Head-to-head reliability
Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Enclave 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 Enclave vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Enclave averages 44 complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, with 14 recalls versus 100. Owners report air bag failures in the Enclave and engine/brake issues in the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Enclave or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave, a three-row SUV, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 44 per year over the last decade. Owners frequently report air bag non-deployment in crashes, engine stalling and power loss, and brake issues including squealing and pedal problems. Electrical glitches affecting infotainment and other systems also appear, suggesting a mix of safety-critical and quality concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, reflecting its popularity and possibly more widespread issues. Engine problems dominate, with reports of catastrophic failures, diesel particulate filter clogging, and loss of power. Transmission and electrical issues are also common, including sudden neutral shifts and braking failures linked to electrical faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Enclave | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 443 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 44.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 Enclave
- 01AIR BAGS153
- 02ENGINE59
- 03SERVICE BRAKES57
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
Owners report air bags failing to deploy in severe frontal collisions, even when the vehicle is totaled. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to injuries in crashes where protection is expected.
The engine can catastrophically fail while driving, causing sudden loss of power and shutdown on the freeway. Other reports include persistent check engine lights, shaking, and vibrations that are hard to fix.
Brake issues include daily squealing that lasts for miles until warm, and more serious reports of the brake pedal sinking to the floor, indicating potential brake system failure.
Electrical problems manifest as infotainment system lockups, making phone, radio, and navigation unusable, and can also affect critical systems like brakes, as seen in one report where electrical issues preceded brake failure.
“On [XXX], 2024, a pickup truck ran a red light at 55+ miles per hour and struck the front left quarter panel of our 2023 Buick Enclave as we were pulling into an intersection. Our car was totaled with the entire front end of the car being severely damaged. Th…”
“The contact owned a 2025 Buick Enclave. While the contact’s daughter was driving through an intersection on a green light at an undisclosed speed, a truck crashed into the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The con…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent and severe, with reports of complete engine failure while driving, leaving families stranded far from home. Diesel models suffer from repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines. This can lead to loss of power and control.
Electrical faults can cause sudden loss of braking effectiveness and steering control, as well as loud engine pinging and loss of motive power. These are safety-critical failures that can occur at highway speeds.
Brake problems are often linked to electrical issues, with reports of the brake pedal remaining firm but braking power being severely reduced, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
“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 Enclave — 14 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
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 Enclave or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Enclave has far fewer complaints per year (44 vs 510) and fewer recalls (14 vs 100), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so buyers should not assume either is problem-free.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Enclave, with engine and powertrain issues being the most common.
- Air bag non-deployment is a notable issue in the Enclave, while the Silverado has more reports of sudden loss of power and braking.
- The Enclave's electrical problems often affect infotainment, while the Silverado's electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100 vs 14), suggesting more widespread manufacturing or design issues.
- Check for any open recalls related to air bags and have them addressed immediately.
- Test the brakes for any unusual noises or pedal feel, and have the electrical system checked for intermittent issues.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of previous failures or repairs, and ask for service records related to engine or transmission work.
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for brakes and electrical systems, have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations, loss of power, or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential costly repairs.
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 Enclave | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 98 |
| 2025 | 36 | 150 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 |
| 2023 | 19 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 25 | 934 |
| 2020 | 56 | 0 |
| 2019 | 42 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 64 | 591 |
| 2017 | 179 | 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 Enclave or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Enclave total complaints
- 443
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Enclave total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Enclave avg complaints/year
- 44.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Enclave top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE