Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Bentley Continental 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 Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Bentley has 19 complaints over 10 years (1.9/year) and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, versus 1 crash-related and no injuries for the Bentley. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Continental or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental is a low-volume luxury car with only 19 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1.9 per year. The main issues reported by owners involve front seats that can trap rear passengers, wheels with lug nuts that don't match the provided tools, and steering that can lock up. These problems, while not frequent, can be serious and inconvenient, especially the seat and steering issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report a wide range of problems, most commonly with the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that many owners experience significant reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Continental | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Continental
- 01SEATS8
- 02WHEELS5
- 03STEERING4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that the front seats, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to their original position and instead move fully backward, trapping rear passengers. This can be dangerous and requires awkward escapes, as one owner described a friend having to remove her shoes and pull her legs out with her hand.
The tools provided by the manufacturer cannot be used on the wheel nuts because they are the wrong size. This means that if a tire goes flat, the owner may be unable to install the spare tire, leaving them stranded.
There are reports of steering locking up while driving, with warning lights coming on. One owner described being unable to steer on an interstate and having to coast to the shoulder, which is a serious safety concern.
There is one complaint about the electrical system, but no specific details are provided in the sample. Buyers should be aware that electrical gremlins can be costly to diagnose and repair in luxury vehicles.
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and the engine shutting off while driving, which can cause loss of power and control. This is particularly dangerous in traffic or on highways.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective, as well as engine shutdowns with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems.
There are reports of severe loss of braking and the truck completely shutting off, with screens going blank and inability to accelerate. Such failures can lead to crashes and injuries.
“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 Continental — 5 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
The risk: A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles f…
The risk: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Continental GT/GT Convertible vehicles. During some automated front seat movements, the front seat may trap a rear passenger's legs.
The risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the front seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/26 (RC…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT, and 2021-2022 Flying Spur vehicles. The front seat belt assemblies may have been incorrectly installed, resulting in the front passenger seat missing the automatic locking retractor (ALR). As s…
The risk: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall…
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 Continental or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Bentley Continental has far fewer complaints per year (1.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7). However, the Bentley's issues, though less frequent, can be serious, such as steering lock-up and seat entrapment. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate and greater number of recalls indicate a higher likelihood of experiencing problems, some of which are also severe.
Key differences
- The Bentley Continental has 19 complaints over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Bentley complaints often involve seat entrapment and steering lock-up, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, with 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported, while the Bentley has 5 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint, with no injuries or deaths.
- Bentley issues tend to be mechanical and convenience-related, while Silverado issues often affect core driving functions like engine, power train, and brakes.
- Check that the front seats return to their original position after being moved for rear access; if they slide fully backward, it could trap passengers.
- Test the steering for any locking or warning lights, and verify that the provided wheel tools actually fit the lug nuts.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any signs of excessive soot in the diesel particulate filter if equipped; also test for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking effectiveness, and check for electrical issues such as screens going blank or messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Bentley, specifically test the power seats and steering, and verify the wheel tool kit fits.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and conditions, paying attention to engine, transmission, and brake performance.
- Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints.
- Consider an extended warranty, especially for the Silverado, given the higher complaint volume.
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 Continental | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 12 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 5 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Continental or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Bentley Continental total complaints
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Bentley Continental total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Bentley Continental avg complaints/year
- 1.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Continental
- Bentley Continental top complaint area
- SEATS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE