Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rendezvous vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Rendezvous averaged 179 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 511 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 100 recalls versus 18 for the Rendezvous. Both have serious safety reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rendezvous or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rendezvous
The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 179 complaints per year over seven years, with electrical and engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe stalling, hesitation, and dashboard lights flickering, which can be unsettling. Fuel system problems, including strong fuel odors and inaccurate gauges, are also common. With 18 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and powertrain issues leading the list. Owners report serious problems like sudden loss of braking, transmission failure, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. Electrical glitches and brake concerns are also frequent. With 100 recalls and 1 death, it's a complex truck with many potential trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rendezvous | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,256 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Rendezvous
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM298
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 03FUEL SYSTEM165
- 04GASOLINE143
- 05SERVICE BRAKES141
Owners report instrument panel lights illuminating randomly, doors locking by themselves, and the engine stalling while driving. One complaint describes losing all control after the engine stopped, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include hesitation during acceleration and intermittent stalling, sometimes linked to ignition relay contamination. This can leave a driver stranded or cause sudden loss of power.
Strong fuel odors permeating inside and outside the vehicle are reported, often traced to fuel lines under the driver's side. A wandering fuel gauge that can be off by a quarter tank is another common complaint.
Brake-related complaints are among the top five, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should still have the braking system thoroughly checked.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN ACCELERATED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD STALL WHE…”
“I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE LIGHTS ON PANEL WENT CRAZY, DOORS LOCKING BY THEMSELVES, AC LOCKED, RADIO LOCKED, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I DIN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVERTHE CAR, IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND TR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission problems. This can cause a loss of motive power and potential rollaway.
Reports describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as engine pinging and loss of steering assist. These are critical safety issues.
Braking problems are frequently reported, including the loss of braking effectiveness described above. This is a major concern for any buyer.
“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 Rendezvous — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
The risk: THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
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 Rendezvous or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Rendezvous has far fewer complaints per year (about 179) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the Rendezvous may be simpler and less costly to maintain, while the Silverado's higher volume of complaints suggests more frequent and potentially more complex issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has nearly three times as many complaints per year (511 vs. 179), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Electrical issues on the Rendezvous often involve stalling and dashboard glitches, while Silverado electrical complaints include loss of braking and steering.
- Fuel system problems on the Rendezvous include strong odors and gauge inaccuracy; Silverado engine issues include diesel particulate filter soot and premature engine failure.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 18 for the Rendezvous, suggesting broader or more persistent defect patterns.
- Check for strong fuel odors around and inside the vehicle, especially near the driver's side fuel lines.
- Test the instrument panel and electrical accessories for flickering lights, self-locking doors, or intermittent stalling.
- Look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or low brake fluid warning, as sudden brake loss has been reported.
- Listen for engine pinging or unusual noises, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both vehicles.
- For the Rendezvous, specifically check fuel lines, fuel gauge operation, and for any fuel smells.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation, brake performance, and engine noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake services.
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 Rendezvous or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE