Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CT4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac CT4 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
Cadillac CT4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CT4 has 35 complaints over 7 years (5 per year) and 11 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823 per year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 2 and 1 for the CT4. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CT4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 is a compact luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 35 complaints over 7 years, averaging 5 per year. Recalls are more frequent at 11, and the data shows 2 crash-related incidents and 1 injury but no deaths. Owners report serious issues like sudden loss of propulsion, brake failure, and electrical glitches, so while the overall count is low, the nature of the complaints is concerning.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. It has 101 recalls, 233 crash-related incidents, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CT4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 35 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Cadillac CT4
- 01ENGINE10
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 03SERVICE BRAKES7
- 04POWER TRAIN6
- 05STEERING6
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with the transmission dropping out of gear and the engine revving high. This can leave you unable to accelerate in traffic, creating a serious safety risk.
Multiple dashboard warning lamps illuminate unexpectedly, often accompanied by a brake-assist warning and reduced braking response. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and may indicate deeper software or sensor problems.
Drivers describe the brake pedal losing pressure and the brakes failing to work, sometimes with all dashboard lights coming on. This total loss of braking force is extremely dangerous, even if it only happens intermittently.
Complaints include sudden downshifts at highway speeds, causing the engine to rev high and the vehicle to slow abruptly. Others report hesitation and hard shifting due to a sticking or worn transmission control valve, which can make the car jerky and unpredictable.
“While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in my 2021 Cadillac CT4-V, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion. Without warning, the transmission dropped out of gear as if it were in neutral. I completely lost the ability to accel…”
“The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac CT4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the power steering and power brakes failed to operate as needed. The check engine and the crash warning lights were illuminated. The contact coasted to the si…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. This can happen at any speed, leaving you without power and unable to accelerate, which is especially dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and the engine revving without moving the truck. This loss of drive can strand you and may indicate transmission control issues.
Drivers describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power. Others report the engine shutting off and screens going blank, which can disable safety features and leave you unable to control the vehicle.
Owners report the truck completely shutting off while barely applying throttle, with all screens going blank and no ability to accelerate. After restarting, the truck may shift into drive, but the sudden shutdown is a serious hazard.
“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.
Cadillac CT4 — 11 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
The risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-8…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
The risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-8…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
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
Cadillac CT4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CT4 has far fewer complaints per year (5 vs. 823) and fewer crash-related incidents (2 vs. 233), but its low volume doesn't mean it's trouble-free. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate and injury count suggest a broader range of recurring problems. In practice, the CT4 may have fewer overall issues, but the ones reported are severe, while the Silverado's issues are more numerous and varied.
Key differences
- The Cadillac CT4 averages 5 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to just 2 crash-related and 1 injury for the CT4, indicating a much higher safety risk in the Silverado based on owner reports.
- Cadillac CT4 owners frequently report sudden loss of propulsion and brake failure, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 11 for the CT4, meaning the truck has been subject to far more official safety fixes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, hard shifting, or sudden downshifts, as these could indicate transmission control valve issues reported by owners.
- Check for any dashboard warning lights, especially brake or engine warnings, and test the brakes for firmness and responsiveness, as some owners experienced sudden brake failure.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises or check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' during a test drive, as these may signal engine shutdown issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and watch for any electrical glitches, such as screens going blank or warning lights, which owners have reported along with brake problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Cadillac or Chevrolet models, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, simulate highway driving and sudden stops to check for loss of power or brake response issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or brake repairs, and verify if software updates have been applied.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and for the CT4, check for any aftermarket modifications that could affect reliability.
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 | Cadillac CT4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 7 | 527 |
| 2023 | 3 | 450 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 7 | 961 |
| 2020 | 8 | 868 |
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 Cadillac CT4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CT4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac CT4 total complaints
- 35
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Cadillac CT4 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Cadillac CT4 avg complaints/year
- 5.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CT4
- Cadillac CT4 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE