Head-to-head reliability
Buick Cascada vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Cascada 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
Buick Cascada vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cascada averages 13.3 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Cascada's main issues are engine PCV failures and rear window separation; the Silverado reports engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Cascada or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Cascada
The Buick Cascada is a low-volume convertible, so it sees far fewer complaints than mainstream vehicles—about 13 per year. Owners most often report engine issues like rough idle and check engine lights tied to the camshaft cover/PCV valve, and structural problems where the rear windshield separates from the convertible top. There is also a recall for power window controls. Overall, the complaint pattern suggests a car with a handful of recurring, specific faults rather than widespread failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a huge owner base, generating over 800 complaints per year on average. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of sudden power loss, transmission shifting into neutral, and braking problems. There are also many recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and driver alerts. The volume of complaints and recalls means buyers should expect a higher chance of encountering issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Cascada | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 53 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.3 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.
Buick Cascada
- 01ENGINE15
- 02STRUCTURE15
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER6
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
Owners report rough idle, check engine lights, and squealing from the top of the engine, often traced to a failed camshaft cover or PCV valve. This can lead to low voltage output and costly repairs if not addressed.
The rear windshield can separate from the convertible top frame, especially during rain, allowing water to enter. Owners describe the glass pushing upward and out, which can worsen over time and require expensive resealing.
The rear window detachment is also reported here, with owners noting the glass separates from the top material due to insufficient primer. This creates a safety and leak risk, and some resort to gluing it back on.
Complaints include front collision alert not working at all, and a PCV system failure causing a loud whistle and power loss. These electronic and emissions-related faults can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
“I brought the 2017 Buick Cascada in for repair following rough idle and check engine light. This vehicle only has 46,200 miles. The mechanic put it to the computer and the mechanic found the issue that was ultimately identified as the camshaft cover/pc valve.…”
“A squealing sound was coming from the top of my engine and I had low/rough idle and it progressed to a low voltage output and check engine lights. I was able to use GM's Special Coverage Adjustment N232395320 Camshaft Cover (for the 2019 Cascada) and Special…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe issues like engine shutdown while driving, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some occur at very low mileage, leaving drivers stranded.
The transmission can suddenly shift into neutral or lose power, even at low speeds in parking garages. This creates a dangerous loss of control and has been reported on brand-new trucks.
Sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appear. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. This can lead to extended stopping distances or inability to stop.
“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.
Buick Cascada — 1 recall
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Cascada vehicles manufactured December 1, 2015, to February 24, 2016. The affected vehicles may have had the original convertible roof control module (CRCM) replaced with an incorrect CRCM, that allows the windows to close automatic…
The risk: If the windows close automatically or can be closed remotely in ways that do not meet all the requirements of FMVSS 118, the unexpected closure can increase the risk of injury to the passengers.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the CRCM with correct module, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 16126.
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
Buick Cascada or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Cascada has far fewer issues per year (about 13 complaints annually) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800 per year). In practice, this means a Cascada buyer is less likely to face frequent repair visits, while a Silverado buyer should be prepared for a higher chance of encountering engine, transmission, or brake problems.
Key differences
- The Cascada's main reported failures are engine PCV/camshaft cover issues and rear windshield separation, while the Silverado suffers from engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 1 for the Cascada, covering critical systems like fuel pumps and brakes.
- The Cascada averages about 13 complaints per year; the Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much larger volume of owner-reported problems.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in complaints, while the Cascada has 1 injury and 0 deaths, though these counts are not directly comparable due to fleet size.
- Check the rear windshield for any separation from the convertible top, especially around the edges and seals—look for water leaks or gaps.
- Listen for rough idle or squealing from the engine, and scan for check engine codes related to the camshaft cover or PCV valve.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the transmission hesitates, slips into neutral, or if the engine shuts off.
- Check for any brake pedal firmness or reduced braking, and ask if the truck has had software updates for electrical or brake issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Cascada's power window recall and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Cascada's convertible top and rear window seals, and scan for engine fault codes.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively at various speeds and check for transmission shifting problems, engine stalling, and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on engine and transmission repairs for the Silverado and PCV/camshaft cover service for the Cascada.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with these specific models to catch known issues.
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 | Buick Cascada | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 11 | 597 |
| 2017 | 15 | 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 Buick Cascada or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Cascada vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Cascada total complaints
- 53
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Cascada total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Cascada avg complaints/year
- 13.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Cascada
- Buick Cascada top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE