Question 1

How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 per year?

Accepted Answer

A Chevrolet Silverado 1500 averages about $714 per year in maintenance and repair costs (RepairPal). That is $222/year cheaper than the $936 average for fullsize trucks. Year 1 costs around $320 thanks to warranty coverage; by year 10 costs climb to $1,100+ as AFM lifter inspections and timing chain work come due.

Question 2

What year does Silverado maintenance get expensive?

Accepted Answer

The first notable jump comes at year 5–6 when spark plugs, differential fluids, and brake replacements align (around $650–$780/year). The steepest increase is years 9–10, when AFM lifter failure risk on the 5.3L V8 peaks — a $3,000–$5,000 repair if it happens. Budget $1,000+/year once you cross 100,000 miles.

Question 3

Which Silverado 1500 generation is cheapest to maintain?

Accepted Answer

The GMT900 generation (2007–2013) with the Vortec 5.3L is the cheapest to maintain long-term at $550–$850/year. It predates the AFM lifter issues of the K2XX (2014–2018) and uses simpler, proven technology with widely available and inexpensive parts.

Question 4

Is the Silverado 1500 expensive to maintain compared to the Ford F-150?

Accepted Answer

The Silverado 1500 averages $714/year vs. the F-150 at about $788/year (RepairPal). Both are below the fullsize truck average of $936. The Silverado’s main cost risk is the AFM/DFM lifter issue on 5.3L V8s; the F-150’s is the cam phaser and timing chain issue on the 5.0L Coyote.

Question 5

Should I worry about AFM lifter failure on a Silverado?

Accepted Answer

AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter failure is the single most expensive common repair on 2014–2024 Silverados with the 5.3L V8. It costs $3,000–$5,000 at a shop. Not every truck gets it, but risk rises sharply past 80,000–100,000 miles. An AFM delete ($800–$1,200 DIY) is a popular preventive measure.

Question 6

How much can I save doing Silverado maintenance myself?

Accepted Answer

DIYing routine items (oil changes, filters, brake pads, differential fluid, spark plugs) saves approximately $2,500–$3,500 over 10 years — roughly 35–45% off the all-shop bill. Oil changes alone save $35–$55 each.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Maintenance Cost: $714/Year Average (2007–2026)