Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rainier vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Rainier 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 Rainier vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Rainier averaged 97.5 complaints per year over 4 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 100 recalls and 1 death, versus 15 recalls and 0 deaths for the Rainier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rainier or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rainier
The Buick Rainier is a midsize SUV that averaged about 98 complaints per year over four years, with 15 recalls. Owners most often report electrical gremlins like failing window motors and headlights that cut out, plus fuel gauge errors. These issues can be annoying and costly, but the vehicle has no reported deaths in the data.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with 100 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, with reports of sudden power loss and brake problems. There was one death reported in the data, and crash-related complaints are higher than the Rainier's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rainier | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 390 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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 Rainier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
- 02FUEL SYSTEM80
- 03GASOLINE62
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING54
- 05POWER TRAIN28
Owners frequently report power window motors and controls failing, sometimes multiple times. Headlights may also go out unexpectedly, including low beams while driving at night, which is a serious visibility concern.
The fuel gauge can give false readings, showing empty when the tank is full or vice versa. This can lead to unexpected breakdowns or running out of gas, and the low fuel warning may trigger incorrectly.
Complaints include low-beam headlights suddenly turning off while driving, leaving only high beams or fog lights. Windshield wipers may also activate on their own and not turn off, which can be distracting.
While fewer complaints than electrical or fuel issues, some owners report power train problems. These can include transmission or drivetrain issues that affect driving performance and may be expensive to repair.
“Window motors and window controls failing. I replaced two window motors at in 2017, at dealer because they failed, then the rear passenger window motor failed in 2020 and was replaced at mechanic shop with factory replacement, this rear passenger window is se…”
“MY RECALL WAS JAN 2015 THAT LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS GOES OFF . MINE ARE OFF ALL THE TIME. NO PARTS AVAILABLE SO THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. IF REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE THEN WHY DO THEY PAY TO FIX. BILL APP.300.00 CAN NOT DRIVE NIGHT ONLY HAVE HIGH AND FOG LIGH…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report serious engine issues, including sudden loss of power and unusual noises like pinging. Some complaints involve diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service, which can leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing motive power while driving. This can happen at low speeds or on the highway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and passengers.
Reports include braking problems where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, as well as electrical failures that cause the engine to lose power and the steering and brakes to become inoperable. These are severe safety concerns.
Some owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This can happen at any speed and may be linked to electrical or hydraulic issues.
“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 Rainier — 15 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlam…
The risk: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this reca…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result…
The risk: The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and G…
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 Rainier or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Rainier has far fewer complaints per year (about 98) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). In practice, this means the Rainier may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe, including engine and brake failures that can lead to crashes.
Key differences
- The Buick Rainier averages about 98 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 511 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Rainier owners most often report electrical issues like window motors and headlights, while Silverado owners report engine and powertrain failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, compared to 15 recalls and 16 crash-related complaints for the Rainier.
- There was 1 death reported for the Silverado and 0 for the Rainier, though both have injury reports (104 for Silverado, 14 for Rainier).
- Test all power windows multiple times, as window motors and controls are a common failure point.
- Check the fuel gauge accuracy by filling the tank and observing if the gauge reads correctly and does not fluctuate erratically.
- Listen for unusual engine noises like pinging and check for any loss of power during a test drive, especially under acceleration.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, to ensure they respond normally and do not feel firm without stopping power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Buick Rainier's headlight and window issues and the Silverado's tailgate and brake recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Buick Rainier's electrical system and fuel gauge, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, operate all electrical features (windows, lights, wipers) and pay attention to any warning lights or unusual behavior.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for sudden power loss or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if equipped, and for any prior repairs to the Rainier's window motors or fuel system.
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 Rainier or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rainier vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Rainier total complaints
- 390
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Rainier total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Rainier avg complaints/year
- 97.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rainier
- Buick Rainier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE