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 118 complaints per year and has 45 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. Both show serious issues like power loss and brake problems. 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 SUV that averages about 118 complaints per year over the last decade, with 45 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, including sudden power loss and limp mode, often tied to the auto idle-stop system. While the MDX has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the issues reported can be serious and may affect drivability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. The high volume of complaints suggests that many owners experience significant reliability issues.
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 | 1,180 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 118.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 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 MDX
- 01ENGINE325
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM243
- 03POWER TRAIN222
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER177
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE151
Owners report sudden total power loss while driving, with all warning lights illuminating and speed dropping to 20 mph. This can leave you stranded and is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include multiple warning lights, limp mode, and brake warning illumination on rough roads. These electrical glitches can cause unpredictable vehicle behavior.
Transmission failures without warning, such as not upshifting after a stop, and sudden deceleration in rain are reported. These issues can lead to dangerous driving situations.
This system is among the top complaint areas, though specific owner reports are not detailed here. Buyers should be aware that advanced driver aids may malfunction.
“VIN: [XXX]: 2024 Acura MDXComponents: Engine, Electrical System, Powertrain (Auto Idle-Stop)Ref Investigation: NHTSA EA25-004 (Upgraded from PE22-005) Dealer: Acura Carland ([XXX])SAFETY DEFECT SUMMARY:Severe safety hazard involving the Auto Idle-Stop system.…”
“My 2023 Acura (VIN# [XXX] ) has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, total power loss while driving. In both cases, all dashboard warning lights came on, including the brake light, and the vehicle reduced speed to 20 mph and would not accelerate. The…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission failures. This can happen at low speeds or in parking situations, posing a risk.
Reports of sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can disable critical functions.
Owners describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“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 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,…
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 — 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 MDX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura MDX has far fewer complaints per year (118 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (45 vs. 101), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, both vehicles have reports of serious safety-related failures, so the difference is not absolute. In practice, the MDX may require fewer repair visits, but buyers should still be vigilant.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 7 times more complaints per year than the MDX, indicating a higher frequency of reported problems.
- MDX complaints often involve sudden power loss and limp mode, while Silverado reports include engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls as the MDX, covering fuel pumps, air bags, and brakes.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has more (233 vs. 29) and includes 3 deaths, while the MDX has 0 deaths.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or limp mode events, especially related to the auto idle-stop system.
- Inspect the transmission for delayed engagement or failure to upshift, and test drive in various conditions.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as warning messages or difficulty restarting.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking effectiveness, and check for recalls on the fuel pump and brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for signs of the reported issues.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake services.
- Consider an extended warranty if purchasing the Silverado, given the higher complaint volume.
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 | 7 | 120 |
| 2025 | 107 | 157 |
| 2024 | 40 | 527 |
| 2023 | 39 | 450 |
| 2022 | 153 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 222 | 868 |
| 2019 | 188 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 168 | 597 |
| 2017 | 256 | 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 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
- 1,180
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura MDX total recalls
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura MDX avg complaints/year
- 118.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura MDX
- Acura MDX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE