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 Buick averaged 179 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also has 101 recalls versus 18 for the Buick. Both report 3 deaths, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints. 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, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent electrical and engine issues. Over 7 years, it averaged about 179 complaints per year, with many reports of stalling, erratic instrument panel behavior, and fuel odors. While it has fewer total complaints than the Silverado, the rate per year is lower, but the types of problems—like sudden stalling—can be alarming. Buyers should expect to deal with aging electrical and fuel system components.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 823 per year over 10 years—suggesting more frequent issues. Owners report serious problems like engine shutdowns while driving, transmission failures, and brake loss, often on newer models. With 101 recalls, it's clear that many trucks have been subject to safety fixes. For a used buyer, this means higher potential for costly repairs and safety-related downtime.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Rendezvous
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM298
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 03FUEL SYSTEM165
- 04GASOLINE143
- 05SERVICE BRAKES141
Owners report instrument panel lights flickering, doors locking by themselves, and the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can leave you without control, making it a critical safety concern.
Complaints include hesitation, stalling, and a recall for contaminated ignition relay contacts that can cause intermittent stalls. This means the engine may cut out unexpectedly, especially at low speeds.
Drivers notice strong fuel odors and fuel lines under the driver's side that may leak. A faulty fuel gauge that wanders by a quarter tank is also common, which can lead to running out of gas unexpectedly.
With 141 complaints, brake issues are notable, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. Buyers should have the braking system thoroughly inspected for wear or leaks.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, often with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models also face repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash if it happens in traffic.
Reports of severe braking loss where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, as well as screens going blank and engine shut-off. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a severe safety risk that warrants immediate attention.
“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 — 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 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 823), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Buick. However, the Buick's issues often involve stalling and electrical faults that can be dangerous, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many serious brake and engine failures. In practice, the Buick may need fewer repairs, but the Silverado's problems tend to be more severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher annual complaint rate (823 vs. 179), indicating more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Buick Rendezvous complaints often center on electrical glitches and stalling, while Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 18 for the Buick, suggesting more safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Both have 3 deaths reported, but the Silverado's higher crash-related complaints (233 vs. 68) may reflect greater exposure or severity.
- Check for intermittent stalling or hesitation during a test drive, especially at low speeds, as this could indicate ignition relay or electrical issues.
- Inspect fuel lines under the driver's side for leaks or strong fuel odors, and test the fuel gauge for erratic readings.
- Test the brakes thoroughly; a firm pedal with poor stopping power could signal a serious brake system fault.
- Look for any signs of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, and check for stored error codes related to the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (like the ignition relay for Buick or fuel pump for Silverado) have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both vehicles.
- For the Buick, specifically check the fuel lines and fuel gauge operation; for the Silverado, test the brakes and transmission function.
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes, especially those related to engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Verify that all open recalls have been repaired by a dealer before purchase.
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.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Buick Rendezvous inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE