Vehicle 1

GMC Sierra

5,299 complaints · 89 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

GMC Sierra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Silverado has more owner complaints per year (756.2 vs 529.9) and more recalls (100 vs 89). Both have high engine and powertrain complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
GMC Sierra
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryGMC SierraChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
5,299
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
89
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
136
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
529.9
✓ lower
756.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

GMC Sierra

1. ENGINE1,881
2. POWER TRAIN1,251
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM834
4. SERVICE BRAKES706
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER531

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,215
2. POWER TRAIN2,140
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has more complaints per year (756.2) than the GMC Sierra (529.9), suggesting the Sierra may have a lower rate of reported issues. However, both have high complaint volumes, so a buyer should expect potential problems with either.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported complaints per year, the GMC Sierra is the better choice. If you need a wider service network or prefer Chevy's brand, the Silverado may still work, but be prepared for a higher likelihood of issues, especially with the engine and powertrain.

Key Differences
  • Silverado has 756.2 complaints/year vs Sierra's 529.9/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Sierra's 89.
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints vs Sierra's 136.
  • Both share top issues: engine, powertrain, electrical system, and service brakes.
⚠ Watch on GMC Sierra
  • Watch for engine problems (1881 complaints) and powertrain issues (1251 complaints).
  • Check for electrical system faults (834 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be alert for engine issues (2215 complaints) and powertrain problems (2140 complaints).
  • Inspect the electrical system (1395 complaints) and service brakes (1183 complaints).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle.
  • Review the vehicle's service history for engine or transmission repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Inspect electrical components (lights, windows, infotainment).
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

GMC SierraChevrolet Silverado
2026
59
51
2025
114
117
2024
440
471
2023
441
386
2022
1110
1204
2021
557
865
2020
554
803
2019
1068
1941
2018
359
576
2017
597
1148
GMC Sierra vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
GMC Sierra vs Chevrolet Silverado
GMC Sierra total complaints
5,299
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
GMC Sierra total recalls
89
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
GMC Sierra avg complaints/year
529.9
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
GMC Sierra
GMC Sierra top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

GMC Sierra Reliability & Problems

5,299 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado?

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