Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Lyriq vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac Lyriq 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 Lyriq vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lyriq has 169 complaints over 4 years (about 42 per year) and 17 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Lyriq's issues often involve electrical and driver-assist systems, whereas the Silverado's involve engine, power train, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Lyriq or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq is an electric SUV with 169 complaints over four years, averaging about 42 per year. Owners frequently report sudden loss of propulsion, 12-volt battery failures that lock them out, and phantom braking from the forward collision system. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unexpected braking, so living with a Lyriq means staying alert to electrical and driver-assist glitches.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging about 511 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with reports of rough running, sudden neutral engagement, and brake loss. With 100 recalls and one death recorded, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent trips to the shop.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Lyriq | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 Lyriq
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE51
- 03SERVICE BRAKES36
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING33
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
Owners report the 12-volt battery dying even when the main battery is charged, which can lock you out of the car and prevent it from starting. Others describe sudden loss of propulsion while driving, leaving the vehicle disabled on the road.
Drivers experience phantom braking—the car slams on the brakes when no obstacle is present, often at speeds of 20–40 mph. There are also warnings that the camera is blocked, which can disable the system when you need it.
Complaints involve the anti-lock braking system and the handoff between regenerative and friction braking, which can cause inconsistent pedal feel or reduced braking. This matters because it can make stopping distances unpredictable.
The low-beam headlights have poor reach and can point downward after 30 minutes of driving, limiting night visibility to about one car length. Some also note the dashboard uses the wrong icon for headlights, which could confuse drivers about whether lights are on.
“On August 9, 2026, at approximately 3:40 a.m., while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion and became completely disabled on the roadway. The vehicle remained powered on but would not move forward or backward. At approximately the time of the fail…”
“The 12 volt battery of my 2023 Lyriq died even though the main battery was at 79% charge. The car had sat unused for three days. The 12 volt battery controls the opening of doors, charging ports, and all other accessories. I was effectively locked out of my c…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax report severe engine problems, including loss of power and excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter. These issues can require dealer repairs and may leave you stranded.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, causing a loss of motive power. This can happen even at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, and is a serious safety concern.
Reports describe sudden, severe loss of braking and instances where the engine lost power, causing the brakes and steering to become inoperable. These failures can occur at highway speeds and are extremely dangerous.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness dropping sharply, making it hard to stop. This has happened shortly after dropping children at school, highlighting the risk in everyday driving.
“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 Lyriq — 17 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ vehicles. The owner's manual inaccurately describes the rear outboard head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk: Incorrect head restraint information may lead to improperly adjusted head restraints, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will mail owner's manual inserts with the correct illustrations and descriptions for rear outboard head restraints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 30, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Cadillac LYRIQ vehicles. The left or right front stabilizer bar bracket bolts may have been improperly tightened, which can allow the bolts to loosen and separate from the vehicle frame. A detached stabilizer bar or bracket can damage the vehic…
The risk: Damaged cables or coolant lines can result in a vehicle shutdown, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the left and/or right stabilizer bar bracket bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 8, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's numb…
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ vehicles and 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ vehicles. The bolts attaching the high voltage battery to the interior floor may be missing or loose.
The risk: An improperly secured battery may become damaged in a crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the high-voltage battery bolts and replace or re-tighten the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed September 8, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ vehicles. A software error in the driver video display control module may cause the instrument panel to go blank.
The risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will update the video display control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222379510.
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 Lyriq or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Lyriq has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). In practice, this means Lyriq owners report fewer overall problems, but the issues they do face—like sudden propulsion loss and phantom braking—can be severe. The Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent repairs and a wider range of engine, transmission, and brake troubles.
Key differences
- The Lyriq averages about 42 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Lyriq owners frequently report electrical issues like 12-volt battery failure and sudden loss of propulsion, whereas Silverado owners report engine and power train failures such as sudden neutral engagement and loss of power.
- Phantom braking from the forward collision system is a recurring Lyriq complaint, while Silverado complaints include severe brake loss where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 1 death recorded, compared to 17 recalls and 0 deaths for the Lyriq, suggesting different levels of safety-related campaigns.
- Check the 12-volt battery health and ask if it has been replaced; a dead 12-volt battery can lock you out and prevent starting.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system for phantom braking and ensure the camera is not blocked; also verify headlight aim and brightness.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax; ask for repair records.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement at low speeds and verify brake function, as owners report sudden brake loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair documentation for both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the Lyriq's electrical system, 12-volt battery, and driver-assist features.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine, transmission, and brake system, including a test drive at various speeds.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by a dealer before purchase.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to observe any warning lights or unusual behavior.
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 Lyriq | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 98 |
| 2025 | 18 | 150 |
| 2024 | 113 | 0 |
| 2023 | 24 | 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 Lyriq or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Lyriq vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac Lyriq total complaints
- 169
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Cadillac Lyriq total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Cadillac Lyriq avg complaints/year
- 42.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Lyriq
- Cadillac Lyriq top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE