Head-to-head reliability
GMC Safari vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Safari 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 Safari vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Safari averaged 34.5 complaints per year over 6 years, with 15 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 complaints per year over 10 years, with 100 recalls. Safari issues often involve brakes and hydraulics, whereas Silverado problems are more engine and transmission related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Safari or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Safari
The GMC Safari is a full-size van that owners often use for hauling and family transport. Over six years, it averaged 34.5 complaints per year, with most issues centered on brakes and hydraulic systems. Owners frequently report ABS engaging at low speeds and increasing stopping distance, as well as electrical problems that can cause stalling or loss of power. While the overall complaint count is lower than some vehicles, the brake and hydraulic complaints are serious safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use as a work and family vehicle. It averaged 510.5 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures, often on newer models with low mileage. The high number of recalls and complaints suggests that some model years have persistent reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Safari | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 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 Safari
- 01SERVICE BRAKES77
- 02HYDRAULIC69
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 04STEERING21
- 05STRUCTURE14
Owners report the ABS engaging at low speeds, which increases stopping distance and can make the van hard to stop. This is a critical safety issue because it happens when you least expect it, such as in parking lots or at intersections.
Complaints often mention brake fluid leaks or hydraulic failures that affect braking performance. These can lead to a soft or unresponsive brake pedal, making emergency stops dangerous.
Some owners experience dashboard lights going out, steering wheel lock-up, and brake failure, all at once. This suggests a serious electrical fault that can disable multiple safety systems while driving.
Reports include wheel bearings and idler arms needing replacement, which can cause steering play and longer stopping distances. A decaying steering wheel is also noted, though less critical.
“MY 2002 GMC SAFARI WOULD NOT START. I WENT AND REPLACED THE 2.5 YEAR OLD BATTERY (IT WAS LEAKING AT THE TERMINALS) IT STARTED ONE TIME AND THEN ABOUT 45 MINUTES LATER IT WAS DEAD AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. I WAS FIRST INFORMED THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM…”
“I OWN A 2003 GMC SAFARI WHICH I PURCHASED IN UTAH. EARLIER THIS YEAR I EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BAKING SYSTEM WHERE THE ABS WOULD ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS, INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE GREATLY. I CONTACTED GM AS THIS SEEMED TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND WA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failures, including loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes with low mileage. Diesel models have repeated exhaust filter problems that require dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failures, which can leave you stranded or cause loss of control. These issues often appear on vehicles with very few miles.
Owners describe severe braking loss and inoperable steering and brakes, often accompanied by warning messages. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features without warning.
Some report a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, meaning the pedal feels normal but the truck doesn't stop. This is especially dangerous because it's hard to detect until an emergency.
“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 Safari — 15 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Safari or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Safari has far fewer complaints per year (34.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Safari's issues are concentrated in safety-critical brakes and hydraulics. The Silverado's higher volume means more overall problems, but many are engine and transmission related. In practice, the Safari may have fewer total issues, but the ones it has can be severe.
Key differences
- The GMC Safari has 207 complaints over 6 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Safari complaints focus on brakes and hydraulics, with reports of ABS engaging at low speeds and increased stopping distance; Silverado complaints are led by engine and power train issues, including sudden power loss and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 15 for the Safari, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have electrical complaints that can cause loss of braking and steering, but the Silverado's are often on newer models with low mileage.
- Test the brakes at low speeds to see if the ABS engages unexpectedly, which owners report as a common problem.
- Check for electrical issues by turning on all accessories and looking for dashboard lights flickering or going out, and listen for any unusual noises from the steering.
- Listen for loud pinging or knocking from the engine, especially on newer models, as this can indicate engine failure.
- Test the transmission for sudden shifting into neutral or hesitation, and check for any warning messages about brake or steering system failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brake system, including ABS function, on both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission error codes and check for any software updates.
- For the Safari, inspect the hydraulic system for leaks and test the electrical system thoroughly.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to replicate common failure conditions.
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 Safari or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Safari vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Safari total complaints
- 207
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC Safari total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC Safari avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC Safari
- GMC Safari top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE