Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lesabre vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Lesabre 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 LeSabre vs Chevrolet Silverado: The LeSabre averages 294.5 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 70 crash-related complaints for the LeSabre. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lesabre or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lesabre
The Buick LeSabre is a full-size sedan with a relatively low complaint rate for its class, averaging about 295 complaints per year over six years. Most owner complaints center on electrical gremlins and visibility issues, with some reports of structural problems like brake pedal failure. It's a car that tends to have annoying, recurring faults rather than catastrophic failures, but the 83 injuries and 70 crash-related complaints show that some issues can be serious.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging about 823 complaints per year over ten years. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, often on very new trucks. Electrical and brake issues also appear, with 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported. This suggests a vehicle that can be capable but may require more attention and repair visits.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lesabre | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,767 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 294.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Lesabre
- 01VISIBILITY492
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM260
- 03STRUCTURE206
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING148
- 05AIR BAGS138
Owners report instrument lights and radio/heater control bulbs burning out one by one, which can make controls hard to see at night. This is a common annoyance that may require dealer visits and repeated fixes.
Complaints include speedometer failure and ignition switch problems where the key can be removed while the car is still on. These electrical faults can affect driving safety and are often expensive to diagnose.
Some owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor during low-speed driving, leading to crashes. This is a serious safety concern that should be inspected immediately on any used LeSabre.
Reports include premature wheel bearing failure, which can cause noise and affect handling. While not an engine failure, it indicates that suspension and drivetrain components may wear out earlier than expected.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models also show frequent diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software issues.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking even though the brake pedal feels firm, as well as engine shut-offs while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems and are a major concern.
Owners report that the truck can completely shut off and lose braking ability, sometimes requiring a restart to regain control. This is a severe safety risk that should be addressed before purchase.
“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 Lesabre — 8 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.
The risk: IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HEAD LAMP ADJUSTMENT DEVICE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTER MAY NOT MOVE THE HEAD LAMP REFLECTOR WHEN THE SHAFT IS ROTATED IN A NORMAL MANNER D…
The risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: AN INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED TO OWNERS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THE INSERT FOR HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT, RATHER THAN USING THE HORIZONTAL VHAD IND…
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 Lesabre or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick LeSabre has far fewer complaints per year (about 295) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a used LeSabre is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the LeSabre, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- LeSabre complaints often involve electrical accessories like lights and speedometers, while Silverado complaints include sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the LeSabre, indicating more frequent manufacturer safety campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (233 vs 70), and it has 3 reported deaths compared to none for the LeSabre.
- Check that all instrument panel and radio/heater control lights work, as owners report they burn out one by one.
- Test the brakes carefully for any sponginess or pedal going to the floor, and inspect the ignition switch for proper function.
- During a test drive, watch for any sudden engine shutdown or messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dashboard.
- Test the brakes at low speeds to ensure they engage normally; a firm pedal with poor braking could indicate a serious electrical or hydraulic fault.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the components listed in the complaints.
- For the LeSabre, verify all electrical accessories, lights, and the speedometer work correctly.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially related to the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including slow parking lot maneuvers and highway speeds, to replicate reported failure scenarios.
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 Lesabre or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lesabre vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Lesabre total complaints
- 1,767
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Lesabre total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Lesabre avg complaints/year
- 294.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lesabre
- Buick Lesabre top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE