Head-to-head reliability
Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Encore 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 Encore vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Encore averages about 60 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have engine and power train issues, but the Silverado reports more brake and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Encore or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is a small SUV that averages about 60 complaints per year over a decade, with 25 recalls and 76 injuries reported. The most common owner complaints center on engine problems, often involving the check engine light and a 'reduce power' warning that limits acceleration. Electrical and power train issues also appear, including turbo failures and transmission concerns. For a used-car buyer, this suggests a vehicle that may need frequent attention to engine sensors and turbo components, but the overall complaint rate is relatively low compared to larger trucks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—with 101 recalls and 160 injuries over the same period. Owners frequently report engine and power train failures, including sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter issues. Braking and electrical problems are also common, with some complaints describing the engine shutting off while driving. This volume of reports indicates a higher likelihood of encountering serious reliability problems, especially in newer models with low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Encore | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 601 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 60.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Encore
- 01ENGINE223
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER74
- 05AIR BAGS70
Owners report the check engine light coming on, followed by a 'reduce power' message that prevents acceleration. Some had to replace multiple sensors, and the problem often recurs, leaving the car undriveable at times.
Complaints include check engine lights for emission controls and fuel evaporator issues, as well as a report of air bags deploying unexpectedly with a burning smell. These electrical faults can be intermittent and costly to diagnose.
Turbocharger failures are a recurring theme, with owners reporting replacement turbos failing again after about 20,000 miles. Some also note insufficient power and frequent downshifting, which can affect drivability.
One owner described air bags deploying without a crash, causing burns and a fried wire smell. While this is a single report, it highlights a potential safety concern that buyers should be aware of.
“EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DON…”
“LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T ACCELERATE SO I HAV…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These problems can leave the truck stranded and are expensive to repair.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving and transmission problems. One owner reported the truck going into neutral in a parking garage with less than 300 miles on it, which is a serious drivability and safety issue.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assistance and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are alarming for drivers.
Owners report a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effectiveness, and in one case the truck shut off completely during a parking maneuver. Brake problems on a heavy truck are particularly dangerous and should be inspected carefully.
“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 Encore — 25 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor…
The risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may con…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
The risk: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438…
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,…
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 Encore or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Encore has far fewer complaints per year (about 60) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls and injuries. In practice, this means a used Encore is likely to have fewer reported serious issues, while the Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or brake problems. However, both vehicles have their own patterns of failure that buyers should investigate.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 13 times more complaints per year than the Encore, with engine and power train issues dominating both, but the Silverado's problems often involve sudden power loss or transmission failure.
- Buick Encore owners frequently report turbo failures and 'reduce power' warnings, while Silverado owners describe engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 25 for the Encore, covering systems like fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision warnings, indicating broader safety-related campaigns.
- Injury reports are higher for the Silverado (160 vs. 76), and it has 3 deaths compared to 1 for the Encore, though these numbers alone don't predict individual vehicle safety.
- Check for a history of turbocharger replacement or persistent check engine lights, especially with 'reduce power' messages, as these are common complaints.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of emission control or fuel evaporator issues, and ask if any air bag recalls or deployments have occurred.
- Look for any records of engine or transmission repairs, particularly for newer models with low mileage that may have experienced sudden power loss or neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal or reduced braking effectiveness, and check for electrical gremlies like random engine shutdowns or warning messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the specific model year.
- For the Encore, ask about turbo service history and scan for stored engine codes related to sensors or emissions.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation, engine stalling, and brake performance.
- Review owner complaints for the exact model year you are considering to see if common issues have been addressed.
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 Encore | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 9 | 961 |
| 2020 | 19 | 868 |
| 2019 | 86 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 74 | 597 |
| 2017 | 89 | 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 Encore or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Encore total complaints
- 601
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Encore total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Encore avg complaints/year
- 60.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Encore
- Buick Encore top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE