Head-to-head reliability
GMC Hummer EV SUV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Hummer EV SUV 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 Hummer EV SUV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Hummer has 16 complaints over 3 years (5.3/yr) with issues like steering lock-ups, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with engine and brake failures. The Hummer has 2 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Hummer EV SUV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Hummer EV SUV
The GMC Hummer EV SUV is a heavy, high-tech electric vehicle that owners report having serious control-system glitches. Complaints center on sudden steering lock-ups, brake system anomalies, and driver-assist features that cut out without warning. These are low-volume but alarming issues that could affect confidence in everyday driving.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a long history of engine and powertrain troubles, including fuel system and transmission failures. Owners also report electrical problems that can lead to loss of power, braking, and steering. With over 5,000 complaints and 100 recalls, it shows a pattern of recurring mechanical and electronic issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Hummer EV SUV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 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 Hummer EV SUV
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02SERVICE BRAKES4
- 03STEERING4
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
Owners report sudden steering wheel lock-up while turning at low speed, and Super Cruise randomly disengaging, sometimes causing the vehicle to nearly stop. These are safety-critical failures that can occur without warning.
Brake issues include the vehicle creeping forward on a slope despite one-pedal driving being enabled, and a reported loss of braking effectiveness in some situations. This suggests potential problems with the brake-by-wire system.
Complaints describe steering becoming unresponsive or locked, and repeated alignment/handling concerns that required dealer visits. This points to possible steering column or power steering defects.
The system often shows 'unavailable' messages and may not warn or brake when a vehicle pulls in front, reducing the effectiveness of a key safety feature.
“While operating my 2024 GMC Hummer EV at a low speed in a school zone, I came to a complete stop at a stop sign and began making a left turn. As I initiated the turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked and became unresponsive. I was unable to turn the wheel b…”
“Super cruise does not work. It may turn on at random for a minute or 2 and then it shuts off with zero warning and the vehicle almost comes to a complete stop. This is a huge safety concern. I took it to the dealership and they told me that this falls on GM 1…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues like excessive soot in diesel particulate filters requiring repeated dealer service, and sudden loss of motive power accompanied by loud pinging sounds. These can leave you stranded.
Transmission problems include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, and other driveline failures that occur at low mileage. This indicates potential transmission or drivetrain defects.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking, steering, and power while driving at highway speeds, as described in one complaint. This is a critical safety concern that may stem from a central electrical failure.
Brake complaints include a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and total brake failure in some instances. This suggests possible issues with the brake booster or hydraulic system.
“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 Hummer EV SUV — 2 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV vehicles. The front passenger air bag connection may have an improperly crimped wire, which can result in the air bag failing to deploy as intended.
The risk: During a crash, an air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install a jumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 22, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252524530. Vehicle Id…
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…
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 Hummer EV SUV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Hummer EV SUV has far fewer complaints per year (5.3 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls, indicating a lower rate of reported problems. However, the Hummer's issues are safety-critical and could be more alarming given its low volume. In practice, the Silverado is more likely to require frequent repairs, but the Hummer's failures may be more unpredictable.
Key differences
- The Hummer EV SUV has a much lower complaint rate (5.3/yr) compared to the Silverado (510.5/yr).
- Hummer owners report sudden steering lock-ups and brake anomalies, while Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, including brake and seat belt issues, while the Hummer has only 2 recalls.
- The Hummer's issues are concentrated in electrical and driver-assist systems, whereas the Silverado's are spread across engine, powertrain, and electrical.
- Test the steering at low speeds, especially during turns, to check for any lock-up or unresponsiveness.
- Verify that the Super Cruise and forward collision warning systems operate consistently without unexpected shutdowns.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter or engine performance.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting, especially under load, and check for any sudden neutral events.
Before you buy
- Check the NHTSA recall database for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- For the Hummer, have a certified EV technician inspect the steering and brake-by-wire systems.
- For the Silverado, review service records for engine and transmission repairs, especially if it's a diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes low-speed maneuvers and highway driving to feel for any anomalies.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with each vehicle's specific systems.
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 Hummer EV SUV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 7 | 150 |
| 2024 | 9 | 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 Hummer EV SUV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Hummer EV SUV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Hummer EV SUV total complaints
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC Hummer EV SUV total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC Hummer EV SUV avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC Hummer EV SUV
- GMC Hummer EV SUV top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE