Head-to-head reliability
Acura TSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura TSX 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 TSX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Acura TSX averages about 53 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800, with the Silverado also having more than twice as many recalls. The Acura's main issue is steering leaks, whereas the Silverado suffers from severe engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TSX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TSX
The Acura TSX is a compact luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume for its class, averaging about 53 complaints per year over a decade. The most common owner-reported problem is power steering failure, often from fluid leaks, which can make steering heavy and noisy. Air bag issues, including Takata recalls and warning lights, also appear frequently. Overall, it's a car that demands attention to steering and safety systems but has fewer overall complaints than the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 800 complaints per year. Owners report serious engine and powertrain problems, including sudden shutdowns and transmission failures, even on newer models. Electrical glitches and brake issues are also common, with some complaints describing dangerous loss of braking or unintended acceleration. This truck has a higher volume of safety-related complaints and recalls, indicating more frequent and potentially severe problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TSX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 529 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 TSX
- 01STEERING209
- 02AIR BAGS93
- 03SERVICE BRAKES78
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 05ENGINE36
Owners frequently report power steering fluid leaks from the steering rack, leading to heavy steering and noise when turning. In some cases, the steering can fail completely, as one owner described losing steering mobility after a collision.
Many complaints involve air bag warning lights staying on after minor incidents, and Takata inflator recalls where parts were unavailable for long periods. This can prevent owners from using their cars for ride-share work and raises safety concerns.
Some owners experience a frozen brake pedal that doesn't depress after the first pump, especially in cold mornings, leading to reduced stopping ability. Others report unexpected stability assist activation without warning lights.
Electrical gremlins include stalling to start, immobilizer issues, and corrosion in the PCM/ECM from water leaks, causing no-start conditions and requiring costly repairs.
“I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING BECAME "HEAVY". I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS LOW ON FLUID. I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW THAT THERE A LEAK FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE BOOT ON THE STEERING RACK.…”
“OUR NON-MOVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HARD REAR-END COLLISION AT A IN CITY TRAFFIC WAITING TO MAKE A LEGAL TURN. A WEEK LATER VEHICLE LOST STEERING MOBILITY. WE HAD BATON ROUGE, LA ACURA DEALERSHIP RUN A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FAILED TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine failures on relatively new trucks. These issues can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on inclines, increasing the risk of collisions.
Electrical faults cause a range of problems, from brake system failures with a firm pedal but poor stopping, to screens going blank and engines shutting off. These glitches can disable critical safety features.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and complete brake failure, sometimes accompanied by other electrical issues. Owners describe scary situations where the truck wouldn't stop normally.
“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 TSX — 47 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississip…
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 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…
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 August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…
The defect: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-…
The risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using opti…
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 TSX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura TSX has far fewer complaints per year (about 53) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Acura. However, the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe, involving engine shutdowns and brake failures, while the Acura's main concern is steering leaks. In practice, the Acura may be easier to live with day-to-day, but both require careful inspection of known trouble spots.
Key differences
- The Acura TSX averages about 53 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported problems for the truck.
- Steering problems dominate Acura TSX complaints, often due to power steering fluid leaks, whereas Silverado complaints are spread across engine, powertrain, and electrical systems with more severe symptoms like sudden shutdowns.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls (101 vs 47) and far more crash-related complaints (233 vs 36), suggesting a higher safety risk if issues are neglected.
- Acura TSX air bag issues often involve Takata recalls and warning lights, while Silverado electrical problems can cause brake failure and unintended acceleration, which are more immediately dangerous.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks around the steering rack and listen for whining or groaning noises when turning the wheel; a low reservoir or heavy steering could indicate a failing rack.
- Inspect the air bag system for any warning lights and confirm that all Takata recalls have been performed, as parts may have been unavailable and the fix might still be pending.
- Test drive at various speeds and pay attention to any hesitation, sudden shutdowns, or transmission slipping; scan for stored engine codes related to diesel particulate filter or fuel system issues.
- Check brake pedal feel and function; a firm pedal with poor stopping or any warning messages about brake system failure should be taken seriously, as some owners reported sudden loss of braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been remedied, especially air bag recalls on the Acura and fuel pump or brake recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known trouble areas: steering for the Acura; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, check for warning lights, and test all electrical features including infotainment, windows, and safety systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and look for signs of fluid leaks or corrosion, particularly under the hood and around the steering components for the Acura.
- For the Silverado, verify that the latest software updates for engine and transmission control modules have been applied, as some issues may be addressed by reflashing.
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 TSX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TSX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura TSX total complaints
- 529
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Acura TSX total recalls
- 47
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Acura TSX avg complaints/year
- 52.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Acura TSX
- Acura TSX top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE