Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr650r vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Cbr650r 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 Cbr650r vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda CBR650R has 3 complaints over 8 years (0.4/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 233 crash-related reports. The Honda's main issue is E-Clutch jerking; the Silverado's include engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr650r or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr650r
The Honda CBR650R is a sport motorcycle with very few reported problems: only 3 complaints over 8 years, averaging 0.4 per year. The main pattern is electronic clutch (E-Clutch) glitches that cause warning lights and sudden jerking, plus one loose gear shifter. With 5 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a low-volume, low-complaint model, but the E-Clutch issue can be unsettling if it happens mid-ride.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint record: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake problems, and electrical glitches, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The 101 recalls cover fuel pumps, brakes, and driver-assist warnings, suggesting a wide range of safety concerns that a used buyer should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cbr650r | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Cbr650r
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
Owners report the E-Clutch warning lights flicker and the bike jerks uncontrollably for about 3 seconds, sometimes mid-turn. Another owner had constant E-Clutch failures from purchase, requiring repeated dealer visits. This matters because a sudden jerk can upset balance and control.
One owner found the gear shifter loose and sliding back and forth while parked, traced to a dealer-diagnosed issue. A loose shifter can make gear changes unreliable or impossible, leaving you stuck in the wrong gear.
Recalls cover the clutch assembly, electrical wiring, and exterior lighting. While recalls are free fixes, they show potential weak points in the clutch and electrical system that could affect reliability if not addressed.
“Vehicle E-Clutch system malfunctioning. When riding the e-clutch warning lights will flicker and cause the bike to jult uncontrollably for about 3 seconds. It happens at random, no one situation is the same, it could be in the middle of a turn, it could be at…”
“My motorcycle, which has presented constant failures with the e clutch system since the beginning of the purchase in October 2024 to the present date, having reported this many times to the dealership RAZEE Motorcycle Center. At first it was thought it could…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power in traffic.
Complaints include a truck suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission issues after very low mileage. Losing drive without warning is dangerous, especially when merging or in parking garages.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping, plus engine shutdowns and blank screens. Electrical faults that affect brakes or shut down the engine are serious safety risks.
Reports include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Brake failure or unexpected shutdowns can lead to crashes, as reflected in 233 crash-related complaints.
“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 Cbr650r — 5 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 CB650R and CBR650R motorcycles. The fasteners of the gear shift arm may loosen and detach, resulting in the inability to shift gears.
The risk: The inability to shift gears while riding increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the gear shift arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 31, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CBR650R motorcycles. Engine vibration may cause the turn signal switch wire harness to become damaged, which can cause an electrical short circuit and blown fuse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: A blown fuse will cause a loss of turn signal, brake light, speedometer, and horn function, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the turn signal switch wire harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for th…
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 2024-2025 CBR650R motorcycles. Engine vibration may cause the turn signal switch wire harness to become damaged, which can cause an electrical short circuit and blown fuse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: A blown fuse will cause a loss of turn signal, brake light, speedometer, and horn function, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the turn signal switch wire harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for th…
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 Cbr650r or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR650R has far fewer issues per year (0.4 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the Honda is a simpler machine with a narrow, mostly electronic-clutch problem, whereas the Silverado's issues span engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems, making it a much higher-risk used purchase.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Honda CBR650R has 3 complaints over 8 years; Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years.
- Safety outcomes: Honda shows 0 crashes, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado shows 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, 3 deaths.
- Problem types: Honda's main issue is E-Clutch jerking and a loose shifter; Silverado's include engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical faults.
- Recalls: Honda has 5 recalls (clutch, wiring, lighting); Silverado has 101 recalls (fuel pump, brakes, driver-assist warnings, tires).
- Test the E-Clutch system thoroughly: ride at low speed and in turns to check for warning light flicker or sudden jerking, as owners report random 3-second episodes.
- Inspect the gear shifter for looseness or sliding; a wobbly shifter may indicate a power train issue that needs dealer attention.
- Check for engine shutdown symptoms: ask if the truck has ever stalled while driving or shown 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' messages, which owners report.
- Test the brakes carefully at low speed and check for any loss of braking effectiveness or firm-pedal-with-poor-stopping, as reported in complaints.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the Honda CBR650R, take a test ride that includes turns and low-speed maneuvers to feel for E-Clutch jerking or warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test drive at parking-lot speeds and on the highway, checking for transmission slipping, unexpected neutral, or engine stalling.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the E-Clutch for Honda and engine/transmission/brakes for Silverado.
- Review the owner's complaint history on NHTSA for the exact year and model to see if common issues match what you find during inspection.
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 Cbr650r | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
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 Cbr650r or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr650r vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Cbr650r total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Cbr650r total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Cbr650r avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr650r
- Honda Cbr650r top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE