Head-to-head reliability
Buick Envista vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Envista 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 Envista vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Envista has 83 complaints over 3 years (27.7/yr) vs the Silverado's 5105 over 10 years (510.5/yr). Envista issues center on electrical and brake failures, while Silverado engine and powertrain problems dominate. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Envista or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Envista
The Buick Envista is a relatively new compact SUV with a short ownership history, but its complaint pattern already shows a concentration of electrical gremlins and brake system issues. Owners report dashboard displays changing or going black, engine stalls with total power loss, and brake failures involving the master cylinder or electronic booster. These are serious safety-related concerns that could make daily driving unpredictable, especially given the vehicle's low complaint volume but high severity.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long production run and a high volume of complaints, reflecting both its popularity and a wide range of issues. Engine problems dominate, including stalling, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter clogging, often occurring at low mileage. Powertrain and electrical failures also appear frequently, with some reports of sudden loss of braking and steering, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection despite its workhorse reputation.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Envista | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 83 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.7 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 Envista
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 03ENGINE12
- 04SERVICE BRAKES10
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
Owners report the dashboard display changing or going black while driving, and the infotainment system malfunctioning, which can be distracting and unsafe. Some also mention brake system failures tied to electronic components like the brake booster.
The engine can stall when moving slowly, especially during turns, causing a complete shutdown of power and displays. This can leave you without control and is a serious safety hazard in traffic.
Brake system failures are reported, involving the master cylinder or electronic brake booster, leading to a loss of normal braking. Warning lights for ABS and stability control may illuminate, indicating a potential brake system malfunction.
“To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the safety and reliability of my leased vehicle. I have been experiencing ongoing issues that pose a serious safety risk. Approximately two months into my lease, I began experiencing…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The brake system failed, specifically involving the brake master cylinder and/or electronic brake booster assembly. The vehicle and affected components…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine issues are frequent, including sudden loss of power, stalling, and abnormal noises. Diesel models have experienced excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service and potentially leaving you stranded.
Transmission problems are reported, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines or in traffic. This can happen with very low mileage.
Electrical failures can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights and messages. Some owners report a loud pinging sound followed by loss of motive power, indicating a serious electrical or engine control issue.
Brake failures are reported, with the pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced, which can increase stopping distances. This is a critical safety concern, especially at highway speeds.
“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 Envista — 1 recall
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
The risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet custome…
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 Envista or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Envista has far fewer complaints per year (27.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Envista's problems are concentrated in safety-critical areas like brakes and electrical systems, so buyers should weigh the frequency against the severity. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume suggests more widespread issues, but the Envista's issues may be more alarming when they occur.
Key differences
- The Envista has a much lower complaint rate per year (27.7) than the Silverado (510.5), but its issues are heavily weighted toward electrical and brake failures.
- Silverado owners report engine and powertrain problems that can lead to sudden loss of power or transmission failure, often at low mileage.
- Both vehicles have brake system complaints, but the Envista's brake issues are tied to electronic components, while the Silverado's may involve hydraulic or electrical causes.
- The Envista's dashboard and infotainment failures are a unique annoyance, while the Silverado's diesel particulate filter issues are specific to diesel models.
- Check for any history of dashboard or infotainment screen replacements, as owners report repeated failures.
- Inspect the brake system for any warning lights or unusual pedal feel, given reports of master cylinder and booster failures.
- Look for signs of engine stalling or loss of power, especially during turns or low-speed maneuvers, and check for any engine codes.
- Verify the transmission shifts smoothly and does not slip into neutral unexpectedly, as this has been reported with low mileage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- Test drive the Envista at low speeds, making turns, to see if the engine stalls or the dashboard flickers.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes at highway speeds and listen for any abnormal engine noises.
- Ask about any prior repairs to the brake system or electrical components on the Envista.
- For the Silverado, if it's a diesel, ask about the diesel particulate filter service history.
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 Envista | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 98 |
| 2025 | 29 | 150 |
| 2024 | 51 | 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 Envista or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Envista vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Envista total complaints
- 83
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Envista total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Envista avg complaints/year
- 27.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Envista
- Buick Envista top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE