Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler LHS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler LHS 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 LHS vs Chevrolet Silverado: the LHS logged 122 complaints over 2 years (about 61/year) and 8 recalls, while the Silverado logged 8,227 over 10 years (about 823/year) and 101 recalls. LHS reports center on dashboard cracks and steering/airbag issues; Silverado reports include engine shutoff and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler LHS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler LHS
The Chrysler LHS is a large sedan with a modest complaint volume—122 over two years, or about 61 per year—but the pattern shows chronic, low-cost annoyances rather than catastrophic failures. Owners repeatedly report dashboard cracks near the passenger airbag, steering noises and sensor failures, and airbag clock-spring defects. With only 8 recalls and no deaths in the data, it's the kind of car where you budget for trim and electrical fixes, not major drivetrain surgery.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—8,227 over ten years, averaging about 823 per year—and a broader spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brake systems. Owners describe serious drivability and safety events: engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission dropping into neutral. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler LHS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 122 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 61.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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.
Chrysler LHS
- 01STRUCTURE25
- 02STEERING24
- 03AIR BAGS17
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
Owners report dashboard cracks that start as small hairline splits and grow across the passenger side, often right above the airbag. The concern is both cosmetic and safety-related, since the cracking sits over an airbag component and repeated repairs don't hold.
Complaints include a speedometer sensor failure that forces the car into a 25-mph safety mode, and popping noises when turning the wheel. These can leave you with limited speed or uncertain steering response, so a test drive and sensor check matter.
The recurring theme is an airbag clock-spring defect, with owners frustrated that it hasn't been recalled. A faulty clock spring can disable the horn or airbag, so have a mechanic verify airbag readiness.
The same speedometer sensor failure and clock-spring issue show up here, meaning electrical gremlins can trigger the safety-mode limp and airbag warnings. These are not engine failures but can strand you at low speed or compromise safety systems.
“ONE CRACK STARTED OUT AS 2" LONG HAIRLINE, BUT HAVE GOTTEN BIGGER AND NOW IT IS ACROSS THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. AND RIGHT BELOW IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY AIRBAG. HAVE CALLED SEVERAL PLACES TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET IT FIXED/ REPLACED - TH…”
“SPLITTING DASHBOARD I NOTICED THAT IS WAS A SLIGHT SLIT IN THE DASHBOARD THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER IT STARTED GETTING BIGGER, AS TIME WENT ON IT HAS GOTTEN ALMOST HALF FOOT LONG. I PAID TO HAVE IT REPAIRED IT CRACKED AGAIN IN THE SAME SPOT, I TRIED TO REPAIR IT M…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engines shutting off while driving, with dash messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' plus diesel particulate filter soot events requiring dealer service. An engine that quits on the road is a serious safety concern.
Complaints describe the truck suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission dropping out of gear. This loss of propulsion can happen in parking lots or on the road, leaving you unable to accelerate.
Owners link electrical faults to a sudden, severe loss of normal braking—the pedal stays firm but braking is ineffective—and to engines shutting off. These are not minor glitches; they affect your ability to stop or keep moving.
The same braking-loss event appears under service brakes: the truck won't stop normally at a stop sign. Because the pedal feels firm, drivers may not realize braking power is reduced until it's too late.
“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 LHS — 8 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD C…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD C…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. O…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. O…
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
Chrysler LHS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler LHS has far fewer complaints per year—about 61 versus roughly 823 for the Silverado—and its issues tend to be trim, steering, and airbag-related rather than sudden loss of engine or brakes. In practice, the LHS is a lower-volume, older-school sedan with nagging fixes, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate includes more severe drivability and braking events that demand attention.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: LHS averages ~61/year vs Silverado ~823/year, so the Silverado generates far more owner-reported problems.
- Failure severity: LHS complaints center on dashboard cracks, steering noises, and airbag clock springs; Silverado complaints include engine shutoff, sudden neutral, and loss of braking.
- Recalls: LHS has 8 recalls (seats, structure, child seat) vs 101 for the Silverado, including fuel pump control and forward-collision warning topics.
- Safety outcomes in data: LHS shows 9 crash-related complaints, 8 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado shows 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Inspect the dashboard above the passenger airbag for cracks or prior repairs—owners report splits that grow and reappear after fixing.
- Test the steering for popping noises and verify the speedometer works; a failed sensor can trigger a 25-mph safety mode.
- Ask for proof of recall completion, especially fuel pump control module and forward-collision warning recalls, and scan for stored engine/transmission codes.
- During the test drive, watch for engine shutoff, unexpected neutral engagement, and firm-but-weak braking; have a mechanic check brake and electrical systems.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm all open recalls are closed before purchase.
- On the LHS, inspect the dash near the passenger airbag and test steering and speedometer operation.
- On the Silverado, request a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine stall history, transmission behavior, and brake function.
- Ask for service records showing any repeat repairs for the same complaint, since owners report fixes that don't last.
- Test drive both vehicles in slow parking-lot maneuvers and at highway speed to catch neutral drops, steering pops, or braking anomalies.
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 LHS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler LHS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler LHS total complaints
- 122
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler LHS total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler LHS avg complaints/year
- 61.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler LHS
- Chrysler LHS top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE