Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cb500x vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Cb500x 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
Honda Cb500x vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda has just 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1 per year) and 4 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5 per year) and 100 recalls, including 117 crash-related incidents. The Honda's only issue is a water pump leak, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cb500x or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cb500x
The Honda Cb500x is a lightweight adventure motorcycle that, over a decade, has generated very few owner complaints—just one in ten years. That single complaint points to an oil leak from the water pump area, which is a localized issue rather than a systemic problem. With only four recalls, mostly for brakes and lighting, it suggests a generally trouble-free ownership experience for a used bike.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. Owners report serious issues across the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and braking incidents. The high number of recalls (100) and the presence of crash and injury reports indicate that reliability and safety are significant concerns for this model.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cb500x | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Honda Cb500x
- 01ENGINE1
One owner found oil residue under the water pump, indicating a potential coolant or oil leak. This could lead to low fluid levels and overheating if not addressed, but it's an isolated report.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA CB500X. THE CONTACT STATED HE DISCOVERED OIL RESIDUE UNDERNEATH THE WATER PUMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED IN RELATION TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing at low mileage, causing loss of power while driving. Diesel models also face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines or in traffic.
Electrical failures can lead to sudden loss of braking and steering, as described in one incident at highway speed. This is a critical safety concern.
Brake failures are reported, including a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This can result in longer stopping distances and potential 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.
Honda Cb500x — 4 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
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
Honda Cb500x or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Cb500x has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5 complaints per year). In practice, this means the motorcycle is likely to be much more reliable and less costly to maintain, while the Silverado may require frequent repairs and pose safety risks.
Key differences
- The Honda has only one engine complaint (water pump leak) in 10 years, while the Silverado has thousands of engine and powertrain complaints, including sudden power loss and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, whereas the Honda has zero crash-related complaints or injuries.
- The Silverado's electrical system issues can cause simultaneous loss of brakes and steering, a severe safety hazard not seen in the Honda.
- The Honda's recalls are limited to brakes and lighting, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors.
- Inspect the water pump area for any signs of oil or coolant leakage, as one owner reported oil residue there.
- Check the service brake system and exterior lighting for any outstanding recall repairs.
- Be alert for engine problems like loss of power or diesel particulate filter warnings, which have occurred at low mileage.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially for unexpected shifts into neutral, and check the electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent failures.
Before you buy
- For the Honda: ask for service records and verify that all recalls (brakes, lighting) have been performed.
- For the Silverado: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Check the Silverado's VIN for open recalls and ensure they are completed before purchase.
- For the Honda: look for any signs of oil leaks under the engine or around the water pump.
- For the Silverado: test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral shifts.
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 | Honda Cb500x | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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 Cb500x or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cb500x vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Cb500x total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Honda Cb500x total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Honda Cb500x avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cb500x
- Honda Cb500x top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE