Head-to-head reliability
GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Acadia 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
GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Acadia averages 193 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510, with engine and brake failures more common in the Silverado. The Acadia shows more cooling and electrical issues. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 vs 24. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia, a midsize SUV, shows a high complaint rate of about 193 per year over the last decade, with the majority centered on powertrain and electrical issues. Owners report premature failures in cooling system components, such as radiator hoses, and electrical problems that trigger false warnings. These issues often surface early, sometimes within the first few thousand miles, and can lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. While the Acadia offers family-friendly features, its reliability record suggests a need for careful maintenance and inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, with engine and powertrain problems dominating. Owners frequently report severe engine issues, including loss of power and stalling, as well as transmission failures that occur at low mileage. Brake system failures are also notable, with reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness. The Silverado's higher complaint count and more serious safety-related issues make it a riskier choice for buyers, especially those who rely on the truck 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 | GMC Acadia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,934 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 41 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 193.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 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.
GMC Acadia
- 01POWER TRAIN618
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM506
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER472
- 04ENGINE240
- 05SERVICE BRAKES164
Owners report overheating warnings and potential engine failure, often with gauges reading normal, indicating possible sensor or cooling system issues. Some also experience transmission problems, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample.
Electrical issues manifest as false dashboard alerts, such as 'car overheating' warnings, and premature brake pad wear with fluid leaks, suggesting possible sensor or wiring problems. These can lead to unnecessary repairs and safety concerns.
Engine complaints include sudden warnings to turn off the vehicle while driving at highway speeds, even with low mileage. This points to potential cooling system failures or sensor malfunctions that could cause unexpected shutdowns.
“I purchased this vehicle in June 2024 as a demo vehicle with approximately 7,000 miles on it. Within one month of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing serious problems that have continued to worsen. The vehicle currently has approximately 34,000 miles, a…”
“In the process of taking my daughter to the emergency room I receive a dash notification on my recently purchased 2024 GMC Acadia "car overheating, possible engine failure". My gauges were within normal range and being that I was in an emergency I kept travel…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and stalling, often at highway speeds. Diesel models also experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially in low-speed maneuvers like parking garages. This can be dangerous and indicates a potential transmission control module failure.
Brake failures are reported, with sudden loss of braking effectiveness despite a firm pedal, often accompanied by electrical warnings. This suggests a possible issue with the brake system's electronic controls or sensors.
“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.
GMC Acadia — 24 recalls
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…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
The risk: Separation between the half-shaft and 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 right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.…
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: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
The risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners…
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
GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Acadia has fewer complaints per year (193) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious reliability concerns, with the Silverado showing more severe engine and brake failures. In practice, the Acadia may require fewer trips to the shop, but buyers should still budget for potential repairs.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 2.5 times more complaints per year than the Acadia, with engine issues being the top problem.
- Acadia owners report more electrical and cooling system issues, while Silverado owners face more severe engine and brake failures.
- Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100 vs 24), indicating more widespread safety concerns.
- Brake failures in the Silverado are reported as sudden and severe, whereas Acadia brake issues are more about premature wear and leaks.
- Inspect the cooling system, especially radiator hoses, for premature wear or leaks, as owners report failures.
- Check for any dashboard warning lights or electrical glitches, as these are common and may indicate sensor issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure no loss of braking power, as reported by owners.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or pinging, and check for any transmission hesitation or unexpected shifting into neutral.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review maintenance records for any prior repairs related to cooling, electrical, or engine issues.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any transmission or brake anomalies.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential costly 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 | GMC Acadia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 98 |
| 2025 | 62 | 150 |
| 2024 | 55 | 0 |
| 2023 | 42 | 0 |
| 2022 | 48 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 147 | 934 |
| 2020 | 99 | 0 |
| 2019 | 381 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 392 | 591 |
| 2017 | 702 | 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 GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Acadia total complaints
- 1,934
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC Acadia total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC Acadia avg complaints/year
- 193.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Acadia top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE