Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac ELR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac ELR 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 ELR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The ELR averages 5.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. ELR owners report electrical and airbag issues, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. The Silverado has 100 recalls, the ELR only 2. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac ELR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR is a low-volume luxury plug-in hybrid, and its complaint history suggests a handful of recurring electronic gremlins rather than widespread mechanical failure. Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, airbag warning lights that dealers struggle to fix, and issues with the occupant sensor system. With only about 5 complaints per year, it's a niche vehicle where electrical system quirks are the main concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup with a much larger complaint footprint, averaging over 500 complaints per year. The dominant issues are engine problems, particularly with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel variants, including fuel system and DPF issues, as well as transmission and braking concerns. Owners describe sudden loss of power, brake failure, and other safety-critical events, making it a vehicle with more frequent and potentially serious reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac ELR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 21 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 ELR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 03AIR BAGS5
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report sudden loss of power and control while driving, sometimes accompanied by a loud pop, and gauge cluster resets. These can be alarming and potentially dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Airbag warning lights illuminate and dealers often cannot diagnose or fix the issue promptly. The passenger presence system (PPS) module can fail, triggering codes and potentially affecting airbag deployment.
Some owners experience the vehicle dying while in motion, and others report an issue where the car won't turn off because it thinks it's not in Park, even when it is. This can leave you stranded or unable to shut the car down.
“Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ AIR BAGS: FRONT: PASSENGER SIDE Description of Safety Defect: The Passenger Presence System (PPS) Module / Occupant Sensor Module failed on my 2014 Cadillac ELR, triggering diagnostic code U0170 ("Lost Communication with…”
“Loss of power and control: Twice over the past two months, the vehicle has died and lost all power and control functions while in motion. The first episode was while my spouse was driving during the day at about 30 MPH. She reports the vehicle made a loud "po…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are the most common, with owners of 6.2L and Duramax diesel engines reporting failures, excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, and sudden loss of power. Some engines have failed completely, leaving families stranded far from home.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be extremely dangerous, especially in traffic or on hills. Owners also report loss of motive power.
Brake problems are frequent, with reports of sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the pedal feels firm. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of power to the engine, brakes, and steering simultaneously, as reported by one owner at highway speed. This indicates a serious system-wide vulnerability.
“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 ELR — 2 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadillac ELR vehicles not equipped with adaptive cruise control and manufactured September 26, 2013, through February 14, 2014, and equipped without adaptive cruise control. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system…
The risk: If the driver is not alerted to an ESC malfunction they may continue driving with a disabled ESC system which may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2014. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14087.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the af…
The risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-73…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Cadillac ELR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac ELR has far fewer complaints per year (5.3) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the ELR's issues are still safety-relevant, while the Silverado's higher volume reflects more widespread and severe problems, especially with engine and brakes.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5 per year) than the ELR (5.3 per year), indicating a greater frequency of reported problems.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic failures like sudden loss of power, brakes, and steering, while ELR owners report more isolated electrical and airbag issues.
- Engine and powertrain issues dominate the Silverado's complaints, whereas the ELR's top issues are electrical and airbag-related.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls compared to the ELR's 2, suggesting more widespread safety campaigns.
- Check for any airbag warning lights and have the passenger presence system (PPS) module inspected, as failures are common.
- Test the vehicle's ability to shut off properly when in Park, and be alert for any sudden loss of power while driving.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if it's a diesel.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially for any loss of braking power, and check for any transmission issues like unexpected shifts to neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system for the ELR and engine/brakes for the Silverado.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions, including uphill, to check for power loss or transmission issues.
- Ask for service records, especially for any repairs related to the airbag system (ELR) or engine/brake components (Silverado).
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they are completed before purchase.
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 ELR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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 ELR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac ELR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac ELR total complaints
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Cadillac ELR total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Cadillac ELR avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac ELR
- Cadillac ELR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE