Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Sierra 1500 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 Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Sierra had 4,049 complaints (405/year) and 84 crash-related reports, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints (823/year) and 233 crash-related reports. Both share engine and powertrain issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more owner-reported problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup that, over the past decade, has generated about 405 owner complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with many reports describing serious failures like complete engine replacement. Electrical glitches and brake concerns also appear, but at lower rates. For a used buyer, this means the Sierra can be a solid truck, but you should budget for potential major repairs, especially on certain V8 engines.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that shares much with the Sierra but has logged roughly twice as many complaints per year—about 823. Engine and powertrain issues dominate, and owners report sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. Electrical problems are also frequent, with screens going blank and engines shutting off. This higher complaint volume suggests the Silverado may demand more attention and repair costs over time.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra 1500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,049 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 55 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 404.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 52 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 Sierra 1500
- 01ENGINE1,713
- 02POWER TRAIN958
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM573
- 04SERVICE BRAKES429
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER374
Owners of 2023 Sierra 1500s with the 6.2L L87 V8 report catastrophic engine failures that require complete replacement, sometimes more than once. This is a major red flag because it can leave you stranded and cost thousands if out of warranty.
Complaints describe repeated powertrain failures at low mileage, often linked to the same 6.2L engine, leading to loss of power and expensive repairs. Buyers should check for any prior engine or transmission work.
Reports include multiple warning lights, malfunctioning ECM, and sudden loss of power steering and hazard lights. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety systems.
Some owners report brake fluid warning lamp issues and hydraulic problems. While less frequent than engine complaints, brake faults are safety-critical and should be inspected immediately.
“I am a Canadian owner of a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine. VIN: [XXX]. I purchased the vehicle new. I am reporting this because my experience appears directly relevant to NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 concerning L87 engine fai…”
“I own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. The vehicle previously experienced an engine failure that resulted in the complete replacement of the 6.2L engine by an authorized GMC dealership. The replacement engine was in…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Silverado owners report engine shutdowns while driving, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on the 6.6L Duramax. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and require dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and engine failures on the 6.2L V8, sometimes with very low mileage. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, engines shutting off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features.
Reports of sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is a serious safety concern that warrants immediate attention.
“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 Sierra 1500 — 55 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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 Sierra 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Sierra 1500 has far fewer complaints per year (about 405) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer crash-related reports (84 vs. 233). In practice, this means the Sierra is likely to have fewer owner-reported problems, but both trucks share similar engine and powertrain vulnerabilities. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a higher risk of encountering issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has roughly double the annual complaint rate of the Sierra (823 vs. 405), with more engine and powertrain complaints.
- Silverado reports include 3 deaths and 160 injuries, while Sierra reports show 0 deaths and 52 injuries, though these are raw counts and not rates.
- Both trucks suffer from 6.2L V8 engine failures, but Sierra complaints often mention the L87 engine specifically, while Silverado complaints include both gas and diesel engine issues.
- Electrical problems are more frequent in the Silverado (1,513 complaints) than the Sierra (573), with symptoms like sudden braking loss and engine shutdowns.
- Check for any history of engine replacement or repair, especially on 2023 models with the 6.2L L87 V8, as multiple owners report catastrophic failures.
- Test all electrical functions, including warning lights, power steering, and hazard lights, and look for signs of ECM issues or intermittent power loss.
- Inspect for transmission problems such as sudden neutral engagement and engine shutdowns; test drive at low speeds and in parking lots.
- Verify brake performance carefully, as some owners report sudden loss of braking; also check for diesel particulate filter issues on Duramax models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated engine or transmission repairs.
- Ask a mechanic to check for any open recalls, especially those related to brakes, fuel pumps, and engine components.
- Test drive the truck in various conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds, to feel for transmission hesitation or power loss.
- Inspect all electrical systems: lights, infotainment, driver-assist features, and check for any warning messages.
- For diesel models, ask about the diesel particulate filter service history and look for excessive soot accumulation signs.
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 Sierra 1500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66 | 120 |
| 2025 | 117 | 157 |
| 2024 | 365 | 527 |
| 2023 | 485 | 450 |
| 2022 | 588 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 578 | 961 |
| 2020 | 469 | 868 |
| 2019 | 648 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 304 | 597 |
| 2017 | 429 | 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 Sierra 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra 1500 total complaints
- 4,049
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- GMC Sierra 1500 total recalls
- 55
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- GMC Sierra 1500 avg complaints/year
- 404.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE