Head-to-head reliability
Buick Terraza vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Buick Terraza 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 Terraza vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Terraza averaged 69 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year over 10 years. The Terraza has 8 recalls and 11 injuries; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 160 injuries. Both have serious reported issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Terraza or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Terraza
The Buick Terraza is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over three years, it averaged 69 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the electrical system, brakes, and structure. Owners report power sliding doors that open and close on their own, brake pedal problems, and stability control warnings. These are not just minor annoyances; some complaints describe the vehicle shutting off while driving or veering unexpectedly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a much higher volume of complaints—averaging 822.7 per year over ten years. The most frequent problem areas are the engine and power train, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake problems. While many complaints involve newer models, the pattern suggests that some Silverados can experience serious reliability issues, including sudden loss of power or braking. Buyers should be aware that the sheer number of complaints is large, though it's spread across many vehicles and model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Terraza | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 69.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Terraza
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02SERVICE BRAKES39
- 03STRUCTURE36
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)36
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES29
Owners report the power sliding doors opening and closing unexpectedly, even while driving, and the anti-theft alarm engaging on its own, which can shut off the vehicle. These glitches are not only frustrating but could be dangerous if they happen on the road.
Complaints describe the brake pedal becoming resistant, then suddenly extending to the floor, and the vehicle jerking or decelerating with warning lights on. This suggests potential brake software or hardware issues that could affect stopping ability.
The same owner complaint about sliding doors also mentions structural troubles, and another owner filed multiple complaints for ongoing problems. This indicates that body or door-related defects may persist and be hard to fix.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly veering and brakes locking, with the stability light coming on. This points to ESC malfunctions that could lead to loss of control if not addressed.
“IT IS PROBABLY A SHORTER LIST TO LIST WHAT WE HAVEN'T HAD TROUBLE WITH , BUT HERE GOES. 1. THE BACK POWER SLIDING DOORS WILL OPEN AND SHUT AT WILL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, PARTED IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, ETC. THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS REGULARLY COME OVER…”
“The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed t…”
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, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' There are also reports of diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or cause dangerous situations.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems. This can cause a loss of power to the wheels, making it hard to accelerate or move out of harm's way.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine operation.
Similar to the electrical complaints, owners report braking problems where the pedal is firm but the vehicle doesn't stop normally, and the truck shutting off in parking lots. This suggests brake system issues that could increase stopping distances.
“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 Terraza — 8 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Terraza or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Buick Terraza has far fewer complaints per year (69) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious reported issues. The Terraza's problems are more concentrated in electrical and brake systems, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, and electrical systems. In practice, the Terraza may have fewer overall complaints, but the Silverado's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter a problem, especially in newer models.
Key differences
- The Buick Terraza has 207 complaints over 3 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, showing a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Terraza owners frequently report power sliding door malfunctions and brake pedal issues, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the Terraza, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the Silverado has 3 deaths reported, while the Terraza has none in the data provided.
- Test the power sliding doors multiple times to ensure they don't open or close unexpectedly, and check for any aftermarket fixes.
- Inspect the brake pedal feel and look for any signs of software updates or recalls related to braking; a spongy or resistant pedal could be a warning sign.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or transmission slipping during a test drive, especially at low speeds or when shifting.
- Ask about any history of brake problems or electrical glitches, and look for warning lights on the dashboard related to stability control or brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls or major repairs have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the systems with the most complaints (electrical and brakes for Terraza; engine and transmission for Silverado).
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, to replicate reported issues.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if they are unavailable, as both vehicles require regular upkeep to avoid problems.
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 Terraza or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Terraza vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Buick Terraza total complaints
- 207
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Buick Terraza total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Buick Terraza avg complaints/year
- 69.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Terraza
- Buick Terraza top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE