Head-to-head reliability

Honda Cb300r vs Chevrolet Silverado

How the Honda Cb300r and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Honda Cb300r3 complaints · 8 recalls Fewer issues per year
Chevrolet Silverado5,105 complaints · 100 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Honda Cb300r vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda CB300R has 3 complaints over 8 years (0.4/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year), 117 crash-related, and 104 injuries. The Honda's main issue is a transmission circlip recall; the Silverado shows engine, brake, and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Honda Cb300r or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Honda Cb300r

The Honda CB300R is a lightweight motorcycle with very few reported problems over eight years—just 3 complaints total, or about 0.4 per year. Most owner complaints center on a known transmission circlip recall that can cause gear misalignment and popping out of gear. There are also 8 recalls, mostly for headlights, but no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported in the data. For a buyer, this suggests a simple machine with a narrow set of issues to check.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. Owners report serious problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden loss of braking, unintended neutral, and engine failures. There are 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, plus 104 injuries and 1 death. This points to a complex vehicle with many potential trouble spots.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryHonda Cb300rChevrolet Silverado
Total complaintsAll model years combined3 Better5,105
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns8 Better100
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints0 Better117
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years0.4 Better510.5
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints0 Better104
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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.

Honda Cb300r

  1. 01POWER TRAIN2
  2. 02ENGINE1
  3. 03STRUCTURE1
  4. 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
What these mean
Power Train

Owners report a transmission mainshaft circlip that can detach, causing gear misalignment and shifting issues. One rider said the bike popped out of second gear into neutral during a turn, leading to a fall. This is tied to an open recall, so buyers should confirm it was fixed.

Engine

A complaint linked to the same recall mentions engine concerns, though the text focuses on transmission symptoms. For a buyer, this means the engine itself may not be the main worry, but any unresolved recall could affect drivability.

Structure

One owner reported losing traction and falling after the bike popped out of gear. This shows that a transmission fault can become a structural/safety event. Inspect for crash damage and verify recall completion.

Unknown or Other

The same fall complaint was also filed under this category, suggesting owners may not always know which component to blame. It reinforces that the main reported failure is the transmission circlip issue.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2019 Honda CB300R with approximately 1,225 miles. This vehicle is subject to an open recall (NHTSA Recall 19V-412) involving a transmission mainshaft circlip that can detach and cause gear misalignment and shifting issu…

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA CB300R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V412000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT CALLED STATION PARK HONDA AT 502-587-8496 (LOCATED AT 830 S 9TH ST, LOUISVILLE, KY 40203) AND WAS INFORMED TH…

Chevrolet Silverado

  1. 01ENGINE1,698
  2. 02POWER TRAIN1,453
  3. 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES691
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
What these mean
Engine

Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel repeatedly clogging its particulate filter. Some cases involved loss of power and inoperable brakes and steering at highway speed. These are major reliability and safety concerns.

Power Train

Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues linked to engine failures. This can leave a driver without power when they need it most.

Electrical System

Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking even though the brake pedal felt firm, and a loud pinging sound before losing motive power. These electrical faults can disable critical systems like brakes and steering.

Service Brakes

Reports of brakes not stopping the vehicle normally, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to a crash.

In owners' words — ENGINE

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.

Honda Cb300r — 8 recalls

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#25V210000Mar 2025

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2025 CB300R motorcycles. The headlights may flicker or shut off while driving.

The risk: Loss of headlight illumination can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the headlight assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KS0.

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#25V210000Mar 2025

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2025 CB300R motorcycles. The headlights may flicker or shut off while driving.

The risk: Loss of headlight illumination can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the headlight assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KS0.

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#25V210000Mar 2025

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2025 CB300R motorcycles. The headlights may flicker or shut off while driving.

The risk: Loss of headlight illumination can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the headlight assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KS0.

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#25V210000Mar 2025

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2025 CB300R motorcycles. The headlights may flicker or shut off while driving.

The risk: Loss of headlight illumination can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the headlight assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KS0.

Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Tailgate — Latch
#24V060000Jan 2024

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…

Steering
#23V549000Mar 2023

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…

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Tailgate — Latch
#24V894000

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…

Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage
#23V786000

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

Honda Cb300r or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?

The Honda CB300R has far fewer issues per year (0.4 vs. 510.5) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. The Silverado has thousands of complaints, many involving sudden loss of braking, power, or steering. In practice, the Honda appears to have a much narrower and more predictable set of problems, while the Silverado carries a much higher risk of serious, recurring faults.

Recommendation. If you want a simple, low-complaint motorcycle and can verify the transmission recall was done, the Honda CB300R is the easier ownership bet. If you need a full-size truck and choose the Silverado, budget for thorough inspections and expect potential engine, brake, and electrical repairs. Only pick the Silverado if you are prepared for a higher-maintenance vehicle with more safety-related complaint history.

Key differences

  • The Honda CB300R has 3 complaints over 8 years; the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years—about 1,700 times more per year.
  • Honda's main reported failure is a transmission circlip that can cause gear popping; Silverado owners report sudden brake loss, unintended neutral, and engine failures.
  • The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death; the Honda has 0 in each category.
  • Honda's recalls are mostly headlights; Silverado recalls include tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
Watch on Honda Cb300r
  • Check for any open recall on the transmission mainshaft circlip (NHTSA Recall 19V-412) and confirm it was repaired with documentation.
  • Test ride in second gear and listen for popping out of gear or unusual shifting; also inspect for crash damage from a reported fall.
Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • During a test drive, brake firmly from low speed to check for sudden loss of braking or a firm but ineffective pedal.
  • Listen for loud pinging from the engine and watch for loss of power, inoperable steering, or unintended neutral; also check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on Duramax models.

Before you buy

  • For the Honda CB300R, ask for proof that recall 19V-412 was completed and test ride through all gears.
  • For the Chevrolet Silverado, request a full service history and check for any open recalls on brakes, steering, and tailgate.
  • On any Silverado test drive, include a highway stretch to feel for sudden power loss or brake issues.
  • Inspect the Honda for crash damage, especially on the left side, and verify the headlight recall was addressed.
  • For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and on diesel models check for repeated DPF soot warnings.

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.

YearHonda Cb300rChevrolet Silverado
2026098
20250150
202400
202300
202201340
20210934
202000
201931992
Years to scrutinize: the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado drew the most (1,992). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Honda Cb300r or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Honda Cb300r vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Honda Cb300r vs Chevrolet Silverado
Honda Cb300r total complaints
3
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
5,105
Honda Cb300r total recalls
8
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Honda Cb300r avg complaints/year
0.4
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
510.5
More reliable overall
Honda Cb300r
Honda Cb300r top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE