Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac DTS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac DTS 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 DTS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The DTS averages 85.2 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 43 injuries for the DTS. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac DTS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac DTS
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan with a mixed reliability record. Over six years, owners filed 511 complaints, averaging 85.2 per year, with electrical system issues being the most common. The car also has 17 recalls, 36 crash-related complaints, and 43 injuries reported. While it offers comfort, buyers should be aware of potential electrical and engine problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a high complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, averaging 822.7 per year. Engine and power train issues dominate, and there are 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported. This suggests that while popular, the Silverado has a significant number of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac DTS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 511 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 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 DTS
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM174
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING101
- 03ENGINE78
- 04STEERING52
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report the vehicle locking itself, sometimes with keys inside, and instances where the car suddenly quits running and cannot be restarted. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly diagnostics and repairs.
Complaints include the engine dying while driving, such as when backing out of a driveway, leading to a complete loss of power. This is a serious safety concern and can be expensive to fix.
Drivers experience hard steering, especially when turning, and noises from the steering system. A faulty fuel pump relay was also cited as a cause of stalling, which can affect steering assist.
Some owners report brake issues, though fewer than other systems. Problems can include reduced braking performance, which is critical for safety.
“VEHICLE LOCKS ITSELF. "CHECKED" THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY, NOTHING FOUND. THEN BACK PASSENGER SIDE LOCK FAULTY & REPLACED. ON 6/2/15 I TOOK MY CAT TO THE VET, REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, DID NOT LOCK THE DOOR, PLACED THE KEYS ON THE CAT CARRIER, CLOSED T…”
“I WAS BACKING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AS I BACKED ONTO THE ROAD,THE CAR SUDDENLY QUIT RUNNING. I TRIED RESTARTING IT,BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD...I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER..WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER THE FOLL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter issues causing excessive soot accumulation. These can lead to dangerous situations and frequent dealer visits.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, which can cause loss of control. This is a significant safety risk.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective braking, and engine shutdowns with warning messages. These electrical glitches can compromise safety systems.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle won't stop as expected. This is a critical safety issue that needs 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.
Cadillac DTS — 17 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COUL…
The risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
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 DTS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac DTS has far fewer complaints per year (85.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7). However, both have serious reported issues. The DTS's lower volume means you're less likely to encounter problems, but the Silverado's higher count reflects its popularity and a wider range of reported failures.
Key differences
- The Cadillac DTS averages 85.2 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Electrical system issues are most common for the DTS, with reports of self-locking doors and sudden stalling, whereas the Silverado's top complaints are engine and power train, including engine shutdowns and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries, compared to 0 deaths and 43 injuries for the DTS, highlighting potentially more severe outcomes in Silverado crashes.
- Both vehicles have numerous recalls, but the Silverado has 101 versus 17 for the DTS, suggesting more widespread safety-related defects.
- Check for electrical gremlins: test all door locks, ensure the car starts reliably, and look for any signs of aftermarket wiring that could cause issues.
- Inspect the steering system for stiffness or noise when turning, and verify the fuel pump relay has been replaced if there are stalling symptoms.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine misfires or hesitation; check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter if equipped with a diesel.
- Verify that the transmission shifts smoothly and does not slip into neutral unexpectedly; also test the brakes for any loss of assist or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas for each model.
- Test all electrical components, including locks, windows, and infotainment, during the test drive.
- For the Silverado, check for any open recalls related to fuel pump or forward collision avoidance, and confirm they have been addressed.
- For the DTS, verify that the ignition recall has been performed and check for any signs of electrical system repairs.
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 DTS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac DTS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac DTS total complaints
- 511
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Cadillac DTS total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Cadillac DTS avg complaints/year
- 85.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac DTS
- Cadillac DTS top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE