Head-to-head reliability
Acura RDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura RDX 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 RDX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RDX averages 115 complaints per year with 22 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado complaints more often involve engine, power train, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RDX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 115 complaints per year over the past decade, with 22 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with the panoramic roof, rear window shattering, wiper failure, and engine problems. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the types of failures—especially visibility and electrical issues—can be safety-relevant and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over ten years. Common trouble spots include engine and powertrain failures, electrical glitches, and brake problems. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests that many owners experience significant reliability issues, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,147 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 114.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 RDX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER311
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER205
- 03ENGINE193
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
- 05POWER TRAIN111
Owners report panoramic roof frame noises (popping/creaking) and instances where the car can be started and driven without a key inside. These issues can be annoying and may indicate security or structural concerns.
Complaints include rear hatch windows spontaneously shattering and windshield wipers seizing during heavy rain. Both can impair visibility and create safety hazards.
Some owners describe engine-related incidents, such as a complaint from a driver on Interstate 10, though details are limited. Engine problems can be costly and may affect vehicle dependability.
Multiple reports of vehicle thefts, with owners noting forced entry via the driver-door key cylinder. This suggests potential anti-theft weaknesses that buyers should consider.
“The panoramic roof frame assembly on my 2022 Acura RDX exhibits the exact condition described in Acura Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-004. The panoramic roof produces loud popping and creaking noises during normal driving over uneven pavement and drivewa…”
“Highlight: The car was able to be started with a button press and driven away without any key inside the car. (Also, some side information that the car had it's annual check-up on the Saturday before this incident). Normally my wife keeps her purse in the hou…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had problems shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. These can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill and transmission problems. Such failures can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, engine shutdown while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can cause dangerous driving conditions.
Owners describe a severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and instances where the truck shut off completely in a parking lot. Brake failures are critical safety concerns.
“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 RDX — 22 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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 RDX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura RDX has far fewer complaints per year (about 115) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (22 vs. 101). In practice, this means RDX owners are less likely to face frequent repair visits, while Silverado owners may encounter more widespread and potentially serious issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over seven times as many complaints per year as the RDX (823 vs. 115), indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported problems.
- Silverado complaints often involve critical systems like engine, power train, and brakes, with reports of sudden shutdowns and brake loss, while RDX issues are more often visibility, electrical, or roof-related.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 22 for the RDX, suggesting more frequent safety-related fixes.
- RDX owners report theft vulnerability and rear window shattering; Silverado owners report diesel particulate filter clogging and transmission failures.
- Check the panoramic roof for popping or creaking noises, especially over uneven pavement, as this may indicate a known frame issue.
- Inspect the rear hatch window for any signs of stress or previous shattering, and test the windshield wipers under heavy water spray to ensure they don't seize.
- Listen for engine noises or check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on Duramax models, as soot accumulation can require dealer service.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and watch for any electrical glitches like screen blackouts or 'Return to Neutral' messages during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- For the RDX, test the panoramic roof, rear window, and wipers, and verify that the vehicle cannot be started without a key fob inside.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine fault codes, check diesel particulate filter history on diesel models, and test braking and electrical systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake work.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to catch common issues.
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 RDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 30 | 157 |
| 2024 | 11 | 527 |
| 2023 | 23 | 450 |
| 2022 | 31 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 114 | 961 |
| 2020 | 346 | 868 |
| 2019 | 437 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 77 | 597 |
| 2017 | 77 | 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 RDX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura RDX total complaints
- 1,147
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura RDX total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura RDX avg complaints/year
- 114.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura RDX
- Acura RDX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE