Head-to-head reliability
Acura RLX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura RLX 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 RLX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RLX averages 16 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 2 crash-related and 1 injury for the RLX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RLX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of 16 complaints per year over seven years, far fewer than the Silverado. Most owner complaints center on steering and suspension, especially the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system, which can cause jerking, pulling, and creaking sounds. There are also electrical and stability-control complaints that describe the car becoming hard to steer or veering unexpectedly. With 13 recalls and only 2 crash-related reports, it appears to have a narrower set of issues than the Silverado, but the steering problems are serious and should be inspected carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with an average of about 823 complaints per year over ten years, a much higher volume than the RLX. Owner reports cover engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission issues. There are 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, with 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported. The sheer number and variety of issues mean a used Silverado needs a thorough mechanical inspection, especially for engine and brake faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RLX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 112 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 RLX
- 01STEERING59
- 02SUSPENSION23
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)13
- 05ENGINE11
Owners report abrupt jerks to the right, a LKAS warning, and failure of the P-AWS rear toe control actuators, which can make the car pull or become hard to steer. This matters because steering failures can lead to loss of control.
Complaints include creaking sounds when turning and the vehicle pulling to the right, often linked to the same P-AWS actuators. A buyer should test-drive over bumps and listen for noises.
Reports describe the LKAS warning and situations where the wheels and steering wheel get out of sync, making the car temporarily hard to steer. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous.
Owners mention the car feeling like it will veer out of the lane when turning left, with steering not responding normally. This suggests ESC or related sensors may act up.
“I purchased a 2014 Acura RLX. It had a LKAS Problem warning when purchased. I thought that meant that feature would be disabled. No big deal. In stead I have experienced the car making abrupt jerks to the right on multiple occasions. One instance, I turned on…”
“My 2014 Acura RLX has experienced a severe failure of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Toe Control (RTC) Actuators. The vehicle and its components are currently located at the Hiley Acura of Fort Worth dealership and are fully available for inspecti…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and even engine shutdown while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission problems, sometimes with very low mileage. This can cause loss of power and control.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and the truck shutting off. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness dropping, and the truck shutting off in parking lots. Brake issues are a major safety concern.
“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 RLX — 13 recalls
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 model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal gu…
The risk: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
The defect: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014.…
The risk: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
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 RLX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura RLX has far fewer complaints per year (16 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (13 vs. 101), suggesting a lower frequency of reported problems. However, the RLX's steering issues are serious, while the Silverado's problems span engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems. In practice, the RLX may need less frequent attention, but any steering fault is a red flag; the Silverado demands more vigilance for a wider range of failures.
Key differences
- The Acura RLX has 16 complaints per year on average, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- RLX complaints are concentrated in steering and suspension, often tied to the P-AWS system, whereas Silverado complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported, while the RLX has 2 crash-related and 1 injury, indicating a much higher safety risk profile for the Silverado.
- Recalls are also far more numerous for the Silverado (101) than the RLX (13), covering fuel pumps, brakes, and other systems.
- Test the steering at low and high speeds for any jerking, pulling to the right, or unusual noises, especially related to the P-AWS system.
- Check for any LKAS or stability control warning lights and ensure they function correctly, as electrical glitches have been reported.
- Listen for engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warnings if equipped with the Duramax, as soot accumulation has been reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and check for any electrical issues like screens going blank or sudden shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for fuel pumps and brakes.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, turns, and braking to feel for steering or brake anomalies.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: steering and suspension for the RLX; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and ensure they illuminate and go off as expected during startup.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and pay attention to any repeated repairs related to the reported complaint areas.
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 RLX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 6 | 597 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 RLX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RLX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura RLX total complaints
- 112
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura RLX total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura RLX avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura RLX
- Acura RLX top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE