Head-to-head reliability
GMC Savana vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Savana 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 Savana vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Savana averages 16.8 complaints per year with 34 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 8 injuries for the Savana. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Savana or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Savana
The GMC Savana is a full-size van often used for work or family transport. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 17 complaints per year, which is low for a vehicle of its size. Owners report issues with the power train, steering, electrical system, and brakes, but the overall complaint volume is modest. This suggests that while problems exist, they are not widespread.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup. It has a much higher complaint rate, averaging about 823 complaints per year over the same period. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. This indicates that many owners experience significant issues, some of which can be dangerous.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Savana | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 168 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 34 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Savana
- 01POWER TRAIN33
- 02STEERING30
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 04SERVICE BRAKES24
- 05ENGINE21
Owners report hard shifting, jerking, and failure to accelerate above certain speeds, often accompanied by warning messages. This can affect drivability and may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include abnormal shaking at highway speeds and power steering hose detachment, which can cause loss of steering and brakes. This is a serious safety concern.
Intermittent loss of trailer brake function is reported, with dashboard alerts indicating disconnection. This can reduce braking capability when towing, increasing risk.
While towing, the truck may intermittently disconnect trailer brakes, leading to a sudden loss of braking power. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at speed.
“The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard and was jerking while shifting gear. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 50 MPH. The messages “Reduced Acceleration” and “DEF Low” were displa…”
“The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard and was jerking while shifting gear. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 50 MPH. The messages “Reduced Acceleration” and “DEF Low” were displa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, and other issues requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and transmission problems. These issues can occur at low speeds or while driving, posing safety risks.
Sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and screen blackouts are reported. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Owners describe severe loss of braking ability, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This can happen unexpectedly and lead to crashes.
“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 Savana — 34 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Express Cutaway, and 2025-2026 Savana Cutaway vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a tire with sidewall damage.
The risk: A tire with sidewall damage may experience sudden air loss or driver loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect all tire sidewalls and replace tires with sidewall damage, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. The gear shifter may provide inaccurate gear selection feedback to the driver due to an incorrectly manufactured steering column assembly.
The risk: Inaccurate gear selection may result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Until the remedy is performed, owners are advised to visually verify the shift position indicator each time a gear is selected and always use the parking brake when the vehicle is parked. Dealers will replace the transmission control on th…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Express, and 2025-2026 Savana vehicles. The steering gear assembly may have a nut that was not properly tightened.
The risk: A loose nut that separates from the steering gear assembly while driving can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-8…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. Incorrect software in the transmission control module (TCM) may result in harsh shifting, reduced power, unintended deceleration, rear wheel lockup, or cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direc…
The risk: Rear wheel lock-up or moving in an unintended direction can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the transmission control module software calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-80…
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 Savana or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Savana has far fewer complaints per year (about 17) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means that, based on owner reports, the Savana is less likely to have frequent problems. However, both vehicles have serious issues that should be checked before purchase.
Key differences
- The GMC Savana averages about 17 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Savana's top issues are power train, steering, electrical, and brakes, with reports of shaking and trailer brake loss. The Silverado's top issues are engine, power train, electrical, and brakes, with reports of engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported in complaints, while the Savana has 0 deaths and 8 injuries, indicating a higher severity of outcomes for the Silverado.
- Both vehicles have recalls for steering, power train, and electrical issues, but the Silverado has 101 recalls versus 34 for the Savana, suggesting more widespread problems.
- Check for power steering hose integrity and any signs of leakage or detachment, as owners report hoses coming off and causing loss of steering and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds over bumps to detect abnormal shaking, which owners report in the steering system.
- Inspect for engine issues such as rough running or warning lights, and check diesel particulate filter history on diesel models, as owners report excessive soot accumulation.
- Test the braking system thoroughly, including during towing if possible, to ensure trailer brakes engage properly, as owners report intermittent disconnection.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially for steering and power train issues.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the power train, steering, electrical, and brake systems, focusing on the specific complaints reported.
- For the Silverado, pay extra attention to the engine and transmission, and consider a compression test and transmission fluid check.
- For the Savana, check the power steering system and trailer brake wiring if equipped for towing.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and towing if applicable, to replicate reported symptoms.
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 Savana | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 32 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 36 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 10 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 26 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 15 | 597 |
| 2017 | 49 | 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 Savana or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Savana vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Savana total complaints
- 168
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- GMC Savana total recalls
- 34
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- GMC Savana avg complaints/year
- 16.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- GMC Savana
- GMC Savana top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE