Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac XT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Cadillac XT6 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 XT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The XT6 has 104 complaints over 6 years (17.3/yr) and 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. The Silverado's engine and brake failures are more severe, while the XT6's backup camera and electrical issues are notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac XT6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac XT6
The Cadillac XT6, a three-row luxury SUV, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 17 per year over six years. Owners report a mix of electrical gremlins, such as the 'steering assist reduced' warning that disables AC and power steering, and powertrain issues like sudden power loss. While not as numerous as some rivals, these issues can be disruptive and costly, especially when they occur at speed. The vehicle also has a notable number of backup camera complaints, which is a safety concern for a family-oriented SUV.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year across a decade. The dominant issues are engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, and powertrain troubles like sudden neutral engagement. Electrical system failures can also lead to loss of braking and steering, which is alarming. With over 100 recalls, the Silverado demands careful scrutiny, especially for those who rely on it for work or towing.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac XT6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 104 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.3 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 XT6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24
- 02POWER TRAIN21
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION14
- 05ENGINE12
Owners report a 'steering assist reduced' warning that disables the air conditioning and reduces power steering, making the car harder to steer. Another issue is the audio system randomly activating all speakers at full volume, which is distracting and potentially startling.
The same 'steering assist reduced' issue is often logged under powertrain, but there are also reports of sudden loss of power while driving at speed, requiring a restart via the Cadillac app. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
The rear-view camera can go white for about 10 seconds when backing from a dark garage into sunlight, temporarily losing the view. Some owners report no audible alarms when backing into an obstacle, and the camera may not show a child behind the vehicle, which is a serious safety concern.
“There is a known problem, which Cadillac refuses to recall, regarding a steering assist reduced warning. The warning light disables the air conditioning system and steering assist. When the light comes on, reduced power to the steering system occurs. I took t…”
“2025 CADILLAC XT6 AWD SPORT, VIN [XXX] , PURCHASED NEW FROM [XXX] [XXX] ON FEBRUARY 20, 2026. THE VEHICLE'S AUDIO SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATES ALL SPEAKERS WITHOUT COMMAND WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE CONDITION OCCURS UNPREDICTABLY AND PRODUCES A SU…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L V8 can suffer catastrophic failure, leaving owners stranded far from home. The 6.6L Duramax diesel has repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging events, requiring dealer service as often as every few thousand miles.
Some trucks suddenly shift into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in a parking garage, which can lead to loss of control. This is often accompanied by warning messages and may require a restart.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering while driving, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective. This is a critical safety issue that has led to crashes.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal is firm but the vehicle does not stop effectively. This can happen without warning, making it impossible to avoid a collision.
“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 XT6 — 14 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may be missing the warning label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk: Without a warning label, the brake fluid may be unintentionally contaminated by debris, which can affect brake performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake fluid reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this rec…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.
The risk: A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the left-rear suspension and replace the fastener if it is loose or missing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC c…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.
The risk: A fuel tank rollover valve that does not properly seal can result in a fuel leak during a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank shell if the rollover valve is found to be dislodged or missing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer servic…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's n…
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 XT6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Cadillac XT6 has far fewer complaints per year (17.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the XT6's problems are still serious, especially the backup camera and steering assist failures. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume and more frequent recalls suggest a higher likelihood of encountering major mechanical or safety-related problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher rate of engine failures, including complete engine loss and DPF clogging, while the XT6's engine complaints are less frequent.
- The XT6 has notable backup camera issues that can obscure the view of children or obstacles, whereas the Silverado's brake system failures can lead to a complete loss of stopping power.
- The Silverado's electrical problems can cause simultaneous loss of power, brakes, and steering, which is more severe than the XT6's audio or steering assist issues.
- The XT6's complaints are spread over fewer years and models, while the Silverado's issues span a decade, suggesting persistent problems across generations.
- Test the rear-view camera in various lighting conditions, especially transitioning from dark to bright, to see if it goes white or delays.
- Check for any 'steering assist reduced' warnings on the dashboard and have the electrical system inspected for known issues.
- Ask for service records related to engine replacements or DPF cleanings, especially for 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any warning lights; have a mechanic inspect the brake system for potential failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the XT6, test the backup camera and all electrical features, including the audio system and steering assist.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic perform a compression test and inspect the DPF if it's a diesel.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any power loss or brake issues.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you are considering to see if issues have been resolved.
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 XT6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 150 |
| 2024 | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 18 | 934 |
| 2020 | 36 | 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 XT6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac XT6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Cadillac XT6 total complaints
- 104
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Cadillac XT6 total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Cadillac XT6 avg complaints/year
- 17.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac XT6
- Cadillac XT6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE