Head-to-head reliability
Bugatti Chiron vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Bugatti Chiron 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
Bugatti Chiron vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Chiron has 0 complaints over 7 years and 13 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related complaints. The Silverado's owner reports include engine shutdowns, transmission neutral shifts, and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bugatti Chiron or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bugatti Chiron
The Bugatti Chiron is a low-volume exotic, so its ownership picture is unusual: NHTSA shows 0 owner complaints over 7 years, but 13 recalls. The recalls cover seat belts, electronic stability control software, and a driveshaft issue, which suggests safety-related fixes are handled through campaigns rather than owner complaints. With no complaint text on record, there is no reported pattern of recurring failures from drivers. For a buyer, that means less everyday failure data to review, but you still need to confirm every recall was completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, about 823 per year, plus 101 recalls. Owner reports cluster around the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data. The sample complaints describe serious drivability and braking symptoms, including engine shutdowns, sudden loss of braking, and transmission going into neutral. This is a vehicle where pre-purchase inspection and recall checks matter a great deal.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bugatti Chiron | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Bugatti Chiron
No component data available.
The Chiron has multiple recall subjects for front seat belts, which means the restraint system may need inspection or repair. For a buyer, an open seat belt recall is a safety item that should be fixed before driving.
A recall covers the ESC control module software, which can affect stability control behavior. Buyers should confirm this software update was performed, since stability aids are part of normal driving safety.
A driveshaft recall is listed, which points to a possible mechanical failure in the driveline. If left unaddressed, a driveshaft problem can cause loss of power or damage, so recall completion is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems including a 6.2L motor issue shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can mean unexpected breakdowns and repeated dealer visits, which matters for a buyer who needs dependable daily use.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. A truck that loses power or shifts itself into neutral can leave you stranded or in a dangerous spot.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking and engine shutdowns while driving, with screens going blank. Electrical faults that affect braking or shut down the engine are serious because they can happen without much warning.
Complaints include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect and a parking-lot shutdown where the truck would not accelerate. Brake problems are a top safety concern, so any used Silverado should have the brake system checked and recalls verified.
“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.
Bugatti Chiron — 13 recalls
The defect: Bugatti is recalling certain 2016-2023 Bugatti Chiron vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts, and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occu…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Bugatti customer service at 1-703-826-7545. Bugatti's number for this recall is BUGCR036.
The defect: Bugatti (Bugatti) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Chiron, 2018-2020 Chiron Sport and 2020-2021 DIVO vehicles. After an ignition cycle, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) does not automatically default back to the full-function original mode if the Handling Mode is selected on the Drive Mode swit…
The risk: If the Handling Mode is activated, the ESC System goes into Sport mode. After an ignition cycle, the ESC does not default to the original default mode (ESC Normal Mode). After restarting the car, the Drive Mode remains in Handling mode aff…
The fix: Bugatti will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software of the affected control units, free of charge. Owners may contact Bugatti customer service at 1-703-826-7545. Bugatti's number for this recall is BUGCR033.
The defect: Bugatti is recalling certain 2016-2023 Bugatti Chiron vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts, and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occu…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Bugatti customer service at 1-703-826-7545. Bugatti's number for this recall is BUGCR036.
The defect: Bugatti is recalling certain 2016-2023 Bugatti Chiron vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts, and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occu…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Bugatti customer service at 1-703-826-7545. Bugatti's number for this recall is BUGCR036.
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
Bugatti Chiron or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Bugatti Chiron has 0 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year over 10 years. In practice, the Silverado has far more reported owner issues, including engine, power train, electrical, and brake complaints. The Chiron's lower complaint count does not mean it is problem-free, but it does mean there is much less owner-reported failure data to review.
Key differences
- The Bugatti Chiron has 0 complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years, about 823 per year.
- The Silverado's top complaint areas are engine (2,521), power train (2,347), electrical system (1,513), and service brakes (1,222), with owner reports of engine shutdowns and sudden braking loss.
- The Chiron has 13 recalls but no owner complaint text, with recall subjects including seat belts, ESC software, and driveshaft.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, which is a much larger safety-related record to review.
- Check for open seat belt recalls, since front seat belts appear multiple times in the Chiron's recall list.
- Confirm the ESC control module software and driveshaft recalls were completed, as these affect stability and driveline safety.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or transmission going into neutral, which owners report with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'.
- Test the brakes carefully for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for any electrical issues that cause screens to go blank.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on both vehicles to see all open recalls and confirm they were repaired.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine, transmission, electrical, and brake complaints, and test drive for shutdowns or neutral shifts.
- For the Chiron, verify seat belt, ESC software, and driveshaft recall completion with a dealer or authorized service center.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported complaint areas.
- Check the NHTSA complaint and recall history for the exact model year you are considering, since the data here covers multiple years.
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 | Bugatti Chiron | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
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 Bugatti Chiron or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bugatti Chiron vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Bugatti Chiron total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Bugatti Chiron total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Bugatti Chiron avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Bugatti Chiron
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE