Head-to-head reliability
Acura ILX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura ILX 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 ILX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The ILX averages 26.9 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7, with 36 and 101 recalls respectively. The ILX has fewer reported issues, but both have safety-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura ILX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume over 10 years, averaging about 27 complaints per year. The most common owner-reported issues involve air bags, brakes, and electrical problems, with some complaints describing air bag deployments without impact and brake master cylinder recalls with parts unavailable. Overall, the ILX appears to have fewer reported problems than the Silverado, but buyers should still be aware of potential safety-related issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 800 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine, power train, and electrical problems, including engine shutoffs while driving, transmission issues, and brake failures. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that living with a Silverado may require more frequent attention to repairs and safety recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura ILX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 269 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 26.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 ILX
- 01AIR BAGS78
- 02SERVICE BRAKES46
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
Owners report air bag deployments without impact, such as in a 2021 ILX where the airbag deployed while parking and caused a crash. There are also complaints about unreleasable vehicles due to lack of parts for safety recalls, which can leave owners waiting for critical repairs.
Complaints describe brake master cylinder recalls where parts are not available, preventing owners from getting needed repairs. This can lead to delayed fixes for a safety-critical system, potentially increasing risk if brakes fail.
Owners report issues like alarms going off randomly, dashboard lights flickering, and cars not starting, as in a 2017 ILX. Some also suspect unauthorized remote access, which could indicate security vulnerabilities.
While specific complaints are not detailed, this is a top component with 27 complaints. Fuel system issues can cause stalling or leaks, and recalls include fuel pump and tank assembly problems, which are important for safety.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] ) that has been unreleasable for an extended period due to manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component. The vehicle was involved in an accident on July 6, 2025 and delivere…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the airbag deployed without impact which resulted in the contact crashing into a pole. The contact sustained a hurt knee and headaches that required medical treatment.…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, such as a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor breaking down during a family trip, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly going into neutral and engines shutting off while driving, as in a 2026 Silverado with less than 300 miles. Such failures can cause loss of control and are dangerous.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, engine shutoffs with messages like 'Return to Neutral', and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can affect critical functions and leave drivers stranded.
Complaints include severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and complete shutdowns while driving. Brake failures are a major safety concern and should be addressed immediately.
“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 ILX — 36 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
The risk: Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VI…
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
The risk: If the fuel gauge displays that the vehicle has more gas than it actually does, the vehicle may run out of gas and stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is H3…
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
The risk: A separated driveshaft can cause the vehicle to have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move even while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, as necessary, replace the driveshaft and half shaft, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for…
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 ILX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura ILX has far fewer complaints per year (about 27) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, this means ILX owners may experience fewer trips to the dealer for repairs, while Silverado owners might face more frequent and potentially serious problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8,000 complaints in 10 years, while the ILX has only 269, showing a much higher reported problem rate for the truck.
- Silverado complaints often involve engine and power train failures that can cause sudden shutdowns, whereas ILX complaints are more focused on air bags and brakes.
- The ILX has 0 reported deaths in complaints, while the Silverado has 3, though this does not prove safety differences.
- Both have brake issues, but Silverado owners report loss of braking while driving, and ILX owners report recall part shortages for master cylinders.
- Check for open recalls on air bags and brakes, and confirm that any recall repairs have been completed, as parts may be unavailable.
- Test all electrical functions, including alarms, dashboard lights, and starting, and ask about any history of random electrical glitches.
- Inspect for engine and transmission issues by test driving and checking for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or rough shifting.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump and brakes, have been addressed, and ask for service records to see if brake or electrical problems have occurred.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Take a thorough test drive, paying attention to engine, transmission, and brake performance, and listen for unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance and repair records, especially for recalls and any recurring issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components listed in complaints for each model.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement and the brakes for firmness and effectiveness.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Acura ILX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 11 | 961 |
| 2020 | 10 | 868 |
| 2019 | 36 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 23 | 597 |
| 2017 | 20 | 1154 |
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 ILX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura ILX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura ILX total complaints
- 269
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura ILX total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura ILX avg complaints/year
- 26.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura ILX
- Acura ILX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE