Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lucerne vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Lucerne 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 Lucerne vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lucerne averages 157 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have crash-related reports, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lucerne or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lucerne
The Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan with 943 complaints over six years, averaging about 157 per year. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins like door locks cycling and the car shutting off, as well as fuel pump and relay failures that cause no-start conditions. Structural issues such as broken interior door handles and steering failures also appear in complaints. With 17 recalls, many related to the ignition and battery cables, living with a Lucerne means staying on top of electrical and fuel system repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Common owner reports include engine problems like rough running and diesel particulate filter issues, transmission failures, and electrical glitches that can cause sudden braking loss or engine shutdown. With 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, the Silverado demands frequent attention to safety recalls and mechanical repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lucerne | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 943 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 74 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 157.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 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 Lucerne
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM399
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM106
- 03STRUCTURE101
- 04STEERING83
- 05AIR BAGS79
Owners report door locks power cycling and the car cutting off while driving, with no warning. Melted wire connectors under the back seat and on the fuse box are also cited, leading to no-start conditions. These failures can strand you and may require repeated dealer visits.
Complaints describe the car cranking but not starting, often traced to failed fuel pump relays or the fuel pump itself. Some owners replaced relays up to eight times. This makes the car unreliable for daily commuting.
The interior door handle can break, requiring the entire inside door panel to be replaced, and parts may be unavailable. One owner also reported purchasing a car with pre-existing damage like a damaged rocker panel and worn brakes. This means costly repairs and difficulty finding replacement parts.
There are reports of sudden steering failure while driving, forcing the driver to pull onto a curb. In one case, a rear impact caused power loss, making steering and braking impossible. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
“INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET. DOOR LOCKS POWER CYCLED LOCK/UNLOCK AND THEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. NO WARNING, NO TIME TO MOVE TO OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TURN ON HAZZARD. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK/CHILDCARE ETC. I ALSO TRA…”
“We have a Buick Lucerne 2010. We went out it would not start. Tow it to dealership they replace the fuel pump. We did. Get it home next day it will not start again. Tow it to dealership again. This time they find melted wire connectors. Under back seat and on…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report engine shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate a serious transmission defect.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with a 'Return to Neutral' message. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and require immediate attention.
Complaints describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, with screens going blank. This can lead to collisions and indicates a critical brake system fault.
“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 Lucerne — 17 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COUL…
The risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COUL…
The risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080…
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 Lucerne or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Lucerne has far fewer complaints per year (about 157) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the Lucerne's issues often involve electrical and fuel system failures that can cause stalling, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and transmission problems. In practice, the Lucerne may be simpler but still demands vigilance, whereas the Silverado's sheer number of complaints suggests more frequent trips to the shop.
Key differences
- The Buick Lucerne averages 157 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 823 per year, indicating the Silverado has more reported issues overall.
- Lucerne owners frequently report electrical shutdowns and fuel pump failures causing no-starts, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slips, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 17 for the Lucerne, meaning more safety-related campaigns to track.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 233 versus 74 for the Lucerne, reflecting its higher complaint volume.
- Check for melted wire connectors under the rear seat and on the fuse box, as these are linked to no-start conditions.
- Test the interior door handles for proper operation; a broken handle may require a full door panel replacement.
- Listen for engine noises or check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on Duramax models, as soot accumulation is reported.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping power; some owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially for the Lucerne's ignition and battery cables and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake systems.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, fuel pump, and relays on the Lucerne, and the engine, transmission, and brakes on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, steering issues, or brake problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for fuel pump replacements on the Lucerne and transmission or engine repairs on the Silverado.
- Check for available replacement parts, as some Lucerne interior door handles may be hard to find.
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 Lucerne or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lucerne vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Lucerne total complaints
- 943
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Lucerne total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Lucerne avg complaints/year
- 157.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lucerne
- Buick Lucerne top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE