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 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. The Cascada's top issues are rear window separation and PCV valve problems, whereas the Silverado faces severe engine, transmission, and brake failures. The Silverado has 100 recalls, the Cascada only 1. 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 with a modest complaint count, averaging about 13 per year. Owners report two dominant issues: the rear window separating from the convertible top, and engine problems related to the PCV/camshaft cover. These are not safety-critical in most cases but can be costly and annoying, especially the rear window which may require gluing. Overall, it's a niche car with specific, known trouble spots rather than widespread failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a much larger complaint base, averaging over 500 per year. The complaints are dominated by engine, powertrain, and brake issues, including severe events like loss of power, unexpected neutral, and brake failure. With 100 recalls and multiple injury reports, the Silverado shows a pattern of serious, potentially dangerous failures that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
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 | 52 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Buick Cascada
- 01STRUCTURE15
- 02ENGINE14
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER6
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
Owners report the rear windshield separating from the convertible top seal, sometimes letting water in. This appears to be a manufacturing defect where the glass isn't properly bonded, and it can worsen over time.
The engine often has rough idle, check engine lights, and squealing noises traced to a faulty PCV valve or camshaft cover. This can lead to oil leaks and may require special coverage adjustments.
The rear window separation is also listed under visibility, as it impairs the driver's view and can be a safety hazard if the window detaches further.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK CASCADA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AXELROD GMC BUICK (PARMA, OH, 216-661-5060) FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FR…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, water started entering the vehicle through the rear windshield. The contact stated that the rear windshield was separating from the seal. No wa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints are frequent, including severe issues like sudden loss of power, loud pinging, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel models also face DPF clogging issues requiring repeated dealer visits.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. This often happens at low speeds, like in parking garages.
Brake failure is a critical issue, with owners describing a sudden loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to crashes and is a major safety concern.
Electrical problems often accompany the engine and brake failures, with warning messages and loss of power to systems like steering and brakes, compounding the danger.
“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 — 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
Buick Cascada or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Cascada has far fewer complaints per year (13 vs. 510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more severe, including potential safety-critical failures. In practice, the Cascada may be less troublesome overall, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to leave you stranded or in danger.
Key differences
- The Cascada's main issue is the rear window separating, a cosmetic/weatherproofing problem, while the Silverado has serious engine and brake failures.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate, with 510 per year versus 13 for the Cascada, indicating a higher frequency of problems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including for brakes and steering, while the Cascada has only one recall for power windows.
- The Cascada's engine issues are often covered by special adjustments, but the Silverado's engine problems can be catastrophic, like sudden power loss.
- Inspect the rear window seal for any signs of separation or water leaks, as this is a common failure.
- Listen for rough idle or squealing from the engine, which could indicate PCV/camshaft cover issues.
- Check for any warning lights or unusual engine noises, and ask about the vehicle's service history for engine or transmission repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and look for any brake fluid leaks or warning messages.
Before you buy
- For the Cascada, have a mechanic inspect the rear window bonding and the PCV system.
- For the Silverado, check the transmission for smooth shifting and ask if any recalls have been performed.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you're considering.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic who can check for signs of engine or brake problems.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls are fixed before purchase.
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 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 11 | 591 |
| 2017 | 15 | 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 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
- 52
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Cascada total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Cascada avg complaints/year
- 13.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Cascada
- Buick Cascada top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE