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 about 197 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, with the Silverado also having more recalls (101 vs 24). Both have reported power train and electrical issues, but the Silverado's complaints include more severe brake and engine shutdown events. 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 is a mid-size SUV that owners often describe as having a range of electrical and powertrain quirks. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 197 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, electrical system, and unknown or other components. Many complaints mention repeated dealer visits for the same problems, such as shuddering at highway speeds or sudden limp-home mode. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the Acadia still has notable reliability concerns that a used buyer should investigate.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: over 8,200 complaints in 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake problems. Some complaints describe serious safety events like sudden loss of braking or engine stalling while driving. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Silverado demands careful scrutiny before purchase.
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 | 1,969 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 45 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 196.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 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.
GMC Acadia
- 01POWER TRAIN622
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM512
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER475
- 04ENGINE250
- 05SERVICE BRAKES172
Owners report shuddering between 50-65 mph and transmission problems that can require multiple dealer visits. Some also mention premature thermostat and radiator failures, which can lead to overheating and costly repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle going into limp-home mode with all dashboard lights illuminated, sometimes leaving drivers stranded. Battery failures within two years of ownership are also reported, pointing to potential electrical gremlins.
A recurring P04FB code related to the crankcase pressure sensor is common, often caused by moisture freezing in the sensor. This can trigger check-engine lights and may require a dealer fix per a GM bulletin.
Some owners report the liftgate opening on its own while parked, which could be a security or safety concern. Others mention the same crankcase pressure sensor issue, showing that not all problems fit neatly into one category.
“We purchased a 2023 GMC Acadia AT4 new in October 2023. There is currently a little over 19,000 miles on the AT4. As of today November 13, 2024 the SUV has been to Blaise Alexanders, for at 3 times with same issues. Between the speeds of 50-65 there is a shud…”
“This vehicle was bought brand new and has received proper maintenance from one dealership since purchasing. I had to replace the thermostat and radiator before owning the vehicle three years. Within two years of owning the vehicle, my battery went out, which…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in parking garages, which can leave the driver unable to accelerate. Transmission issues are frequently cited, sometimes with low mileage.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. Others mention the engine shutting off while driving, which can be extremely dangerous.
Some owners experience complete brake failure or the truck shutting off entirely when barely applying throttle in a parking lot. These incidents raise serious concerns about brake system reliability.
“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 — 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
GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Acadia has far fewer complaints per year (about 197) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), suggesting the Acadia may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have significant problems, and the Silverado's higher volume may partly reflect its popularity and heavier use. In practice, a used Acadia might mean fewer trips to the shop, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over four times as many complaints per year as the Acadia, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Acadia owners frequently report electrical gremlins like limp-home mode and battery failures, while Silverado owners report more severe safety events like brake loss and engine shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the Acadia, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over the years.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 233 versus 45 for the Acadia, though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- During a test drive, accelerate to 50-65 mph and feel for any shuddering or hesitation, which could indicate power train issues.
- Check for any signs of electrical problems, such as dashboard warning lights, limp-home mode messages, or a battery that has been replaced recently.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and in parking situations; any firm pedal with poor stopping power could signal a brake system defect.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for stored diagnostic codes, especially related to the diesel particulate filter or engine shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the vehicle has been subject to any recalls and whether they were repaired.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and brakes.
- Search NHTSA.gov for the specific model year and VIN to see all complaints and recalls that apply to that exact vehicle.
- During the test drive, pay attention to how the transmission shifts and whether the engine stalls or hesitates at any speed.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and electrical repairs, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
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 | 9 | 120 |
| 2025 | 65 | 157 |
| 2024 | 61 | 527 |
| 2023 | 45 | 450 |
| 2022 | 49 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 149 | 961 |
| 2020 | 105 | 868 |
| 2019 | 386 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 396 | 597 |
| 2017 | 704 | 1154 |
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
- 1,969
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- GMC Acadia total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- GMC Acadia avg complaints/year
- 196.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Acadia top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE