Head-to-head reliability
Acura RSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura RSX 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 RSX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RSX averages about 39 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, versus 16 recalls and 0 deaths for the RSX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RSX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RSX
The Acura RSX is a compact sport coupe with a relatively low complaint volume over five years, averaging about 39 complaints annually. Owners most often report transmission problems, especially manual gearboxes popping out of third gear, along with airbag sensor and control unit failures. Suspension noises and premature strut wear also appear in the data. Overall, the RSX shows a pattern of mechanical and electrical annoyances rather than frequent catastrophic failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging about 823 complaints per year over ten years. The most common areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission going into neutral, and severe braking loss. Recalls cover fuel pump control, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision alerts. This suggests a complex vehicle with many systems that can fail, some with serious safety implications.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RSX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 197 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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 RSX
- 01POWER TRAIN51
- 02AIR BAGS34
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING27
- 04SUSPENSION21
- 05SERVICE BRAKES12
Owners of manual-transmission RSX models report the car popping out of third gear during normal shifting, often after repairs that did not fix the issue. This can lead to unexpected loss of drive and expensive transmission work.
Complaints describe airbag warning lights coming on due to failed passenger seat sensors and airbag control units, sometimes at relatively low mileage. A non-functioning airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so buyers should verify all airbag recalls are done and the SRS light is off.
Some owners hear clicking or clunking noises from the suspension that are misdiagnosed as engine issues, and others report cooling fans not starting in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating risk in traffic is a concern if the fan circuit is faulty.
Front strut assemblies can fail early, causing clunking noises when turning at low speeds. Replacing them may be delayed by back-ordered parts, so a test drive should include slow turns to listen for noises.
“ACURA 2006 RSX S VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW. WE HAD DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SHIFTING INTO GEARS AND POPPING OUT OF THIRD GEAR. REPAIR WORK WAS DONE NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED. ACURA CORPORATION, AND THE ACU…”
“MY 05 ACURA RSX TYPE S WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS A PROBLEM WHERE DURING SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (WITH THE CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED DURING THE SHIFT) IT POPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DISENGAGED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ABOUT ONCE EVERY 7 H…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave a driver without power in traffic, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, causing loss of acceleration. This can be dangerous in tight spaces or when merging.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and the truck shutting off. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety functions.
Some owners experience severe loss of braking effectiveness shortly after starting a trip, requiring unusually high pedal effort. Brake performance is fundamental to safety, so any history of brake complaints should be taken seriously.
“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 RSX — 16 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED…
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
The defect: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
The risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
The fix: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGU…
The defect: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain…
The risk: With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-…
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 RSX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura RSX has far fewer complaints per year (about 39) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and the Silverado also has more recalls and crash-related reports. In practice, the RSX is likely to have fewer visits to the shop for unexpected issues, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering problems, some of which can be safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Acura RSX averages about 39 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a roughly 20-fold difference.
- RSX owners most often report manual transmission popping out of gear and airbag sensor failures; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 16 for the RSX, covering fuel pumps, tire pressure monitors, and forward collision alerts.
- Crash-related complaints are 233 for the Silverado and 28 for the RSX, with 3 deaths reported for the Silverado and none for the RSX.
- During a test drive, shift through all gears, especially from second to third, and listen for any popping out of gear or grinding.
- Check that the airbag warning light is not illuminated and ask for proof that all airbag-related recalls have been completed.
- Test the brakes at low speed and on a clear road; any firm pedal with poor stopping or unusual noises should be investigated.
- Ask for a diagnostic scan for stored engine and transmission codes, especially if the truck has a diesel engine, to check for diesel particulate filter issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the RSX's transmission and airbag system or the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the RSX, test drive at low speeds in a parking lot with windows down to listen for suspension clunks.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical functions including screens, and check for any warning messages about neutral or engine shutdown.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the RSX and fuel pump or brake service on the Silverado.
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 RSX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura RSX total complaints
- 197
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura RSX total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura RSX avg complaints/year
- 39.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura RSX
- Acura RSX top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE