Head-to-head reliability
Acura RL vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura RL 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 RL vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Acura RL has 236 complaints over 10 years (23.6/yr) and 58 recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. The RL's top issue is airbags, the Silverado's is engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RL or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RL
The Acura RL, a luxury sedan, shows a reliability picture dominated by airbag recalls and electrical gremlins. Owners report Takata inflator concerns and headlight flickering that can make night driving difficult. Electrical issues can even leave the car unable to start. While not as numerous as the Silverado's complaints, the nature of these problems can be safety-relevant.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, with engine and powertrain issues leading the list. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and braking failures that can occur at speed. These are serious, potentially dangerous failures that suggest significant reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RL | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 236 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 58 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 RL
- 01AIR BAGS81
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING60
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
- 04SERVICE BRAKES16
- 05HYDRAULIC12
Owners report Takata recall notices for passenger-side inflators, with concerns about safety and delays in getting repairs. This is a known defect that can cause inflators to rupture.
Headlights flicker or go out when driving over bumps, forcing owners to pull over and restart the lights. This can reduce visibility and create a hazard at night.
Some owners report the front passenger door handle smoking and melting, which disabled electrical equipment and prevented the car from starting. This indicates a potential fire risk.
In one case, the gas and brake pedals deployed simultaneously, leading to a crash. This suggests a possible interference issue that could cause unintended acceleration.
“TAKATA RECALL - WE RECEIVED AN "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" NOTICE, INFORMING US OF THE DEFECTS IN PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT IS SUCH THAT I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER RIDE IN THE VEHICLE…”
“NHTSA RECALL 16V-061 HELLO,I AM CONCERNED WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL.I WAS NOTIFIED IN MARCH OF 2016 ABOUT A RECALL THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE SUMMER OF 2016. TODAY IS AUGUST 14, 2016 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY DOCUMENTATION IN REGARDS TO THIS M…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing on a trip, and diesel particulate filter clogging events requiring dealer service. These can lead to loss of power and breakdowns.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can be dangerous in traffic. This indicates a loss of drive.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as a loud pinging sound from the engine. This suggests a systemic issue that can disable critical systems.
Braking can fail suddenly, with the pedal firm but ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This is a critical safety concern that has caused crashes.
“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 RL — 58 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mary…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. T…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
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 RL or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura RL has far fewer complaints per year (23.6 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (58 vs 100), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more severe and frequent, making the RL a more reliable choice in terms of owner-reported failures.
Key differences
- The Acura RL has a high number of airbag-related complaints (81) tied to the Takata recall, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems (1698 complaints).
- The Silverado has a much higher rate of complaints per year (510.5) compared to the RL (23.6), indicating a higher frequency of reported problems.
- The RL's electrical issues can cause headlight flickering and even a door handle fire, while the Silverado's electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) than the RL (14 and 12), suggesting more severe safety incidents.
- Check for open Takata airbag recalls and ensure the passenger-side inflator has been replaced.
- Test the headlights for flickering, especially when driving over bumps, and inspect the front passenger door handle for signs of melting or electrical damage.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter or engine performance.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally, and be aware of any sudden shifts into neutral or loss of power while driving.
Before you buy
- Verify all recalls have been completed for the specific VIN, especially the Takata airbag recall for the Acura RL.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system of the Acura RL, including the door handle wiring and headlight connections.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine and transmission repairs, and check for any pending recalls.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, paying attention to braking performance and any unusual noises or vibrations.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic to identify potential issues before buying.
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 RL or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RL vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura RL total complaints
- 236
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Acura RL total recalls
- 58
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Acura RL avg complaints/year
- 23.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Acura RL
- Acura RL top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE