Head-to-head reliability
Buick PARK Avenue vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick PARK Avenue 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 Park Avenue vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Park Avenue averages 41.2 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The Park Avenue's top issues are electrical and engine cooling, whereas the Silverado's are engine and powertrain failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick PARK Avenue or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick PARK Avenue
The Buick Park Avenue is a full-size sedan that, in ownership terms, tends to be a comfortable highway cruiser but shows its age through a steady stream of electrical and engine-related complaints. Owners report window regulators failing, causing windows to drop into the door, and engine issues like violent shaking, loss of acceleration, and burning odors. Visibility problems also crop up, with power windows breaking repeatedly. While not as heavily complained about as some trucks, the Park Avenue's issues are spread across multiple systems, suggesting a need for careful inspection of electrical and cooling components.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity and longer production run. Owners report serious engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Powertrain issues are also common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral. Electrical problems can lead to brake and steering failure, and service brake complaints highlight sudden loss of braking effectiveness. The Silverado's issues are more severe and potentially safety-critical, especially given the high number of crash and injury reports.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick PARK Avenue | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 247 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 PARK Avenue
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM43
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING35
- 03VISIBILITY25
- 04STEERING21
- 05ENGINE20
Owners report power window regulators failing, causing windows to fall into the door, and electrical issues that lead to chimes, violent shaking, and loss of acceleration.
Complaints include knocking noises from the engine due to worn motor mounts, as well as issues with A/C and seat memory systems that appear soon after purchase.
Power windows are a recurring problem, with multiple windows breaking in a short period, which can be a safety hazard if they fail while driving.
The steering wheel can move independently left to right, causing loss of control, and front wheel bearings may need replacement, leading to steering noise.
“BOTH OF THE REGULATORS IN THE FRONT DOORS OF MY VEHICLE HAVE FAILED. THIS HAS CAUSE THE PANE IN THE WINDOW TO SLIDE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. THE FIRST ONE DID IT WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE VACATIONING IN OHIO IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. THE SECOND WHEN I ARRIV…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIME TWICE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging, which can leave you stranded and require dealer service.
The vehicle can suddenly shift into neutral, especially when driving slowly uphill, which is dangerous and may require immediate transmission attention.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as warning messages, making the vehicle difficult to control.
There are reports of severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal is firm but the vehicle does not stop, which is a critical safety issue.
“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 PARK Avenue — 7 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.
The risk: IF THE CABLE IS OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION, IT COULD INCREASE THE FORCE REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE AND A PERSON TRAPPED IN THE TRUNK MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE TRUNK LATCH USING THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE CABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE OPERATES PROPERLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.
The risk: IF THE CABLE IS OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION, IT COULD INCREASE THE FORCE REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE AND A PERSON TRAPPED IN THE TRUNK MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE TRUNK LATCH USING THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE CABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE OPERATES PROPERLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A WIPER SYSTEM MICROPROCESSOR THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO VOLTAGE TRANSIENTS, WHICH CAN CAUSE A "LATCH-UP" CONDITION IN THE SYST…
The risk: IF MICROPROCESSOR "LATCH-UP" OCCURS, THE CUSTOMER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM IN BOTH THE LOWER AND HIGH-SPEED MODES REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER WHICH CONTAINS THE MICROPROCESSOR.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKS IN THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT.
The risk: WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PROPORTIONING, ANTILOCK BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, OR STABILITY CONTROL FEATURE IS ACTIVATED IN SOME DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE FEATURE MAY NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS HYDRAULIC MODULATOR UNIT AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC MODULATOR.
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 PARK Avenue or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Park Avenue has far fewer complaints per year (41.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more severe, including engine and brake failures, while the Park Avenue's issues are more typical of aging electrical and engine components. In practice, the Park Avenue may be less troublesome on a per-vehicle basis, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Park Avenue has a much lower complaint rate (41.2 per year) than the Silverado (510.5 per year), but the Silverado's complaints are more severe, including engine and brake failures.
- Park Avenue owners frequently report window regulator failures and engine mount wear, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and transmission issues.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash and injury reports (117 crashes, 104 injuries) compared to the Park Avenue (10 crashes, 13 injuries), suggesting more safety-critical failures.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has many more (100 vs 7), indicating a higher likelihood of needing recall repairs.
- Test all power windows and listen for unusual noises; window regulators are a common failure point.
- Check for engine knocking or vibrations, especially at idle, as motor mounts may be worn.
- Listen for loud pinging or knocking from the engine, and check for any warning lights related to engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond properly, as sudden loss of braking has been reported.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine mounts and cooling system on the Park Avenue.
- On the Silverado, check the transmission for smooth shifting and test the brakes thoroughly.
- Review the recall history for both vehicles and ensure all outstanding recalls are fixed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if it's a diesel.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any vibrations or loss of power.
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 PARK Avenue or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick PARK Avenue vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick PARK Avenue total complaints
- 247
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick PARK Avenue total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick PARK Avenue avg complaints/year
- 41.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick PARK Avenue
- Buick PARK Avenue top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE