Head-to-head reliability
Buick Regal vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Regal 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 Regal vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Regal averages 63.5 complaints per year with 28 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, versus 0 deaths and 26 injuries for the Regal. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Regal or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car that averages about 64 complaints per year over the past decade, with 28 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, such as no-start conditions and blank instrument panels, as well as exterior lighting issues like moisture in headlight housings. Brake-related complaints include a recall for loss of vacuum-brake assist, which can increase stopping distance. Overall, the Regal has a moderate complaint volume for its class, but several issues are safety-related.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter issues. Electrical and brake complaints also appear frequently, including reports of braking loss and screens going blank. The high complaint rate suggests that many owners experience significant problems, some occurring at very low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Regal | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 635 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 63.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 Regal
- 01ENGINE169
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM160
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING127
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05POWER TRAIN77
Owners report starting problems where the battery appears dead, the instrument panel is blank, and there is no clicking from the ignition. Another complaint describes a scrubbing noise similar to brakes, which required service. These issues can leave a buyer stranded or facing diagnostic uncertainty.
Complaints include multiple significant and ongoing electrical faults, such as a blank instrument panel and no-start conditions. One owner reported repeated problems after buying a used 2019 Regal with only 19,000 miles. Electrical gremlins can be hard to trace and expensive to fix.
Owners report moisture accumulation inside HID headlight housings, often due to a crack or faulty seal. This can damage bulbs, ballasts, or wiring, leading to reduced visibility and repair costs. A car wash or rain may trigger the issue.
There is a known recall for partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist on 2018-2020 models, which increases crash risk. One owner described the engine revving while braking, and another received a recall notice after the fact. Buyers should confirm the recall was performed.
“I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-790-5600. I PURCHASED THE CAR 11/23/18 BRAND NEW WITH 12 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET IT SERVICED DUE TO KEPT HEARING SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE BRAKES KEEP SCRUBBING, IN WHICH I THE…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that when he attempted to start his vehicle there was no battery power, and no clicking sounds from the ignition. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that he had th…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel that repeatedly clogged its particulate filter at low mileage. These failures can require major repairs and leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and the same 6.2L engine failure affecting power delivery. Such events can cause loss of control, especially in traffic or parking garages.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Complaints include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake problems on a heavy pickup are especially dangerous and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Regal — 28 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buic…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
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 Regal or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Regal has far fewer issues per year (about 64 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints). In practice, a Regal owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, while a Silverado owner may encounter more serious and recurring problems, including engine and brake failures. However, both vehicles have safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 13 times more complaints per year than the Regal, with 822.7 vs. 63.5 average annual complaints.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission failures, while Regal owners more often report no-start electrical issues and headlight moisture.
- The Regal has a specific brake recall for loss of vacuum assist; the Silverado has multiple brake and electrical complaints that can cause loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries in complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 26 injuries for the Regal, indicating more severe outcomes reported.
- Check for any open recall on the vacuum-brake assist system; confirm the fix was applied, as loss of assist increases stopping distance.
- Inspect headlight housings for moisture, cracks, or fogging, which can damage bulbs and wiring and reduce night visibility.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdown or transmission slipping into neutral, as owners reported these at very low mileage.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on Duramax models, since repeated soot accumulation events were reported.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all recalls and complaints for the specific vehicle, and confirm any open recalls are fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes braking from highway speeds, slow parking-lot maneuvers, and several start-stop cycles to check for electrical or brake issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including vacuum assist on the Regal and brake pedal feel on the Silverado.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records on engine and transmission repairs, especially if it is a 2026 model with the 6.2L or 6.6L diesel.
- For the Regal, check the headlights for moisture and test all electrical functions, including the instrument panel and starting system.
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 Regal | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 19 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 19 | 597 |
| 2017 | 20 | 1154 |
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 Regal or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Regal vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Regal total complaints
- 635
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Regal total recalls
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Regal avg complaints/year
- 63.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Regal
- Buick Regal top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE