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 53 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year over 10 years. The STS had 10 recalls and 31 injuries; the Silverado had 101 recalls and 3 deaths. 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 averaged 53 complaints per year over seven years, with air bags, electrical system, and engine as the most common trouble spots. Owners report persistent air bag warnings, sporadic electrical glitches, and timing chain issues on the 3.6L engine. With 10 recalls and 31 injuries reported, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged 822.7 complaints per year over ten years, with engine, power train, and electrical system leading the list. Owners describe serious issues like engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures, even on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it has a much higher volume 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 STS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 371 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 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 STS
- 01AIR BAGS101
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
- 03ENGINE47
- 04POWER TRAIN44
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM31
Owners report the service air bag light staying on, requiring them to shut off and re-enter the car to reset it. This can mean the air bag may not deploy in a crash, so a buyer should have the system scanned.
Complaints include dash lights failing, backup sensors malfunctioning, power windows moving on their own, and a hard brake pedal that made stopping difficult. These sporadic faults can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety.
Timing chain failures under 30,000 miles are reported on the 3.6L motor, often linked to extended oil change intervals. This can cause the engine to stall or suffer major damage, so maintenance records are critical.
Owners describe a shift-to-park malfunction where the car does not recognize it is in Park, preventing shutdown or gear changes. This can leave the vehicle stuck or unable to restart, a serious inconvenience.
“. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME OWNING A CADILLAC AND I MUST SAY I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! IT IS A 2007 STS SO IT IS OLDER BUT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH ONLY AROUND 65,000 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN VERY RECENTLY DISAPPOINTED BY THE SERVICE RESPONSE FROM MY AIRBA…”
“WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND EXIT THE CAR RE-ENTER RE-SEAT MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER(WIFE) SEVERAL TIMES. SOMETIMES THE ERROR GOES AWAY AND SOMETIME IT DOES NOT. THIS CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS THE 20…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues on new trucks with low mileage. This can cause a loss of control or inability to move.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and the engine shutting off while driving, causing screens to go blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report the truck completely shutting off and losing acceleration while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Braking effectiveness can be reduced, making low-speed maneuvers risky.
“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 — 10 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles manufactured October 6, 2003, to March 15, 2007, and 2006-2007 Cadillac STS-V vehicles manufactured June 23, 2005, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the electrical terminals of the fuel pump module…
The risk: If the flange melts, a hole may be created allowing the fuel pump to leak fuel, causing the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel module and fuel tank jumper harness, free of charge. GM sent out interim notices in late October. The recall began on March 12, 2015. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at…
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: 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…
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 STS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac STS has far fewer complaints per year (53 vs. 822.7), but both vehicles have serious reported issues. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume and 101 recalls mean a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, though the STS still has notable air bag and engine concerns.
Key differences
- The Cadillac STS averages 53 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Air bag complaints are the top issue for the STS (101), often involving warning lights and reset attempts, while the Silverado's top issue is engine (2521), with reports of shutdowns and diesel soot buildup.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, versus 10 recalls and 0 deaths for the STS, indicating a higher volume of safety-related actions.
- STS owners report timing chain failures on the 3.6L engine, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and transmission going into neutral, both serious but different in nature.
- Check for a persistent air bag warning light and have the air bag system scanned; owners report it staying on and requiring re-entry to reset.
- Listen for timing chain noise or check for service engine light on the 3.6L engine, as premature wear is reported under 30,000 miles.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the truck shuts off or loses braking; owners report sudden engine shutdown and firm brake pedal.
- Ask about diesel particulate filter service history on Duramax models, as soot accumulation events are reported at low mileage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all maintenance records, especially for oil changes on the STS and diesel filter services on the Silverado.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on air bag codes for the STS and engine/transmission/brake systems for the Silverado.
- Test drive the STS through several start-stop cycles to check for air bag light and shift-to-park issues.
- Test drive the Silverado at low speeds, in parking lots, and on inclines to check for sudden neutral engagement or engine shutdown.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using the VIN.
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
- 371
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Cadillac STS total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Cadillac STS avg complaints/year
- 53.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac STS
- Cadillac STS top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE