Head-to-head reliability
Acura NSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura NSX 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 NSX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NSX averages 1.4 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, versus 0 deaths and 4 injuries for the NSX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura NSX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a low-volume sports car, so it sees very few complaints—just 14 over 10 years, or about 1.4 per year. Owners report issues like fuel pump failures, brake noises, and airbag problems, but the small sample makes it hard to draw broad conclusions. Recalls cover fuel pumps and electrical wiring, so check for open recalls. Overall, it's a niche vehicle with a sparse but sometimes serious complaint pattern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years—about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine, transmission, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden power loss and braking failures. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the complaint volume is substantial. This suggests a wide range of potential issues that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura NSX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 NSX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03SERVICE BRAKES3
- 04TIRES3
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
One owner reported a fuel pump module failure identical to a known recall defect, but their VIN wasn't included. This could mean stalling or no-start conditions, and buyers should verify if the recall applies to their specific car.
Owners describe a 'thud' noise when braking, which a dealer dismissed as normal. While not necessarily a safety defect, it can indicate worn components or loose brake hardware that may worsen over time.
Complaints include a passenger airbag deploying while the driver airbag did not in a crash, and a vehicle skidding into a divider. This raises concerns about airbag sensor or deployment consistency, though such reports are rare.
One owner reported a flat tire after hitting curbing, requiring replacement due to sidewall damage. Another complaint was more of a general safety rant. Tire issues may be due to low-profile tires prone to road hazard damage.
“My vehicle is 2017 Acura NSX with VIN 19UNC1B08HY000777. My vehicle experienced a fuel pump module failure identical to the known defect under Recall 23V-858, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall. I believe it should be. This is a significant sa…”
“EVERY TIME YOU ACCELERATE IT MAKES A LOAD RATTLING NOISE & THE A.C. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO ..”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs, especially on newer models.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues linked to engine problems. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate, posing a safety risk.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are hard to diagnose.
Similar to electrical complaints, owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off in parking lots. Brake problems on a heavy truck are especially concerning for safety.
“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 NSX — 9 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles. Road vibrations may cause the metal screws that secure the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry, possibly resulting in the brake light fuse blowing and the bra…
The risk: Brake lights that do not work increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the center high mount brake light, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-844-682-2872. Honda's number for this recall is B2B.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles. The crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U29, and…
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 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…
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 NSX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura NSX has far fewer issues per year (1.4 vs. 822.7), but it's a low-production sports car, so complaints are naturally sparse. The Silverado's much higher volume means more reported problems, including serious engine, brake, and electrical failures. In practice, the NSX may be less likely to strand you, but any issue could be costly due to limited parts and service.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: NSX averages 1.4 per year vs. Silverado's 822.7, but the NSX is a low-production sports car while the Silverado is a mass-market truck.
- Serious safety reports: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; NSX has 3 crash-related, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths.
- Common failure types: NSX complaints center on fuel pumps, brakes, and airbags; Silverado complaints focus on engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and electrical braking loss.
- Recalls: NSX has 9 recalls (fuel pump, wiring); Silverado has 101 recalls (fuel pump, tires, forward collision alerts).
- Fuel pump module: Listen for whining or check for recall 23V-858; if the VIN isn't included, ask a dealer to inspect the fuel pump for premature failure.
- Brake noise: Test-drive and listen for a 'thud' when braking; if present, have a mechanic inspect brake calipers, pads, and hardware for wear or looseness.
- Engine shutdown: During test drive, watch for sudden stalling or 'Return to Neutral' messages; scan for stored codes related to fuel delivery or electrical faults.
- Brake performance: Test brakes at low and high speeds; any firm pedal with reduced stopping power could indicate a serious electrical or hydraulic issue requiring immediate repair.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially fuel pump and electrical recalls.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on fuel system, brakes, and electrical components.
- For the Silverado, test-drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for transmission hesitation, engine stalling, and brake response.
- For the NSX, verify airbag functionality and check for any brake noises or fuel smell; ask for service records related to fuel pump or brake work.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all software updates (especially for Silverado's electrical system) have been applied.
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 NSX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 NSX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura NSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura NSX total complaints
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura NSX total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura NSX avg complaints/year
- 1.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura NSX
- Acura NSX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE