Head-to-head reliability
GMC B7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC B7 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 B7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The B7 has 0 complaints over 3 years and 4 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports. The Silverado's owner complaints include engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC B7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC B7
The GMC B7 is a commercial-style vehicle that, over the three years of data provided, has no owner complaints on record. It does have four recalls covering the engine, antilock air brakes, and automatic transmission. For a buyer, this means there is no documented pattern of owner-reported failures, but the recalls show that some safety-related defects were serious enough to require a manufacturer fix.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has generated 5,105 complaints over ten years, an average of about 511 per year. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owner reports describe serious issues like sudden loss of braking, unintended shifting into neutral, and engine problems that can cause a loss of power. There are also 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and one death reported in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC B7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 B7
No component data available.
The GMC B7 has a recall for gasoline engine issues, but no owner complaints describe what actually fails. A buyer should ask whether the recall repair was completed and whether any engine warning lights or performance problems have appeared.
Two separate recalls cover the antilock air brake system. Even without owner complaints, these recalls suggest the brakes could have a defect that affects stopping. A buyer should confirm both brake recalls were fixed and have a mechanic inspect the air brake system.
There is a recall for the automatic transmission, but no complaint text explains the symptom. A buyer should test-drive the vehicle carefully, checking for rough shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement, and verify the recall was performed.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel that repeatedly clogged its diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer repairs. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive fixes, so a thorough engine inspection and service history check are critical.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and the same 6.2L engine failure also appears under power train. A sudden loss of power to the wheels is dangerous, so test-drive at low speeds and check for any transmission recall or software updates.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping, as well as an engine pinging sound at 70 mph that led to loss of motive power and inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems, so have a mechanic scan for stored codes and check for any related recalls.
The same braking loss complaint appears under service brakes, along with the high-speed loss of motive power and steering. Brake failure is a top safety concern, so inspect the brake fluid, lines, and ABS system, and confirm any brake-related recalls were completed.
“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 B7 — 4 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY C-SERIES AND B7 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A 7.4 LITER GAS ENGINE AND AN IMPCO LPG CONVERSION KIT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE ENGINE BACKFIRES WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM AND THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT.
The risk: IF THE DAMAGED AIR CLEANER PARTS ARE DISLODGED FROM THEIR NORMAL POSITION, THESE PARTS COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND/OR HOT EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE TUBE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIR…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED MIXER BONNET AND AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER, SELECTIVE UPGRADES IN VARIOUS CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, AND IF NEEDED, A NEW AIR CLEANER FILTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 200…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD LEAK FROM A HEAT DEGRADED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INLET HOSE AND OUTLET HOSE DESIGNED WITH A HEAT SLEEVE AND ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TAKE-DOWN PIPE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE RIGHT-HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD SEAL…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
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 B7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC B7 has 0 complaints per year on average, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 511 complaints per year. In practice, the Silverado has a much larger and more serious record of owner-reported failures, including crashes and injuries. The B7's main risk is its unresolved recalls, but it has no documented pattern of complaints.
Key differences
- The GMC B7 has 0 complaints over 3 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, including 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries.
- The Silverado's most common complaint areas are engine (1,698), power train (1,453), electrical system (982), and service brakes (691); the B7 has no complaint areas listed.
- Silverado owners describe specific dangerous symptoms like sudden braking loss, unintended neutral shifts, and engine failure; the B7 has no owner complaint text, only recalls for engine, air brakes, and transmission.
- The B7 has 4 recalls and the Silverado has 100 recalls, but the Silverado's recalls are accompanied by a large volume of real-world failure reports.
- Check that all four recalls (engine, antilock air brakes, automatic transmission) have been repaired by a dealer and ask for written proof.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises, test the air brakes for firmness and response, and feel for any transmission slipping or harsh shifting.
- Look for any signs of engine trouble, such as rough idle, pinging sounds, or excessive diesel particulate filter regeneration messages on the Duramax diesel.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any warning lights; also test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement, especially when driving slowly uphill.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle you are considering.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- For the Silverado, ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the engine, transmission, or brake system.
- For the GMC B7, verify that the air brake system and automatic transmission recall repairs were done and that no warning lights remain.
- Test-drive both vehicles in conditions that match your daily driving, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for the symptoms owners reported.
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 B7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC B7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC B7 total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC B7 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC B7 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC B7
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE