Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr250r vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Cbr250r 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 Cbr250r vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda CBR250R had 19 complaints and 0 recalls over 3 years, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years. The Honda mainly stalls; the Silverado has engine, brake, and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr250r or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr250r
The Honda CBR250R is a small-displacement sport motorcycle often bought as a first bike or commuter. Over three years, NHTSA logged 19 complaints, with no recalls and a heavy focus on engine stalling and cutting power. Owners describe intermittent shutdowns while riding or downshifting, which can be alarming in traffic. The low complaint count suggests problems are not widespread, but the stalling pattern is a recurring theme.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for work, family hauling, and towing. In ten years, NHTSA recorded 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls, with engine, power train, electrical, and brake issues dominating. Owners report severe problems like engine shutdown while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission slipping into neutral. The volume and severity of reports indicate 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.
| Category | Honda Cbr250r | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Honda Cbr250r
- 01ENGINE15
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
Owners report the bike stalling and cutting power randomly while riding or at a stop, often described as a known software problem. Some also mention failed starts and a muffler that fell off due to vibration. These stalling events can be dangerous because they happen without warning in traffic.
Complaints link stalling to speed control, with the engine shutting off when pulling in the clutch to downshift. Riders say it happens intermittently, such as after letting off the throttle. This can leave you coasting with no power, especially risky when slowing for a turn.
Reports include stalling at around 35 mph and intermittent failure to restart. One owner noted the issue recurred and was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis. For a buyer, this means the bike may have unresolved stalling that could strand you.
A complaint describes the engine turning off and the dash display going dead while slowing and downshifting. The bike restarts with a key cycle, but the issue happened five times in 2,400 km. Electrical gremlins like this can be hard to trace and may recur.
“THE PART THAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM IS A KNOWN SOFTWARE PROBLEM ON THE BIKE AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE BIKE IS STALLING AND CUTTING POWER WHILE I AM RIDING OR AT A STOP, IT SEEMS TO BE RANDOM. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I RIDE, HOWEVER, AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.…”
“2012 HONDA CBR 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOTORCYCLES FAILED TO START. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, WHICH WAS SEPTEMBER 2012, THE MUFFLER FELL OFF THE BIKE, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE MUFFLER MAY HAVE VIBRATED LOOSE. OCTOBER 5,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. A 2026 model with a 6.2L engine stalled shortly after purchase, leaving the family stranded. These failures can happen at low mileage and affect safety.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues after very low mileage. One owner had less than 300 miles when the truck slipped into neutral in a parking garage. This loss of drive can be dangerous in traffic or on inclines.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and the engine shutting off while driving with screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems. For a buyer, this means brakes and engine control may be unreliable.
Owners report severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. Another complaint notes the truck shut off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns for any vehicle.
“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 Cbr250r
No recalls on record.
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
Honda Cbr250r or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR250R averages 6.3 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference. In practice, the motorcycle has far fewer reported issues, but the stalling complaints are still serious for riders. The Silverado's high volume and severe failures suggest a much higher risk of costly and dangerous problems.
Key differences
- The Honda CBR250R has 19 complaints and 0 recalls over 3 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years.
- Honda owners mainly report engine stalling and cutting power, often linked to a software issue, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdown, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 1 crash and 1 injury for the Honda, indicating more severe outcomes in the truck.
- The Honda's issues seem concentrated in a few areas, while the Silverado's complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brakes, suggesting broader reliability concerns.
- Test ride the bike extensively, especially at low speeds and when downshifting, to check for any stalling or power cutouts.
- Ask if the ECU or software has been updated to address the known stalling issue, and check for any aftermarket fixes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, warning messages like 'Return to Neutral', or sudden loss of power.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and scan for stored error codes, especially if the truck has low mileage but multiple complaints.
Before you buy
- For the Honda CBR250R, request a cold start and let it idle to see if it stalls, and ride it through several downshifts.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes at low speed in a safe area and check for any dashboard warnings or messages.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific vehicle by VIN, especially for the Silverado.
- Review the owner's manual and service records to see if recommended software updates or repairs have been performed.
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 Cbr250r or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr250r vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Cbr250r total complaints
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Cbr250r total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Cbr250r avg complaints/year
- 6.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr250r
- Honda Cbr250r top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE