Head-to-head reliability
Acura MDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura MDX 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 MDX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MDX averages 113.8 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5, a significant difference. MDX owners report issues like power steering failure and AWD problems, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura MDX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a luxury three-row SUV that, in ownership terms, offers a premium cabin and strong performance, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of electronic and drivetrain gremlins that can surface even on low-mileage examples. Owners report issues with the engine, electrical system, and power train, including sudden loss of power, steering assist failure, and drivetrain clunks, which can be concerning for a family vehicle. The presence of forward collision avoidance complaints and recalls for occupant classification sensors suggests that even the safety systems may not be fully dependable.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup known for its capability and towing prowess, but the complaint data shows a high volume of issues, particularly with the engine, power train, and brakes. Owners describe severe problems like sudden loss of motive power, brake failure, and transmission issues, often occurring at low mileage. With over 500 complaints per year and 100 recalls, the Silverado's reliability record is a significant concern for buyers who depend on their truck for work or family transportation.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura MDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,138 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 113.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 MDX
- 01ENGINE313
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM229
- 03POWER TRAIN216
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER174
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE144
Owners report transmission system problems, all-wheel drive failures, and reduced power warnings, sometimes with only 25,000 miles on the odometer. The transfer case may be failing, leading to a situation where only the front wheels are powered.
The electric power steering can fail while driving, causing a sudden loss of steering assist and triggering multiple warning lights. Additionally, the floor harness is poorly designed and located, trapping moisture and leading to malfunctions in air struts and other components.
Complete drivetrain failure can occur during acceleration from a stop, producing loud clunking sounds and leaving the vehicle disabled in intersections. Owners also note a lack of traction that persists even after replacing tires, pointing to an underlying AWD issue.
“MY VEHICLE 2022 ACURA TYPE S HAS A TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM, BLIND SPOT INFO PROBLEM, AND A ALL WHEEL DRIVE PROBLEM THAT ONLY MY FRONT WHEE;S MAY BE POWERED. IT LOOKS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE MAYBE FAILING. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT AND IS ABOUT…”
“Emissions System Failure Warning Power Shifting / Power Shifting See Dealer All Wheel Drive (AWD) Power may be reduced - see dealer”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L and 6.6L engines have experienced serious issues, including sudden loss of power while driving and excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring repeated dealer visits. These problems can leave families stranded far from home.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and drivetrain failures that cause a loss of motive power. These issues can occur within the first few hundred miles of ownership.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the brake pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop adequately. In some cases, braking is completely lost, along with steering and engine power, creating a dangerous situation.
“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 MDX — 45 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Acura MDX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura MDX has fewer complaints per year (113.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have significant reliability concerns, and the MDX's problems are not trivial, especially given its luxury positioning.
Key differences
- The MDX has a higher proportion of electrical and forward collision avoidance complaints, while the Silverado has more engine and brake complaints.
- MDX owners report issues like power steering failure and drivetrain clunks, whereas Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and brake failure.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint volume and more recalls, suggesting a more problematic ownership experience.
- The MDX's issues often involve electronic systems and AWD, while the Silverado's issues are more often related to the engine and transmission.
- Check for any signs of moisture in the cabin or under the carpet, as the floor harness can trap water and cause electrical failures.
- Test the power steering at low speeds and listen for any unusual noises from the drivetrain, especially when accelerating from a stop.
- Ask for service records related to the engine, particularly for the 6.2L or 6.6L, and check for any history of loss of power or DPF issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a sudden stop from highway speeds, to ensure there is no loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the drivetrain and electrical systems.
- For the MDX, check the sunroof drains for clogs and inspect the floor harness for any signs of water damage.
- For the Silverado, verify the transmission shifts smoothly and that there are no warning lights on the dashboard.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or clunking.
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 MDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 98 |
| 2025 | 93 | 150 |
| 2024 | 38 | 0 |
| 2023 | 38 | 0 |
| 2022 | 146 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 215 | 0 |
| 2019 | 185 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 164 | 591 |
| 2017 | 253 | 0 |
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 MDX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura MDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura MDX total complaints
- 1,138
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Acura MDX total recalls
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Acura MDX avg complaints/year
- 113.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Acura MDX
- Acura MDX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE