Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Bentayga vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Bentley Bentayga 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
Bentley Bentayga vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Bentayga has 12 complaints and 30 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related incidents and 160 injuries, compared to 1 and 1 for the Bentayga. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Bentayga or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley Bentayga is a low-volume luxury SUV with only 12 complaints over 10 years, but 30 recalls in the same period. Owners report issues with brakes, air bags, and fuel odors, including a fuel line fracture and concerns about cruise control and cyber vulnerabilities. Living with it means fewer reported problems overall, but the ones that appear can be serious and expensive to fix.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years and 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. With 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, the data shows a much higher volume of safety-related incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Bentayga | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 12 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Bentley Bentayga
- 01SERVICE BRAKES3
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03FUEL SYSTEM2
- 04GASOLINE2
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
Owners complain that the dynamic cruise control can follow too closely at highway speeds, and one report raises concerns about cyber vulnerabilities that could shut down systems. These issues matter because they affect braking confidence and electronic safety.
Complaints include a failed anti-collision and anti-pedestrian feature that did not prevent a parking incident, plus the same cyber vulnerability report. A buyer should verify that all air bag and driver-assist recalls have been performed.
Owners of 2017 and 2019 models report strong fuel odors, with one case traced to a fractured fuel line. This is a fire risk and should be inspected immediately on any used Bentayga.
Two complaints mention electrical problems, including the cyber attack concern. These can affect multiple systems and are hard to diagnose, so a pre-purchase electrical check is wise.
“EASY CYBER ATTACK AGAINST NEW BENTLEY - CRITICAL ISSUE IT IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO CONNECT THIS CAR TO THE INTERNET USING A SIM CARD, AS THE CAR IS LITTERED WITH HIGH IMPACT VULNERABILITIES THAT CAN EASILY BE EXPLOITED TO SHUT DOWN SYSTEMS, THIS WOULD DENY…”
“BENTLEY DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL - DANGEROUS THE CAR HAS DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN SETTINGS. IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHORTEN THE DISTANCE TO THE NEXT CAR ON A HIGHWAY TO APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS, AND THE CAR WILL CONTINUE AT THE CRUISE I…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and engine shutdowns while driving. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs, especially on newer models with low mileage.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This is a serious safety issue that can happen without warning.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are a major red flag.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and one case where the truck shut off completely during low-speed maneuvering. Brake problems on a heavy pickup are especially dangerous.
“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.
Bentley Bentayga — 30 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fe…
The risk: If the full camera view is obstructed or delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software in the infotainment system, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2018. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this rec…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…
The risk: If the seat belt is not properly secured in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the upper seat belt attachment bolt, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE2…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
The risk: An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2020. All vehicles (4) have been remedied as of October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-77…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting 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 flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23…
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
Bentley Bentayga or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Bentley Bentayga has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 822.7) and fewer crash-related reports, but it still has 30 recalls. The Silverado's much higher complaint and injury numbers mean a used buyer is more likely to encounter serious engine, transmission, and brake issues. In practice, the Bentayga may be less likely to leave you stranded, but any repair will likely cost more.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints vs. 12 for the Bentayga, with engine and power train issues dominating the Silverado's list.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Bentayga has 1 crash-related report and 1 injury.
- Bentayga owners report fuel odors and a fractured fuel line, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls cover more systems, including fuel pump control and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any fuel odor or evidence of a fractured fuel line, especially on 2017 and 2019 models.
- Verify that all recalls for air bags, backup camera, and fuel pump have been completed, and test the cruise control and driver-assist features.
- Look for signs of engine misfires, diesel particulate filter warnings, or rough running, especially on 2026 models with low mileage.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly; watch for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or any sudden loss of braking or engine power.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check for transmission, brake, and engine issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the fuel system, brakes, and electrical components, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- Ask for complete service records and check if the vehicle has been in any crashes or had repeated repairs for the same issue.
- For the Silverado, consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored engine and transmission codes; for the Bentayga, check for any aftermarket electronic modifications.
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 | Bentley Bentayga | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 1 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 9 | 1154 |
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 Bentley Bentayga or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Bentayga vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Bentley Bentayga total complaints
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Bentley Bentayga total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Bentley Bentayga avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Bentayga
- Bentley Bentayga top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE