The Chevrolet 3500 spans 2009–2026 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 119 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Chevrolet 3500 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Chevrolet 3500 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2009 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet 3500 VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet 3500 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 3500.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 3500, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet 3500 have?
The Chevrolet 3500 has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2009–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet 3500
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chevrolet 3500 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Chevrolet 3500 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Chevrolet 3500 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet 3500 specifications & dimensions
The 2020–2026 Chevrolet 3500 measures 244″ long on a 155″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 5,567 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet 3500 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2026 | 244″ | 80″ | 82″ | 155″ | 5,567 lb |
| 2017 | 254″ | 96″ | 78″ | 168″ | 6,781 lb |
| 2011–2014 | 244″ | 80″ | 82″ | 155″ | 5,626 lb |
| 2009 | 254″ | 96″ | 78″ | 168″ | 6,404 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet 3500 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 3500 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 107 cu ft of passenger volume and 31 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet 3500 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet 3500 get?
The Chevrolet 3500 returns up to 119 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Chevrolet 3500 (3.6L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $2,950/yr to fuel, emitting 424 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10) — about $3,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 424 | — | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2025 3500 | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 422 | 5/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2024 3500 | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 422 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2023 3500 | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 417 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2022 3500 | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 417 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2021 3500 | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 413 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2020 3500 | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 433 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl | |
| 2019 3500 | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 426 | 6/10 | 3.6L 6-cyl |
The 2017 Chevrolet 3500 (6L 8-cyl) gets 12 mpg combined and costs about $5,200/yr to fuel, emitting 716 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 1/10, smog 2/10) — about $15,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 3500 | 11 | 16 | $5,200 | 716 | 2/10 | 6L 8-cyl | |
| 2016 3500 | 11 | 16 | $5,200 | 712 | 2/10 | 6L 8-cyl | |
| 2010 3500 | 15 | 21 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 5.3L 8-cyl | |
| 2009 3500 | 14 | 20 | $3,900 | 555 | 6/10 | 5.3L 8-cyl |
The 2026 Chevrolet 3500 (2L 4-cyl) gets 24 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 368 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10) — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 368 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 368 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 368 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 368 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 368 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 3500 | 22 | 27 | $2,600 | 362 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 3500 | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 374 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
The 2018 Chevrolet 3500 gets 119 MPGe and costs about $650/yr to fuel — that's about $7,750 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 3500 | 128 | 110 | $650 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 3500 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this 3500's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet 3500 have? Power & range
The Chevrolet 3500 is offered with 4 powertrains — 3.6L 6-cyl, 6L 8-cyl, 2L 4-cyl, Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.6L · 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | AWD | Regular |
| V8 | 6.0L · 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | AWD | Regular |
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | FWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Chevrolet 3500 tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Chevrolet 3500 is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package, on a curb weight near 5,567 lb.
What sets your 3500's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Chevrolet 3500 cost to own?
A used Chevrolet 3500 sells for a median of about $35,995 for a 2022 — most listed between $35,995 and $37,995, from 251 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 3500 | $35,995–$37,995 | 8 | |
| 2021 3500 | $29,900–$42,995 | 17 | |
| 2019 3500 | $7,500–$39,500 | 18 | |
| 2018 3500 | $10,995–$32,995 | 16 | |
| 2017 3500 | $9,500–$17,800 | 5 | |
| 2016 3500 | $8,995–$22,000 | 5 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a 3500 is worth today, or browse used-market prices for SUVs.
A Chevrolet 3500 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 3500 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 3500 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chevrolet 3500 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 3500 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet 3500 last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet 3500 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Chevrolet 3500’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 3500’s VIN free →All Chevrolet 3500 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet 3500 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2025 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2024 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2023 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2022 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2021 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2020 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2019 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2018 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2017 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2016 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2010 3500 | 0 | — | |
| 2009 3500 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 3500?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chevrolet 3500.
How many recalls does the 3500 have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2009–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the 3500 get?
Up to 119 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 3500 last?
A well-maintained 3500 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 3500 reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Chevrolet 3500 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Chevrolet 3500 warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet 3500 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 3500's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 3500 weigh?
The 3500's curb weight is around 5,567 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 3500 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.