Head-to-head reliability
Acura TL vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura TL 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 TL vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Acura TL averages about 122 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a nearly sevenfold difference. The TL's main issues are air bag recalls and steering lock-ups, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine, transmission, and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TL or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TL
The Acura TL is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 122 per year over a decade. The most common owner complaints involve air bag inflator recalls, dashboard cracks, and steering lock-ups. While the overall volume is low, the steering issue can be dangerous, and the Takata air bag recall is a major hassle. Buyers should expect a comfortable car but must verify recall work and inspect for interior wear.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission failures, electrical glitches, and brake issues. Many complaints involve serious safety concerns like sudden engine shutdown or loss of braking. This truck may appeal for its utility, but the high volume of complaints suggests a higher risk of costly repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TL | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,218 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 39 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 121.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 32 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 TL
- 01AIR BAGS440
- 02STRUCTURE277
- 03STEERING153
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER147
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM121
Owners report frustration with the Takata air bag inflator recall, including long wait times for parts and inadequate loaner vehicles. This matters because the defective inflator can rupture and cause injury, so buyers must confirm the recall was completed.
Many owners report large cracks developing on the dashboard, even on well-maintained cars. This is a cosmetic and potential safety issue that can be expensive to fix and may indicate poor material quality.
Some owners describe the electric power steering (EPS) system failing suddenly, causing the steering wheel to lock and making the car undrivable. This is a critical safety risk that could lead to a crash if it happens while driving.
Complaints include unknown electrical issues, but specific reports mention paint defects like clear coat peeling. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix, adding to ownership costs.
“TAKATA INFLATORS: I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH HOW HONDA/ACURA IS HANDLING THE RECALL OF THE 2014 ACURA TL AWD THAT I AM CURRENTLY LEASING. THE TWO OPTIONS THEY OFFERED IF I ACCEPT EITHER WILL END UP COSTING ME MORE MONEY AND PUTTING MORE CASH IN THEIR POCKET.…”
“TAKATA RECALL- TOOK CAR IN FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. INFORMED OF RECALL. TOLD REPLACEMENT COULDN'T TAKE PLACE UNTIL SOMETIME IN SUMMER. OFFERED A CAR AS TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT. IT WAS INDICATED CAR WOULDN'T BE OF QUALITY OF MINE, WOULD BE OF ENTERPRISE RENTAL Q…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdown while driving. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can cause loss of control and is a major safety concern.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effect being severely reduced, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake failure is a serious hazard that demands immediate attention.
“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 TL — 39 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NG…
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for t…
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 specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NG…
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for t…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NG…
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for t…
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 TL or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura TL has far fewer complaints per year (about 122 vs. 823 for the Silverado), suggesting a lower overall risk of problems. However, the TL's steering lock-up is a severe safety issue, while the Silverado's higher complaint volume includes many serious engine, transmission, and brake failures. In practice, the TL may be less troublesome overall, but both vehicles have notable red flags.
Key differences
- The Acura TL has about 122 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the truck.
- Acura TL owners most often complain about air bag recalls, dashboard cracks, and steering lock-ups; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 39 for the TL, covering systems like fuel pumps and forward collision avoidance, which may require more frequent dealer visits.
- Both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, but the TL's steering issue can cause sudden loss of control, while the Silverado's engine and brake issues can also be dangerous.
- Check if the Takata air bag inflator recall has been performed; if not, schedule it immediately as it is a safety risk.
- Test the steering at low speeds and listen for any warning lights; a locking steering wheel is a sign of EPS failure.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough shifting, or warning messages about the engine or transmission; sudden shutdowns have been reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, to ensure they respond normally; some owners experienced reduced braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed, especially the air bag recall for the Acura TL.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the steering system for the TL and the engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for steering lock-up or sudden power loss.
- For the Silverado, check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, or brakes, as these may indicate pending issues.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you are considering to see if any new patterns have emerged.
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 TL or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TL vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura TL total complaints
- 1,218
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura TL total recalls
- 39
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura TL avg complaints/year
- 121.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura TL
- Acura TL top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE