Head-to-head reliability
Acura CL vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura CL and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Acura CL vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CL averages 138 complaints per year with 287 power train issues, while the Silverado averages 823 per year with 2,521 engine complaints. Both have 3 deaths reported. The CL's problems are fewer but often transmission-related; the Silverado's are more numerous and include stalling. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura CL or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura CL
The Acura CL is a two-door coupe with a troubling reliability record: 414 complaints over three years, averaging 138 per year. The dominant issue is the automatic transmission, which accounts for 287 power train complaints, often described as erratic shifting, hard downshifts, and sudden gear changes at highway speed. Air bag inflator recalls and brake problems add to the ownership burden, making this a model that demands careful inspection and a thorough recall history check.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, with reports of stalling, rough running, and transmission failures, while electrical and brake issues also appear frequently. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision alerts, so buyers should verify that all recall work has been completed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura CL | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 414 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Acura CL
- 01POWER TRAIN287
- 02AIR BAGS48
- 03SERVICE BRAKES19
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
Owners report erratic shifting, hard downshifts, and sudden shifts from fifth gear into second at highway speed, sometimes after recall service. This can cause loss of control and is the most common complaint area.
Takata inflator recalls affect the driver-side front air bag; owners report warning lights and parts not being available for repair. An unrepaired air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Premature rotor warping leads to grinding noises when braking, and some owners report repeated repairs without a permanent fix. This affects stopping reliability and can be costly to address.
Complaints include repeated electrical faults, sometimes linked to transmission failure while driving. These issues can leave the car undrivable and are hard to diagnose.
“TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: ERRATIC SHIFTING, HARD DOWNSHIFTS, SHIFTS FROM 5TH GEAR INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGH SPEED: CLOSE-TO-DEATH EXPERIENCE ON THE HIGHWAY!! THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS DONE CONCLUDING NOTHING WRONG. FROM MY RESEARCH I HAV…”
“I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHIFTING EXTREMELY HARD AS I WAS DRIVING. I CALLED A LOCAL ACURA DEALERSHIP, IN AUGUSTA GA, AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THEY COULD NOT SEE ME UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, WHICH WAS 9/6/2002. I HA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine stalling, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. In some cases the engine shuts off while driving, which is a serious safety concern.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with very low mileage. This can leave the truck unable to move and may require major repairs.
Reports include sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-off while driving, and dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can disable critical systems.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake performance is a key safety concern.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Acura CL — 10 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement dri…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios inc…
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners m…
The defect: ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
The risk: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPEC…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NG…
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for t…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These v…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Acura CL or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura CL has far fewer complaints per year (138) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the CL's issues are concentrated in dangerous transmission and air bag failures. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and broader range of problems, including engine and electrical faults. In practice, the CL may need fewer repairs overall, but its failures can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Acura CL's top complaint is power train (287), mostly transmission shifting failures, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (2,521), including stalling and diesel filter issues.
- The CL has 10 recalls, including multiple Takata air bag inflator recalls; the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tire pressure monitors, and forward collision alerts.
- The CL averages 138 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 823 per year, but the Silverado's larger sales volume means rates per vehicle may differ.
- Both have 3 deaths reported, but the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints versus 21 for the CL, suggesting different crash involvement patterns.
- Transmission behavior: test drive at highway speeds and check for hard downshifts, erratic shifting, or slipping; ask for transmission service records and recall completion.
- Air bag recall status: verify that the Takata driver-side inflator recall has been performed; check for air bag warning lights and confirm parts availability.
- Engine stalling: during test drive, watch for sudden shut-offs, rough idle, or dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral'; scan for stored engine codes.
- Brake and electrical function: test brakes firmly and check for loss of assist; ensure all recalls, especially fuel pump and forward collision alerts, are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission (Acura CL) or engine/electrical (Silverado).
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway merging and hard braking, to replicate reported failure conditions.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially transmission fluid changes for the CL and diesel particulate filter service for the Silverado.
- Check for active warning lights on the dashboard and use an OBD-II scanner to read any stored trouble codes.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Acura CL or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura CL vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura CL total complaints
- 414
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura CL total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura CL avg complaints/year
- 138.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura CL
- Acura CL top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE