Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac STS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac STS 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 STS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The STS averaged about 38 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged about 510 per year over 10 years. The STS had 8 recalls and 0 deaths; the Silverado had 100 recalls and 1 death. Both show serious engine and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac STS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac STS
The Cadillac STS is a luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to live with as it ages. Over seven years, it averaged about 38 complaints per year, with air bags, electrical system, and engine issues leading the list. Owners frequently report warning lights, intermittent power loss, and transmission problems that can affect drivability. While it has fewer total complaints than the Silverado, the rate per year is much lower, suggesting a more manageable ownership experience if properly maintained.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: over 5,100 complaints in ten years, averaging about 510 per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, with many owners reporting serious issues like sudden power loss, transmission failure, and brake problems even on newer models. With 100 recalls and a higher rate of crashes and injuries reported, the Silverado demands careful inspection and a thorough service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac STS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 268 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 38.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 STS
- 01AIR BAGS74
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03ENGINE34
- 04POWER TRAIN32
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM24
Owners report the air bag warning light coming on and staying on, often intermittently at first. In some cases, this is linked to traction control and stability system failures that can cause the vehicle to lose control. A buyer should check that the air bag light is not illuminated and that all recalls are addressed.
Complaints include dash lights failing, power windows operating on their own, backup sensors malfunctioning, and radio volume changing unexpectedly. More seriously, some owners describe a hard brake pedal and inability to brake properly, which can lead to crashes. Electrical gremlins can be costly to diagnose and fix.
Owners report intermittent loss of engine and electrical power while driving, causing brakes and steering to lose proper function. Another common issue is a 'Service Stability Control' message followed by reduced engine power, slowing the vehicle to 10-15 mph. These symptoms can create dangerous driving conditions.
Some owners experience grinding noises and total loss of control, with reports of corroded gears causing the gear shift to have no effect. Fluid leaks from the transmission or axle are also noted. These problems can leave a driver unable to steer, brake, or accelerate.
“THE CAR TRACTION CONTROL FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HAD THE SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM COME ON. THE ABS LIGHT WAS LIT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR TURN EASILY. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE DITCH. THIS VEHICLE HAD HEADLIGHTS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT WITH BULBS…”
“SINCE MAY 2015, GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON, THEN AGAIN IN JUNE 2015 GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN AND STAYS ON. ONCE AGAIN , IN JULY LIGHTS COMES BACK ON AND STAYS ON HAS NOT GONE OUT AS OF 21 JULY 2015.. WE BROUGHT THE CAR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, including rough running, loss of motive power, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. Some complaints involve engines with very low mileage, indicating potential defects. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, transmission failure, and loss of power. Owners describe situations where the vehicle becomes unresponsive, creating a safety risk. Transmission repairs or replacements can be costly, especially on higher-trim models.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect. Others note loud pinging sounds from the engine followed by loss of power and inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical and electronic failures can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Braking problems are frequently reported, including a hard pedal and reduced braking ability. In some cases, the vehicle fails to stop normally at low speeds. Brake issues on a heavy truck can significantly increase stopping distances and crash risk.
“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 STS — 8 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 4,586 MY 2008 CADILLAC STS AND STS-V PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, 'TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS' (TPMS). THE STANDARD REQUIRES AN INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FOR CERTAIN TPMS MALFUNCTIONS. WHEN THE S…
The risk: THESE INDICATIONS OF A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DO NOT WORK. PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://W…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
The risk: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-9…
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE FUEL IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHOUT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL LOW INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE WARNING CHIME.
The risk: IF THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING, THE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED IN DECEMBER 2005 AND ASKED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK FUEL LEVEL TO AVOID THIS CONDITION UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABL…
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK THAT COULD SEPARATE BECAUSE OF AN INCORRECT WELD.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN IN OR OUT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RIGHT AND LEFT TOE LINK AND REPLACE AS REQUIRED. IF A TOE LINK IS REPLACED, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339.
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 STS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac STS has far fewer complaints per year (about 38) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), meaning the Cadillac generally has a lower rate of reported problems. However, the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and heavier use, and its issues often involve serious engine, transmission, and brake failures. In practice, a used Cadillac STS may be less likely to leave you stranded, but both vehicles require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Cadillac STS averages about 38 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 510 per year, a much higher rate.
- Air bag and electrical issues are top concerns for the STS, often involving warning lights and intermittent power loss.
- The Silverado's most common complaints are engine and power train failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 8 for the STS, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Check for any air bag warning light that stays on or flickers, and confirm all air bag recalls have been performed.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for grinding noises from the transmission, and check for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, pinging, or loss of power from the engine, especially under acceleration.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal or reduced braking, and ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all open recalls for the specific model year have been repaired.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Scan for stored trouble codes, especially those related to air bags, stability control, and transmission.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes on varied roads, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate common failure conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
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 STS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac STS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac STS total complaints
- 268
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Cadillac STS total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Cadillac STS avg complaints/year
- 38.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac STS
- Cadillac STS top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE