Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the Silverado had 5,537 complaints and 56 recalls, while the Accord had 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The Silverado's top issue is engine (1,886), the Accord's is engine (1,006). Both have serious reported defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup that owners rely on for work and family duty. Over ten years, NHTSA logged 5,537 complaints, with engine and power train issues dominating. Many reports describe serious failures like internal engine breakdowns and unexpected rolling, which can mean costly repairs and safety risks. Recalls are frequent, so checking for open recalls is essential.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for efficiency and comfort. It has 4,524 complaints over ten years, with engine and electrical problems most common. Owners report stalling, power steering and brake failures, and forward collision warnings that trigger unexpectedly. While recalls are fewer, the electronic issues can be alarming.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,537 | 4,524 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 146 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 553.7 | 452.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 01ENGINE1,886
- 02POWER TRAIN1,611
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM937
- 04SERVICE BRAKES777
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER550
Owners report catastrophic internal engine failures, such as a failed thrust bearing or cylinder wall damage, often at low mileage like 16,500 miles. These can require a whole engine replacement, leaving the truck undrivable and potentially unsafe.
Complaints include unexpected rolling when parked and transmission problems. One owner said their 2025 Silverado rolled away and hit another car, which is a serious safety concern.
Repeated electrical failures can cause warning lights and disable systems. A 2025 owner reported multiple serious electrical issues in under a year, affecting reliability and safety.
Owners describe sudden brake failure with a hard pedal and loss of power steering. One driver nearly collided with oncoming traffic when the truck wouldn't slow down, indicating a dangerous defect.
“My 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 experienced an internal engine failure at approximately 16,500 miles, requiring replacement of the entire long block under the factory powertrain warranty. The authorized Chevrolet dealership diagnosed internal cylinder wa…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 experienced a catastrophic internal failure caused by a failed thrust bearing in the crankshaft assembly. The fai…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Reports include loss of power and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) while driving, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can lead to stalling or reduced performance.
Owners report simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another had a tire fail catastrophically after a TPMS repair, showing potential electronic or repair-related dangers.
The system may activate unexpectedly, with one owner experiencing sudden braking twice on the same route under similar conditions. This can cause rear-end collisions or loss of control.
Complaints include a persistent rotten-egg odor from the fuel system, which may indicate a fuel leak or emission problem. This can be a health and safety concern.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 56 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
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…
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (about 452 vs. 554 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (38 vs. 56). However, the Accord's issues often involve critical electronic safety systems, while the Silverado's are more engine and brake-related. In practice, both have serious reported defects, so a thorough inspection is key.
Key differences
- The Silverado has more engine complaints (1,886) than the Accord (1,006), often involving catastrophic internal failures.
- The Accord has more forward collision avoidance complaints (837), a system not in the Silverado's top five.
- The Silverado has more recalls (56) than the Accord (38), including brake and engine recalls.
- The Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 146) and injuries (146 vs. 102), but fewer deaths (3 vs. 1).
- Check for any signs of engine knocking, rough idling, or low oil pressure, which could indicate internal engine damage like thrust bearing failure.
- Test the brakes and power steering thoroughly; look for a hard brake pedal or loss of assist, as owners report sudden brake failure.
- Test all electronic safety systems, including forward collision warning and automatic braking, for unexpected activation or failure.
- Listen for rattling noises from the engine and check for smooth transitions between EV and gas modes if it's a hybrid.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power.
- For the Silverado, verify that the parking pawl engages properly and the truck doesn't roll when parked.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe environment to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 104 | 10 |
| 2025 | 102 | 109 |
| 2024 | 311 | 219 |
| 2023 | 384 | 226 |
| 2022 | 634 | 252 |
| 2021 | 830 | 234 |
| 2020 | 731 | 362 |
| 2019 | 1085 | 691 |
| 2018 | 519 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 837 | 537 |
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 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total complaints
- 5,537
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total recalls
- 56
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 avg complaints/year
- 553.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE