2010 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 62 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Dashboard cracks around the passenger air bag (14 complaints, median 54,000 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,232miles, 50 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 21 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Silverado most often describe cracks developing in the dashboard around the passenger air bag, and several also report the windows fogging up in cold weather when the defroster cannot keep up. Engine-related reports gathered across the sample include sudden loss of power with a "reduced engine power" message, difficulty starting after sitting, and transmission cooler lines leaking. Many complaints were filed at relatively low mileage, and conditions such as cold weather and highway driving recur in the descriptions.
- Body and structure
Dashboard cracks around the passenger air bag
- 14 complaints (23%)
- median 54,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2016
Owners describe one or more cracks appearing in the dashboard near the passenger air bag, sometimes extending toward the windshield or the steering column. Complaints say the cracks appeared with normal use and no impact, including on trucks kept in a garage. Several owners say a dealer confirmed the dashboard needed replacement, and some were not repaired; the reported concern is that plastic pieces could be projected if the air bag deploys. Reported from roughly 27,000 to 85,000 miles, on trucks several years old and often stored outdoors.
What to check: Inspect the top of the dashboard on both sides of the passenger air bag for hairline cracks, and ask whether the dash has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Noticed a crack on dashboard next to the upper left corner of the passenger side airbag. A few weeks later noticed another crack in the dashboard next to the lower left corner of the passenger side airbag. My concern that if the airbag deploys it could be punctured by the sharp edges of one of these cracks. Would like it replaced at no cost to me due to faulty design.”
NHTSA complaint #10577761, filed 2014-04, 40,000 miles“The dash is cracked on the passenger side next to the top left corner next to the passenger air bag panel. My fear is if this air bag is deployed shards of plastic will become shrapnel and injure my front seat passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10643496, filed 2014-10, 58,000 miles - Other or unknown
Windows fog up and defroster cannot clear them
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 5,000 mi at 1.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2014
Owners report that in cold weather the interior windows fog heavily on the inside and the defroster does not clear them quickly. Complaints describe the air conditioning not engaging below a certain outside temperature, so the system cannot dehumidify the cabin, and some say they had to open windows to see. Owners describe dealer attempts such as reprogramming the climate control or adjusting parts near the windshield, with limited effect. Reported mostly below freezing, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: On a cold, damp day, run the defroster and check that the A/C engages and the windshield clears; ask whether any climate control reprogramming has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the temp drops below freezing and it is snowing/raining out side you can not keep the windows defrosted. They are so fogged up on the inside of the truck you need to either drive with a window down on keep a towel in the truck to wipe the windows clean to see. Had truck back to the dealer but the parts they installed never did any good. Please help the people that live in colder climates get some help with this problem. I had the same problem with the 2008 truck I got rid of to purchase this one. …”
NHTSA complaint #10588577, filed 2014-05, 5,000 miles“At temps starting around 35 degrees the defroster stops working and the inside windows fog up leaving no visibility at all. So far the only way to clear it is to open windows and wait. Not good when its cold. Moisture builds up like a steamy shower on a mirror. I have read lots of complaints about the same issue and if there isn't a recall to fix then there should be lawsuits filed against Chevrolet and this web site for not taking action. Or are we all supposed to wait until people start dying in accidents first?”
NHTSA complaint #10438699, filed 2011-12, 600 miles - Engine
Sudden loss of engine power with reduced power message
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 31,370 mi at 5.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2016
Complaints describe the truck dropping speed without warning, the engine running rough, and a "reduced engine power" message with warning lights on the dash. Some say the engine or electrical system shut down entirely at speed and restarted only after waiting. Owners report that dealers sometimes found no stored codes or could not reproduce the problem. Described from a few thousand miles up to about 50,000 miles, often at highway speed or while accelerating.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle pedal and harness connector repairs described in service bulletins were performed, and have any stored codes read before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were driving our 2010 chevy Silverado (with 11,951 miles on it) on the freeway in the hov lane at approximately 70 MPH. The cruise control was on. Without warning, the truck jumped 3 times and then apparently the engine just shut off. There was no acceleration, no power steering or power brakes. Once the truck came to a stop, we tried to start it again. The starter turned but the truck would not start. After approximately 10 minutes, we were able to get the truck started and moved to a safe location. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650395, filed 2014-10, 11,951 miles“While driving to work in heavy traffic, my 2010 Chevrolet Silverado with 27,000 mile suddenly lost power and slowed from 50mph to 25mph in a matter of seconds. Due to the extreme reduction in speed with out my brake lights being engaged, a vehicle following me had to make an emergency maneuver, turn in the right lane, and almost struck a third vehicle. Three warning messages were given that included, engine power reduced, traction control off and service stabilitrack. The vehicle started to run extremely rough and I pulled into a parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10667422, filed 2014-12, 27,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission cooler line leaks
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 51,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2015
Owners report transmission fluid leaking at the cooler line crimps near the radiator, with fluid reaching the exhaust area and, in some complaints, a fire or smoke under the hood. Some describe harsh or slipping shifting alongside the leak. Dealers replaced the lines and in some cases rebuilt the transmission; owners note the hoses were sometimes not covered by warranty. Mostly reported between about 46,000 and 60,000 miles, and several owners link it to cold weather.
What to check: Check the transmission cooler lines near the radiator for weeping or residue and look for fluid on the exhaust and underbody.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This truck is less than 4 years in my ownership (bought new). This winter I saw red dots in the snow and low and behold the transmission lines are leaking. A $300 bill not covered under warrantee. Seems the rubber ends do not like cold weather but yet they are allowed to sell this vehicle in a state with cold weather. I have also had the air-conditioning compressor give out and it was not covered under warranty a $1000 repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723118, filed 2015-06, 55,000 miles“Truck was shifting up and down at low speeds noticed that the transmission cooler lines where leaking. Towed truck to dealer when I noticed that transmission oil was leaking onto exhaust pipe. This was a very dangerous situation where the truck could go on fire. Transmission had seal failure in which it was rebuilt at dealer. Transmission rebuilt was covered under warranty but cooler lines where not.”
NHTSA complaint #10525881, filed 2013-07, 60,900 miles - Steering
Hard or fluid-leaking steering at low speed
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 30,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2016
Owners describe steering that becomes difficult at low speeds, such as while parking, with a few reporting the engine nearly stalling at the same time. Complaints mention dealer inspections that found nothing wrong, or a throttle body cleaning that did not help. Other reports describe a stability control warning and a steering sensor diagnosis. Reported from about 20,000 to 44,000 miles, typically during parking or low-speed maneuvers.
What to check: Test the steering at parking speeds on a test drive and ask whether the steering control sensor or throttle body has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving 35mph when my truck lost its stability control and droped me from 35 to 10 in a matter of seconds, and the car behind almost hit my truck. The power steering also was tough to operant. The truck has 44000 miles on it. What would happen if my truck was on the freeway?”
NHTSA complaint #10449073, filed 2012-02, 44,120 miles“At low RPM's as in parking the power steering fails to work. The dealer pressure tested it an found nothing wrong, but the problem is always there when you actually drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #10520554, filed 2013-06, 25,000 miles
Buying note. Check the dashboard for cracks near the air bag and verify the climate control clears the glass in cold, damp conditions, since these two come up most often. Also look for transmission fluid residue around the cooler lines near the radiator and ask for any service history on engine power-loss repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 54 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado. 50 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,232 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 275 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Chevrolet Silverado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown12 19%
- Body and structure12 19%
- Engine10 16%
- Air bags8 13%
- Electrical system8 13%
- Tires7 11%
- Steering6 9.7%
Also reported: Engine cooling (3), Brakes (2), Fuel system (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Right after I bought the truck in 2010 I notice right off my brakes weren't working right .so I got in touch with the dealership and they told me to bring it in I took the truck in and they had one of their employee to take it for a drive around town he came back and said nothing was wrong but I still had the problem so icalled them back again and then they told me to get in touch with general motors so icalled them and talk to 2 different people there and then general motors called ramey Chevrolet in richland va and they told general motor that where welive in the mountains that it would…”
NHTSA complaint #10609631, filed 2014-07, 10,000 milesBody and structure: “I have a 2010 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck and after returning from lunch noticed the spare tire hanging loosely on the underside of the truck bed. After trying to use the jack handle to tighten it back up which failed I lowered the tire via the jack handle and proceeded to view the hoist. The hoist is held up by a single bolt to the undercarriage. I removed the bolt and found that the metal surrounding the bolt had several stress cracks and 2 new fractures. I removed the unit and have it currently. …”
NHTSA complaint #10547090, filed 2013-10, 116,000 milesEngine: “Winter of 2014, Silverado would engage it's stabilitrack control. When this happens it slows the speed at which the truck could go if it sensed the roads may be icy. The truck would move but very slowly and it felt as if you had no control over it. Even when braking it seemed to not want to brake. Dangerous if it felt to engage while on the road. We removed the fuse that was associated to the stabilitrack and for a moment worked. Then while searching on you tube, we found that a sensor was replaced on other trucks. We replaced the sensor and it stopped it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10821504, filed 2016-01, 100,000 milesAir bags: “My son was driving my newly purchased 2010 chevy Silverado 1500 z71 offroad vehicle. He had pulled off the roadway momentarily, and upon pulling back onto the pavement and beginning to get up to speed, the side curtain air bags deployed and the vehicle shut down. He was able to restart it and drove about 50 feet when it shut down again. Of course, all the components to the air bags were in the cabin and he jumped out of the truck where he was stopped and was able to look over the situation. He contacted me and since he was only 31/2 miles from our home, I drove to the location. …”
NHTSA complaint #10748110, filed 2015-08, 52,433 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 50 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,790 and 59,999 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Chevrolet Silverado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 21 | 22 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 21 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 275 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113387Feb 23, 2017Equipment, Electrical system. 14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this…
- 10113404Feb 8, 2017Fuel system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113889Mar 1, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid…
- 10113888Mar 1, 2016Engine. This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production…
- 10113887Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production…
- 10095901Feb 9, 2016Engine. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a cold engine tick noise for 50 seconds at start up. Technician determines if the tick…
- 10095683Feb 2, 2016Engine, Equipment. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the customer description…
- 10112299Jan 27, 2016Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 32,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 5 | 664 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 76 | 5,860 | 7 | — | — | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 124 | 4,913 | 13 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 64 | 10,050 | 3 | — | 21 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 68 | 20,482 | 2 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 75 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 62 | 43,232 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 76 | 58,500 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 162 | 65,650 | 1 | — | — | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 183 | 56,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 182 | 59,756 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 53,737 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 622 | 46,746 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 44,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 710 | 46,567 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 877 | 49,008 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 1,305 | 57,604 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,660 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 279 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 272 | 81,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 186 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 263 | 124,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 210 | 121,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 69 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 40 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 17 | 107,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 106,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 15 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
Owners of the 2010 Silverado most often describe cracks developing in the dashboard around the passenger air bag, and several also report the windows fogging up in cold weather when the defroster cannot keep up. The issues reported most often: Dashboard cracks around the passenger air bag; Windows fog up and defroster cannot clear them; Sudden loss of engine power with reduced power message.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 12 complaints (19% of the total), followed by body and structure with 12.
Has the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado (Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 22 mpg combined, 21 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado reported?
Among the 50 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,232 miles and the middle half falls between 12,790 and 59,999 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.