Head-to-head reliability
Buick Envision vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Envision 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 Envision vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Envision has 217 complaints over 10 years (21.7/yr) with 10 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Envision owners report electrical and brake issues, while Silverado owners face engine and powertrain failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Envision or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision is a compact luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, has a moderate complaint rate of about 22 per year over the last decade. The pattern of reports centers on electrical gremlins, brake assist failures, and engine power losses, often occurring at low speeds or during turns. Owners describe sudden stalls, loss of warning chimes, and brake pedal issues that can make everyday driving feel unpredictable. While not the highest-volume problem vehicle, the nature of these failures—especially those affecting braking and engine power—raises concerns about dependability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe power loss, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical system complaints also include sudden brake and steering loss at highway speeds, which is alarming. With over 100 recalls and a fatality reported, the Silverado shows a pattern of serious mechanical and safety-related failures that could affect a wide range of model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Envision | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 217 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 21.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Envision
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 02SERVICE BRAKES46
- 03ENGINE33
- 04POWER TRAIN29
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
Owners report sudden loss of audio and warning chimes (seatbelt, turn signal, door ajar) due to a faulty amplifier, and in some cases, a total loss of power with 'Reduced Engine Power' warnings. These electrical failures can disable safety alerts and contribute to unexpected stalls.
Several complaints describe a complete loss of braking power or an extremely firm brake pedal with a 'Service Brake Assist' light, making it hard to stop in time. This suggests issues with the brake booster or assist system that could compromise stopping ability.
Engine problems include sudden stalls at low speeds, often during turns, and excessive oil consumption—one owner found no oil on the dipstick before the first oil change. These issues can lead to unexpected power loss and potential engine damage.
Power train complaints mirror engine stalls and also include sluggish acceleration and whining noises, possibly related to a faulty booster vacuum sensor. This can make the vehicle feel underpowered and unreliable.
“We have two problems what we would call safety issues. First, all the sound in the vehicle was lost which included safety belt warning alarm, turn signal bells, door open alarms, etc. We were told by the dealership that it was a faulty amplifier. Secondly, th…”
“Description of Safety Defect: While operating the vehicle at approximately 25-30MPH and make a right turn, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of power/engine stall, accompanied by a "Check Engine" light and a "Reduced Engine Power" notification.…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with reports of sudden power loss, loud pinging sounds, and in diesel models, repeated diesel particulate filter clogging requiring dealer intervention. Some owners experienced complete engine failure while driving, leading to loss of motive power.
Transmission issues are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving uphill and loss of drive power. These can leave drivers stranded or cause dangerous situations in traffic.
Electrical problems can cause severe braking loss and steering failure at highway speeds, as described in one complaint where the vehicle lost power, brakes, and steering simultaneously. This points to potential issues with electronic control modules.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, making it difficult to stop. This is a critical safety concern that has been reported in multiple instances.
“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 Envision — 10 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Envision vehicles. The vehicles are missing the label that states the tire size, pressure, and the loading information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Se…
The risk: Missing tire and load rating information may result in driving with improperly inflated tires or an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Buick Customer Service at 800-521-7300.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM),…
The risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521…
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 Envision or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Envision has far fewer complaints per year (about 22) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related failures, so the difference in volume suggests the Envision may be less problematic in day-to-day ownership, but neither is without risk.
Key differences
- The Envision has a much lower complaint rate (21.7/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), suggesting fewer reported problems overall.
- Envision issues are more electrical and brake-related, while Silverado issues are heavily engine and powertrain focused.
- Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) and a reported fatality, whereas Envision has fewer recalls (10) and no deaths.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, brakes, and steering at highway speeds, which is more severe than the Envision's low-speed stalls and brake assist failures.
- Check for any warning lights related to brake assist or reduced engine power, and test the brakes at various speeds to ensure they respond normally.
- Listen for unusual sounds from the engine or drivetrain, and verify oil levels regularly to catch potential consumption issues early.
- Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting, especially when going uphill or under load, and be wary of any sudden neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes and steering at highway speeds, and check for any warning messages about brake fluid or electrical system failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls have been addressed and if there are any prior complaints for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on brakes, electrical system, and engine performance.
- Test drive both vehicles under varied conditions, including low-speed turns and highway speeds, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website and ensure all safety recalls have been completed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake 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 Envision | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 8 | 150 |
| 2024 | 10 | 0 |
| 2023 | 24 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 23 | 934 |
| 2020 | 10 | 0 |
| 2019 | 23 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 13 | 591 |
| 2017 | 81 | 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 Envision or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Envision vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Envision total complaints
- 217
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Envision total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Envision avg complaints/year
- 21.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Envision
- Buick Envision top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE