Head-to-head reliability
Acura ZDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Acura ZDX 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 ZDX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The ZDX has 67 complaints over 7 years (9.6/yr) with issues in braking and collision avoidance, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with major engine and powertrain failures. The ZDX has 36 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura ZDX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura ZDX
The Acura ZDX is a relatively low-volume electric SUV with a modest complaint count, averaging about 9.6 per year over seven years. Owners report issues centered on the forward collision avoidance and automatic braking systems, which can either fail to engage or trigger unexpectedly, leading to sudden stops. There are also reports of braking jerks and electrical system problems, including a drive motor inverter cooler failure. While the number of complaints is low, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting braking—can be alarming for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a much larger complaint base, averaging over 510 per year over ten years. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain failures, including severe issues like sudden loss of motive power and transmission problems. Electrical system complaints often accompany these, with reports of braking and steering becoming inoperable. The sheer volume and severity of these reports suggest that the Silverado may have more frequent and potentially dangerous reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura ZDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 ZDX
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE23
- 02SERVICE BRAKES20
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION9
Owners report that the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) can fail to engage during a collision, providing no warning or automatic braking. Conversely, others describe hyper-sensitivity, where the system triggers automatic braking for no reason, risking rear-end collisions.
Intermittent braking malfunctions cause the vehicle to jerk unexpectedly while slowing or stopping, in traffic, on hills, or while reversing. The cause is often unknown, and in some cases, the automatic braking kicks in without cause, nearly causing accidents.
Failures include the drive motor inverter cooling system, specifically the inverter cooler, which can lead to overheating or loss of power. Electrical issues also appear linked to the braking anomalies, as some complaints mention both.
“On [XXX] at approximately 700 miles on a 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec AWD (VIN [XXX] ), the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) failed to engage during a collision event. The system did not provide forward collision warning and did not initiate automatic emer…”
“I am writing to report a serious safety defect in my 2024 Acura ZDX concerning the Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking. The system exhibits hyper-sensitivity, leading to unwarranted and dangerous automatic braking events. On 3/17/25, at ap…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with reports of sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models experience repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) soot accumulation, requiring dealer service multiple times.
Transmission and drivetrain issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, especially under load, and loss of power. These can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations, such as in a parking garage.
Brake failures are reported, including sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and instances where brakes become inoperable along with steering and power. These are critical safety concerns.
Electrical problems often accompany engine and brake failures, with reports of warning lights and systems shutting down. In some cases, the electrical system failure leads to loss of braking and steering, compounding the danger.
“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 ZDX — 36 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 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 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 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…
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 ZDX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Acura ZDX has far fewer complaints per year (9.6 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (36 vs. 100), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the ZDX's problems are concentrated in safety-critical systems like braking and collision avoidance, which can be just as concerning. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a major failure, but the ZDX's issues are not to be taken lightly.
Key differences
- The ZDX has far fewer complaints per year (9.6) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported problems.
- ZDX issues are primarily in forward collision avoidance and braking systems, with reports of both failure to engage and unintended braking.
- Silverado problems are dominated by engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission issues, which can be more severe.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs. 5) and injuries (104 vs. 4), suggesting more incidents on the road.
- Test the forward collision warning and automatic braking in a safe area to ensure they don't trigger unexpectedly or fail to respond.
- Check for any service bulletins or recalls related to the drive motor inverter cooler, as failures can lead to loss of power.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as sudden loss of power has been reported.
- Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting, especially under load, and be aware of any recalls related to braking or steering.
Before you buy
- For the ZDX, verify all recalls are performed, especially those for airbags and braking systems.
- For the Silverado, check the engine and transmission for any signs of previous failures, and review maintenance records for DPF issues if diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any braking or power anomalies.
- Ask for a history of any complaints or repairs from the previous owner, if available.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with electric and diesel systems respectively.
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 ZDX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 55 | 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 ZDX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura ZDX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Acura ZDX total complaints
- 67
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Acura ZDX total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Acura ZDX avg complaints/year
- 9.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Acura ZDX
- Acura ZDX top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE