Head-to-head reliability
Acura TLX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura TLX 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 TLX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The TLX averages 53.7 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The TLX has 33 recalls, the Silverado 100. Owners report engine and transmission issues on both, but the Silverado's are more frequent and severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TLX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a sporty sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of engine and powertrain issues that can affect drivability. Owners report sudden power loss in humid conditions, transmission and transfer case leaks, and electrical gremlins like a blacked-out instrument cluster. While not as numerous as the Silverado's complaints, these issues are serious enough to warrant careful inspection before buying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, including severe failures and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as transmission and brake problems. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests a higher likelihood of encountering major mechanical or safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TLX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 537 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 TLX
- 01ENGINE138
- 02POWER TRAIN100
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER74
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM60
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration and misfires, especially in humid or rainy conditions, which can be dangerous when overtaking. This points to a moisture-related engine issue that may require repair.
Transmission and transfer case fluid leaks are common, with one owner told they were 'lucky' to catch a spline failure early. These leaks can lead to drivetrain damage if not addressed promptly.
The digital instrument cluster can go completely black while driving, leaving the driver without speedometer or other critical information. Other electrical issues include adaptive damper system errors due to poor wiring.
“While driving in humid, rainy conditions for over five hours, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration. Moisture appears to have built up, resulting in a misfire and a flashing MIL/Check Engine light. This occurred while I was overtaking anot…”
“I understand Honda isn't doing soo well so I hope this is added to the list of the feds research we just bought this tlx aspec don't understand how these cars need to be 4000lbs but anyway the gas mileage advertised is not what you get I've seen on multiple f…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 2026 model with a 6.2L motor that failed within 2,500 miles of purchase. Diesel models also experience repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. This has been reported on vehicles with very low mileage.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the brake pedal feels firm. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to 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 TLX — 33 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 Acura TLX vehicles. The tires may have sustained cuts and tears during the sorting process, which can result in tire damage.
The risk: Damaged tires can lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is GCW.
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
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 TLX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura TLX has significantly fewer complaints per year (53.7 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (33 vs 100), indicating a lower likelihood of encountering major issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more severe and frequent, making the TLX a more reliable choice for most buyers.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 10 times more complaints per year than the TLX, indicating a much higher rate of reported issues.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and transmission failures at low mileage, which are severe safety concerns not seen in the TLX complaints.
- The TLX's engine issues are often related to moisture and misfires, while the Silverado's engine problems include catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging.
- The TLX has electrical issues like a blacked-out instrument cluster, while the Silverado has electrical problems that can lead to loss of power and braking.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of moisture damage or misfire codes, especially if the car was driven in humid climates.
- Check the transmission and transfer case for fluid leaks, and have a mechanic verify the integrity of the splines.
- Ask for service records related to engine repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax diesel engines, and check for any pending recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and look for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or shifting issues.
- Check the instrument cluster for any flickering or blackouts during the test drive.
- For the Silverado, ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if it's a diesel model.
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 TLX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 150 |
| 2024 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 10 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 67 | 934 |
| 2020 | 62 | 0 |
| 2019 | 91 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 93 | 591 |
| 2017 | 70 | 0 |
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 TLX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TLX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura TLX total complaints
- 537
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Acura TLX total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Acura TLX avg complaints/year
- 53.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Acura TLX
- Acura TLX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE