
Owner
I use the truck to travel for work, no towing! 239,000+ miles. It was purchased new with only 53 miles.I had to replace the transmission at 127,000+ miles then had to have the replacement rebuilt at 87,000+ miles luckily the rebuilt transmission was under warranty. This not the first 2017 with transmission issues. It needs a recall
walter Bennett on May 16, 2022
2017 silverado
I really liked this truck but now at 85000 miles thr transmission went out had it replaced under extended warenty now at 92000 miles have lost cylinder #2 waiting to see what they will repair. GM has issues that they need to own up to. They now will only give extended warrenty up to 60000 miles as of now I will be down with GM
BBB on March 19, 2022
2017.Silverado LT Crew Cab
Purchased used 2020 with 19000 miles. Love truck, super roomy and comfy. Only has 48000 miles most miles were put on last year, traveling for cancer treatment. Rear-end went out. At Chevrolet place now, said it would take about a week, Truck has been taken well care of so has this been a problem in that year model.
Perry B on March 3, 2022
Chevy Should Stand Behind Their Product Better
Bought the 2017 Silverado new and noticed transmission issues/irregularities within a few month. Mentioned it to the dealer where we bought it and to the service department with no satisfaction. Now the engine has developed a valve problem at 148,000 miles. Looks like a new engine and transmission all at once.
Mark Wetzel on June 27, 2022
Transmission Shot!
Have had nothing but problems with truck.Trasmission totaly shot at 82,000 miles.Didn't tow or abuse truck tranny just went.Probably last Chevy i will buy.Me and family where always GM folks.4,500 dollars is something I shuoldn't be paying! Very disappointed.Many others with 2017 trucks have simular problems.
Sallysue on February 25, 2022
Upset Customer
2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 gone again! 1st under warranty, 2nd $7000 + out of my pocket!! Only 77,000 miles! Should be recalled!! I’m sure I’m not the only one. Chevy wants the big bucks for these trucks, should try backing up all your unhappy customers!
Hector C on September 21, 2021
1500 Silverado not what I expected.
Too many problems all over the truck, noisy, a/c condenser problems and washer motor problems. Two years with it and had to change the battery, do not like that you have to pay for the GPS on a monthly basis, it is very comfortable inside and drives well.
Russ on June 5, 2022
Bad teansmission
We have 93000 miles on truck and replacingtransmission for about 5500.00 we have gotten over300000 milesand not replaced any transmission ever in any vehicle. It'san issue and Chevroletis mum aboutit...verydisappounting...mightve last chevy
Randall on December 22, 2021
Transmissions s**k
d**n thought I had 72 100000 mile power train warrenty not!!!! Have code po741 they are telling me have to have transmission 4500.00 75000 miles this is bull c**p they are having trouble out of these transmissions should be warranted
ALAN RIKE on February 10, 2022
Alanrike80@yahoo.com
Replaced original battery at 1 year, had to replace defective ac condenser and oil pump at 110,000, no help from GM, have a 97 with 288xxx, never had any issues like this before. Seriously considering going to another brand!
T Yarbrough on December 20, 2022
2017 Chevrolet Silverado Transmission issues
I have a 2017 and I was told need a new transmission.... I am right at only 63000. I have had many cars and trucks and NEVER needed a transmission. Chevy needs to get recall processing.
Reagan on June 28, 2022
Transmission
Bought used off lease, it was reliable, had it a few years and only put on 20,000 miles. Transmission gone at less than 60,000 miles. Very dissapointed
Marcus McCoy on July 7, 2022
AC Condensor @ 55k, Transmission at 77k and now Camshaft and Lifters at 150k
So you do the math, this is a nightmare.....Worst truck i have ever owned and No recalls at all and all of the above is common problems.
Jerald Matta on March 19, 2022
2017 Silverado Ltz
Having transmission problems at less than 100,000 miles. Worried about driving it. Dealer says it's normal. NO IT'S NOT !!!!
Stephanie Lawrence on December 19, 2021
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$40,000 truck with less that 100,000 miles and the transmission needs replacing ($7,000). Shameful. I would not recommend.
Erik J on September 21, 2021
It's an ok truck but I liked ford better.
Had a recall on the brakes and they had to change out the starter that was under warranty.
Pissed customer on December 10, 2022
Transmission
I bought a 2017 Silverado and the transmission blew after 61,000 miles 11/23/22
Yeah on February 21, 2022
2017 gmc Denali
Transmission jerking dealer will not fix have warranty
Sherry Bryan
Sherry Bryan is a freelance writer and editor from New York. For the last five years, she has covered all manner of the automotive industry as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle, enthusiast, and culture publications. Her specialties are industry trends, history, design, automotive oddities, drag racing, interviews, and features. Bryan's work has been featured on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Team Speed, and other popular automotive websites.
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2017 Chevrolet Silverado Problems