Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Flying SPUR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Bentley Flying SPUR 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 Flying SPUR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Bentley has only 2 complaints over 10 years (0.2/yr) versus 5,105 for the Silverado (510.5/yr). Bentley issues are electrical (PDC, camera), while Silverado has engine, brake, and powertrain failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Flying SPUR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Flying SPUR
The Bentley Flying Spur is a low-volume luxury sedan with a very low complaint rate—just two owner complaints over a decade. The issues reported center on electrical gremlins: a parking-distance control (PDC) fault that can knock out the radar, rear camera, and even the dashboard, plus a door-wiring design flaw that makes keyless entry unreliable. While these are annoying and potentially safety-relevant, the overall rarity of complaints suggests most owners enjoy trouble-free operation. Recalls focus on manuals, seat belt retractors, and structural fasteners, so buyers should verify those were addressed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 5,000 in ten years, averaging more than 500 per year. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain failures, including a 6.2L engine that can fail catastrophically, and a Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot clogging. Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, which is alarming. With 117 crash-related complaints and one death, these are serious reliability and safety concerns that any buyer must investigate thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Flying SPUR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Bentley Flying SPUR
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 04STRUCTURE1
Owners report a sudden PDC (parking distance control) fault that disables all radar systems, sometimes turning off the dashboard while driving and preventing the rearview camera from appearing when parking. This can make maneuvering dangerous and suggests a systemic electrical vulnerability.
The same PDC fault affects the forward collision avoidance system, as it relies on the radar that fails. Owners describe the system as 'broken,' which could mean the car loses its ability to warn or intervene in a forward collision.
The PDC fault also disables the rearview camera, which is critical for backing up safely. Owners note that when the fault occurs, the camera does not appear, increasing the risk of backing into an obstacle or person.
A design issue in the front door wiring for keyless entry: the wire is too short, causing the door handles to malfunction for locking/unlocking. This is described as a common issue, leading to potential lockouts or security concerns.
“There’s sudden PDC fault arises, the vehicle’s all radar system is broken. Sometimes, the dashboard will be turned off during driving. WHEN PDC fault appears, the rear view camera when parking does not appear. Very dangerous while manipulating the car. This i…”
“The front door wiring has design issues in 2020 Bentley Flying Spur. The length of the wire related to keyless entry is not enough. Thus cause the front doors keyless entry/unlock and lock the car through door handles malfunction. This is a very common issue…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L gasoline engine can fail catastrophically, leaving families stranded far from home. The 6.6L Duramax diesel has repeated DPF soot accumulation events, requiring dealer service multiple times within the first 10,000 miles—a sign of a chronic emissions system problem.
Transmission issues are reported, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, which can lead to loss of control. This is a serious safety concern, especially in traffic.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering while driving at highway speeds, as well as an abnormally loud pinging from the engine. These are critical safety failures that demand immediate attention.
Owners describe a severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, meaning the brakes are not responding effectively. This can happen suddenly, as when stopping at a stop sign, and is extremely 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 Flying SPUR — 10 recalls
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 2020-2022 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…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Flying Spur vehicles. The rear entertainment screen retention bracket, located in the rear of the front seats, may have been incorrectly installed.
The risk: An incorrectly installed retention bracket can result in the entertainment screen becoming a projectile during a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the retention brackets in both front seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number…
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-…
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
Bentley Flying SPUR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Bentley Flying Spur has far fewer issues per year—0.2 complaints versus 510.5 for the Silverado—indicating a much lower rate of reported problems. In practice, this means a Flying Spur owner is less likely to face a major failure, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and can be safety-critical. The Bentley's problems are mostly electrical annoyances, while the Silverado's can leave you stranded or without braking.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Bentley has 2 complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 5,105, a massive difference in owner-reported issues.
- Severity: Bentley issues are electrical (PDC, camera, keyless entry) that are inconvenient; Silverado issues include engine failure, sudden neutral, and brake loss that are safety-critical.
- Recalls: Bentley has 10 recalls, mostly for manuals, seat belts, and fasteners; Silverado has 100 recalls, including tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Crash/injury data: Bentley has zero crash-related complaints or injuries; Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death.
- Test the keyless entry on both front doors repeatedly to ensure the wiring doesn't cause intermittent failures.
- Check if the PDC fault has occurred by testing the parking sensors and rearview camera; ask for service records of any electrical repairs.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of failure, especially if it's a 6.2L or Duramax diesel; ask about DPF service history.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and verify all recalls have been performed for both vehicles.
- For the Bentley, have a mechanic inspect the door wiring and electrical system, and test the PDC and camera.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission repairs, and check the DPF status if diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers, to feel for any issues.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist for each brand.
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 Flying SPUR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Bentley Flying SPUR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Flying SPUR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Bentley Flying SPUR total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Bentley Flying SPUR total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Bentley Flying SPUR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Flying SPUR
- Bentley Flying SPUR top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE