Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac CT6 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 CT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CT6 averages about 15 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have serious brake and power train reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CT6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac CT6
The Cadillac CT6 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 77 complaints over 5 years, averaging about 15 per year. Most owner reports center on the power train, especially hard shifting and hesitation, with some engine and brake issues. Recalls cover seats, seat belts, lighting, and ABS warning lights. For a used luxury car, the CT6 shows a manageable but persistent pattern of transmission and brake concerns that a buyer should check carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden loss of power or braking. With 101 recalls and many crash-related reports, the Silverado demands more scrutiny. It is a high-volume truck, so some issues are expected, but the frequency and severity of reports are notable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CT6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 77 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 CT6
- 01POWER TRAIN47
- 02ENGINE8
- 03SERVICE BRAKES8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE5
Owners report hard shifting during acceleration and deceleration, and some say the vehicle switches gears randomly or hesitates. One complaint mentions a GM special coverage bulletin for these symptoms. This matters because transmission problems can be expensive and may affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include loss of propulsion at high speeds and harsh jerking when the auto stop-start system restarts the engine. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause a rear-end collision. A buyer should test the auto stop feature and ask about any engine software updates.
Reports describe brake booster failure leading to the brake system not engaging, and squealing noises that get louder over time. Brake failure is a serious safety concern. Inspect the brake booster and listen for unusual noises during a test drive.
Owners mention hesitation when pressing the accelerator and random gear changes, which some link to the 8-speed automatic transmission. These electrical or transmission control issues can cause unpredictable driving. A pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for transmission codes.
“On several separate occasions, my Cadillac CT 6 which has been under recall for months by General Motors does not have an adequate repair for the repair shops authorized by the manufacturer, namely GM franchised Cadillac dealer repair shops and hence I am una…”
“On July 22, 2025, at 20,245 miles, I brought my 2019 Cadillac CT6-V to an authorized dealer while still under factory warranty, reporting hard shifting during both acceleration and deceleration — the exact symptom described in GM Special Coverage Bulletin N24…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power. A buyer should check for any software updates and test the engine under various conditions.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues after low mileage. This can lead to loss of control. Test the transmission at low speeds and on inclines.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical systems. Have a mechanic check the brake and engine control modules for stored codes.
Owners report the truck completely shutting off with blank screens and no acceleration, as well as severe loss of braking. These are dangerous failures. Inspect the brake system and battery connections, and test all electronic displays.
“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 CT6 — 13 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The inboard child seat anchorage bars may have had excess structural adhesive applied during assembly, which can interfere with the installation of a child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: If the child seat cannot be attached correctly to the anchorage bar, there is an increased the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, remove any excess adhesive, and apply anti-corrosion primer to the inboard child seat anchorage bars, free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer se…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cadillac CT6 vehicles manufactured July 21, 2016, to July 22, 2016. The bolt that connects the front passenger seat belt webbing to the seat's anchor plate may be missing. Without the bolt, the seat belt webbing may detach from the seat a…
The risk: If the seat belt webbing detaches from the seat anchor, the seat belt may not properly restrain the front seat passenger in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing front passenger seat belt webbing anchor bolt, or install a bolt if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on September 24, 2016. Owners may contact Cadillac customer se…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Cadillac CT6 vehicles. The Park/Position lights may be excessively bright. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install right and left side in-line headlight jumper harnesses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore,…
The risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer se…
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 CT6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CT6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 15) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, the CT6 owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, but both have serious safety-related reports. The Silverado's much higher volume means more widespread issues, while the CT6's lower volume still includes notable power train and brake concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 823 complaints per year versus about 15 for the CT6, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- CT6 owners most often report transmission hard shifting and brake booster failure, while Silverado owners report engine shutdown and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 13 for the CT6 over 5 years, indicating more widespread safety campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Silverado (233) than the CT6 (5), though both have some injury and death reports.
- During a test drive, check for hard shifting or hesitation when accelerating and decelerating, especially around 20,000 miles as one owner reported.
- Listen for squealing brakes and test the brake pedal for firmness; a failing brake booster can cause the brakes not to engage.
- Test the truck at low speeds and on inclines for any sudden shift into neutral or loss of power, as owners reported.
- Check for engine shut-off while driving and ensure all screens and electrical systems work; some owners experienced blank displays and no acceleration.
Before you buy
- Ask the seller for all recall repair documentation and verify with a dealership that no open recalls remain.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, engine, and brake systems.
- Scan the vehicle's computer for stored trouble codes, especially for transmission and brake modules.
- Test-drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the vehicle's VIN.
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 CT6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11 | 868 |
| 2019 | 17 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 12 | 597 |
| 2017 | 26 | 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 Cadillac CT6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac CT6 total complaints
- 77
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Cadillac CT6 total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Cadillac CT6 avg complaints/year
- 15.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CT6
- Cadillac CT6 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE