Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Traverse
How the Chevrolet Silverado and Chevrolet Traverse 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 vs Chevrolet Traverse: The Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls, while the Traverse averages 208 complaints per year with 23 recalls. Both have serious safety-related reports, but the Traverse has fewer overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Traverse more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its 10-year complaint total of 8,227 (about 823 per year) reflects that. Owners frequently report engine and power train problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter issues. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, with some describing brake assist loss and unintended stalling. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports, it's a truck that demands careful inspection and maintenance.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a mid-size SUV with 2,075 complaints over 10 years (about 208 per year), far fewer than the Silverado. However, its top areas—power train, electrical, and engine—still generate serious owner reports. Complaints include transmission jerking, steering assist loss, and brake assist warnings. With 23 recalls and 66 crash-related reports, it has a lower overall volume but still notable safety-related patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8,227 | 2,075 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 101 | 23 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 233 | 66 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 822.7 | 207.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 160 | 69 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models suffer from repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds like in parking garages. This can cause unexpected loss of control and is a major safety concern.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features without warning.
Owners report brake assist failure and complete loss of braking effectiveness, often accompanied by electrical issues. This is a critical safety risk that should be addressed immediately if experienced.
“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…”
Chevrolet Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN542
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM401
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER360
- 04ENGINE335
- 05AIR BAGS293
Owners report repeated safety failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire, steering-assist warnings, and electronic parking brake. Some also experience hard jerking during acceleration and shifting, indicating transmission problems.
Complaints include 'Service Brake Assist' warnings with hard brakes and reduced steering assist while driving. These electrical faults can compromise braking and steering, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Reports include recurring exhaust leaks in the front pipe and engine/cooling system failures. Exhaust leaks can be a health hazard and may indicate broader engine issues.
Air bag complaints are among the top areas, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Given the safety-critical nature, any air bag warning light should be taken seriously.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
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 — 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…
Chevrolet Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission flu…
The risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado or Chevrolet Traverse: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Traverse has far fewer complaints per year (about 208) compared to the Silverado (about 823), suggesting it may be less problematic overall. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference is not absolute. In practice, a Traverse might mean fewer trips to the shop, but you should still thoroughly inspect any used model.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about four times as many complaints per year as the Traverse, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission failures, while Traverse owners report transmission jerking and steering assist loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 23 for the Traverse, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Both have brake-related complaints, but the Silverado's are often tied to electrical failures, while the Traverse's involve brake assist warnings.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises and check for any hesitation or sudden shutdowns; ask for service records related to diesel particulate filter or engine repairs.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for a firm pedal or warning lights; also verify that the transmission shifts smoothly without slipping into neutral.
- Look for dashboard warnings like 'Service Brake Assist' or 'Steering Assist Reduced' and test steering and braking at low speeds.
- Listen for exhaust leaks, especially a loud roaring noise, and check for transmission jerking during acceleration and shifting.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes and a test of all safety systems.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions: highway, stop-and-go, and parking maneuvers, noting any warnings or unusual behavior.
- Check for open recalls by providing the VIN to a Chevrolet dealer and ensure all recall work has been completed.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if equipped; for the Traverse, inquire about any transmission or steering assist repairs.
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 | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 120 | 24 |
| 2025 | 157 | 179 |
| 2024 | 527 | 137 |
| 2023 | 450 | 89 |
| 2022 | 1390 | 98 |
| 2021 | 961 | 89 |
| 2020 | 868 | 229 |
| 2019 | 2003 | 407 |
| 2018 | 597 | 462 |
| 2017 | 1154 | 361 |
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 or Chevrolet Traverse in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 2,075
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 207.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN