Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Crossfire vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler Crossfire 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
Chrysler Crossfire vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Crossfire averaged 142 complaints per year over 5 years, with 2 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 511 complaints per year over 10 years, with 100 recalls. Crossfire issues often involve rear glass detachment; Silverado issues include engine and brake faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Crossfire or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire is a low-volume sports car with a distinct ownership experience. Over five years, it averaged about 142 complaints per year, with most issues centered on the car's structure and visibility—especially the convertible top and rear glass. Owners frequently report the rear window falling out or detaching, which can damage electrical components. With only two recalls, both for airbag inflators, the Crossfire's main headaches are age-related trim and glass failures rather than major mechanical breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—about 511 per year over ten years—but it also sells in far greater numbers. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with owners describing sudden power loss, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter issues. There are also reports of brake and electrical faults that can affect steering and stopping. With 100 recalls, the Silverado has had many safety campaigns, but the per-vehicle risk is lower given its huge production run.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Crossfire | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 708 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 141.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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.
Chrysler Crossfire
- 01STRUCTURE227
- 02VISIBILITY176
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER130
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM111
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER97
Owners report the rear glass on convertible models falling out or detaching, sometimes damaging a computer part connected to the defogger. This is a structural and water-leak risk that can lead to electrical shorts and costly repairs.
Complaints describe the rear window separating from the convertible top, often held only by the defroster cord. This impairs rear visibility and can let in water, leading to further electrical issues.
Similar to visibility issues, owners report the rear glass falling into the car while driving, creating a safety hazard and requiring immediate repair. The wiper system may also be affected if the glass detaches.
Some owners mention airbag recall reimbursement problems, where the failed part was not covered by the recall. Electrical gremlins can also stem from water damage due to the rear glass issue.
“I OWN TWO CROSSFIRE CONVERTIBLES; A 2005 AND 2007. IN 2010 MY GLASS FELL OUT OF MY REAR TOP IN THE 2005 CROSSFIRE AT THE AIRPORT . WHEN I GOT BACK IT HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OUT EXCEPT FOR THE CORD CONNECTING THE DEFOGGER. THIS DAMAGED A COMPUTER PART WHICH COS…”
“I'M "COPYING/PASTING" SOMEONE ELSE'S WORDS AS THEY HAVE DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING! I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER, 2013 AND HAVE JUST NOW EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM. I'VE ALSO DONE AN ONLINE SEARCH & CAME ACROSS THIS SITE W/OTHER COMP…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report sudden loss of power, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing a loss of motive power. This is a serious safety concern, especially at low speeds or in traffic.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of steering assist. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, sometimes accompanied by other electrical failures. This can increase stopping distances and risk of a crash.
“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.
Chrysler Crossfire — 2 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Mati…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Mati…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz…
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
Chrysler Crossfire or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Crossfire has far fewer complaints per year (about 142 vs. 511 for the Silverado), but it is a low-production sports car with age-related glass and trim failures. The Silverado's higher complaint count reflects its massive sales volume, yet its issues often involve serious powertrain and brake faults. In practice, the Crossfire may need more cosmetic and water-leak attention, while the Silverado demands vigilance for sudden mechanical failures.
Key differences
- The Crossfire's most common complaints are structural and visibility-related, especially rear glass detachment, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and transmission shifting into neutral, which are serious drivability and safety concerns; Crossfire issues are more about water leaks and trim.
- The Crossfire has only 2 recalls (airbag inflators), whereas the Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgates, steering, seat belts, and brakes.
- Complaint rates per year are much lower for the Crossfire (about 142) than the Silverado (about 511), but the Silverado's higher volume means individual risk may be lower.
- Inspect the convertible top and rear glass for any signs of separation, loose seals, or previous repairs—this is the most frequently reported failure.
- Check for water damage or electrical gremlins in the rear compartment, as a detached rear glass can damage computers and defogger wiring.
- Test drive and listen for engine pinging, rough running, or sudden power loss, especially in 6.2L or Duramax models; these are common complaints.
- Check for transmission issues like delayed engagement or sudden neutral shifts, and verify that all brake and steering recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed, especially airbag recalls on the Crossfire and brake/steering recalls on the Silverado.
- For the Crossfire, inspect the convertible top and rear window seals thoroughly, and test the defogger and rear electrical components.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission fault codes, and test drive at highway speeds to detect power loss or brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific complaint areas: structure/visibility for the Crossfire, engine/powertrain/brakes for the Silverado.
- Check owner forums and NHTSA complaints for the exact model year you are considering to see if common problems have been fixed or persist.
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 Chrysler Crossfire or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Crossfire vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler Crossfire total complaints
- 708
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Chrysler Crossfire total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Chrysler Crossfire avg complaints/year
- 141.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Crossfire
- Chrysler Crossfire top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE