Head-to-head reliability

Honda Cbr500r vs Chevrolet Silverado

How the Honda Cbr500r and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Honda Cbr500r0 complaints · 4 recalls Fewer issues per year
Chevrolet Silverado8,227 complaints · 101 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Honda Cbr500r vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda Cbr500r has 0 complaints and 4 recalls over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. The Silverado also shows 160 injuries and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Honda Cbr500r or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?

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

Honda Cbr500r

The Honda Cbr500r is a sport motorcycle with no owner complaints filed with NHTSA over the past decade. It has four recalls covering exterior lighting and hydraulic service brakes, but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. For a buyer, this suggests a simpler ownership experience with fewer documented problems, though recalls still require attention.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with thousands of owner complaints and over a hundred recalls in ten years. Reported issues cluster around the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with some complaints describing sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems. The data also includes hundreds of crash-related reports and a small number of deaths, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

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

CategoryHonda Cbr500rChevrolet Silverado
Total complaintsAll model years combined0 Better8,227
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns4 Better101
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints0 Better233
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years0.0 Better822.7
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints0 Better160
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better3

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 Cbr500r

No component data available.

What these mean
Exterior Lighting

Recalls have been issued for exterior lighting problems, which could mean lights may fail or not meet safety standards. A buyer should verify that any open recall has been fixed to avoid visibility issues.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Recalls for hydraulic service brakes suggest potential brake fluid leaks or reduced braking performance. This matters because brake problems directly affect stopping ability, so confirming recall repairs is essential.

Chevrolet Silverado

  1. 01ENGINE2,521
  2. 02POWER TRAIN2,347
  3. 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
What these mean
Engine

Owners report engine problems such as excessive diesel soot accumulation in the particulate filter and sudden engine shutdowns while driving. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds.

Power Train

Complaints describe the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. This loss of power can happen at low speeds or in traffic, increasing crash risk.

Electrical System

Reports include a severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and the truck shutting off. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety features without warning.

Service Brakes

Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. Brake failures are among the most dangerous defects a driver can face.

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 Cbr500r — 4 recalls

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
#21V690000Feb 2021

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-…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
#21V690000Feb 2021

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-…

Exterior Lighting
#21V382000

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.

Exterior Lighting
#21V382000

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 — 101 recalls

Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual
#25V815000

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump — Control/Drive Module
#26V129000May 2026

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…

Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual
#26V114000

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…

Tires — Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
#26V530000

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 Cbr500r or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?

The Honda Cbr500r has far fewer issues per year, with zero complaints compared to the Silverado's average of over 800 complaints annually. In practice, this means the Honda is likely to spend less time in the shop for unexpected repairs, while the Silverado demands more vigilance and maintenance.

Recommendation. If you prioritize low ownership hassle and a simple machine, the Honda Cbr500r is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck for hauling or towing, choose the Silverado but budget for potential engine, transmission, and brake repairs, and always check for open recalls.

Key differences

  • The Honda Cbr500r has 0 complaints and 4 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years.
  • Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and loss of braking, while the Honda has no such complaint text on record.
  • The Silverado data includes 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Honda data shows none of these.
  • Honda recalls focus on exterior lighting and hydraulic brakes, whereas Silverado recalls cover fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings.
Watch on Honda Cbr500r
  • Check for any open recalls on the exterior lighting and hydraulic service brakes, and confirm they have been repaired by a dealer.
  • Inspect the brake system for fluid leaks or weak braking, since hydraulic brake recalls suggest potential safety issues.
Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Look for signs of engine problems such as excessive diesel soot or frequent regeneration cycles, especially on diesel models.
  • Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden transmission shifts into neutral or engine shutdowns, and verify all electrical functions work.

Before you buy

  • Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been fixed.
  • For the Silverado, ask for maintenance records related to engine, transmission, and brake repairs, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • For the Honda Cbr500r, check that recall work on lights and brakes was completed and test the brakes and lights before buying.
  • Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to feel for any hesitation, sudden neutral, or brake issues.
  • Review the owner's manual and any recall notices to understand warning signs like 'Return to Neutral' or brake pedal firmness changes.

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 Cbr500rChevrolet Silverado
20260120
20250157
20240527
20230450
202201390
20210961
20200868
201902003
20180597
201701154
Years to scrutinize: the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado drew the most (2,003). 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 Cbr500r or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Honda Cbr500r vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Honda Cbr500r vs Chevrolet Silverado
Honda Cbr500r total complaints
0
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
8,227
Honda Cbr500r total recalls
4
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
101
Honda Cbr500r avg complaints/year
0.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
822.7
More reliable overall
Honda Cbr500r
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE