Head-to-head reliability
Honda Clarity vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Clarity 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 Clarity vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Clarity averages 45.6 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported stalling and brake issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Clarity or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Clarity
The Honda Clarity is a low-volume plug-in hybrid, averaging about 46 complaints per year over five years. Owners report engine stalling from a fuel pump defect, high-voltage inverter squealing, and unexpected acceleration. With 8 recalls, including fuel pump and software issues, living with a Clarity means staying on top of recall notices and being alert to hybrid system quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a huge owner base, generating about 823 complaints per year over ten years. Common reports include engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. With 101 recalls, Silverado ownership demands vigilance for safety defects, especially in newer models with low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Clarity | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 228 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Clarity
- 01ENGINE43
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER37
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
- 05POWER TRAIN30
Owners describe a fuel pump failure that can cause engine stalling while driving, often linked to a 2024 recall. There are also reports of a burning smell and loud noises when the hybrid system switches from electric to gas mode.
The high-voltage motor power inverter module can emit a severe high-pitched squealing noise, indicating a potential safety defect. Some owners also report sudden unintended acceleration during U-turns, possibly from electronic control glitches.
The same fuel pump issue appears here, with owners worried about stalling. This overlaps with engine complaints and is tied to a recall for fuel pump failure.
Air conditioning failures are common, with the condenser and evaporator breaking. One owner also reported sudden acceleration during a U-turn, which they suspected was an electronic control malfunction.
“I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant saf…”
“PHEV BURNING SMELL ECON (EV) DRIVING. IT HAPPENED 2 TIMES AFTER THE BATTERY DROPS TO TWO BARS, WHICH MEANS MODE WAS CHANGED TO HYBRID FROM ECON. THERE WERE BIG VROOM SOUNDS FROM ENGINE ROOM WHEN EV MODE CONVERTED HYBRID MODE AT THE SPEED OF 60-70 MPH. EVEN AT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. This can happen even at very low mileage, such as under 300 miles.
A severe loss of braking has been reported, where the brake pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective. The engine can also shut off while driving, with dashboard warnings.
Owners describe sudden brake loss shortly after starting a trip, and instances where the truck shuts off completely in parking lots, requiring a restart. These brake issues are alarming for a heavy 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 Clarity — 8 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. Internal components may corrode and cause the water pump to fail.
The risk: A failure of the water pump can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4N.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles previously repaired under recall 18V-068. The previous software remedy may have been incomplete. As a result, the fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicl…
The risk: A loss of power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda has notified owners, and dealers will update the FC-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is A3O.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. The fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have reduced, or a complete loss of, power.
The risk: A loss of power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R0L.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
The risk: In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-2…
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 Clarity or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Clarity has far fewer complaints per year (about 46) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Clarity owners report fewer problems overall, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints like stalling and brake loss. The Silverado's much higher volume and complaint rate suggest a higher likelihood of encountering issues.
Key differences
- The Honda Clarity averages about 46 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Clarity owners report fuel pump stalling and inverter squealing; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the Clarity, covering more systems like fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision warnings.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and fatalities, but the Silverado's higher counts (233 crashes, 3 deaths) reflect its larger population and usage.
- Listen for a high-pitched squealing from the front while driving or accelerating, which could indicate a failing motor power inverter module.
- Ask if the fuel pump recall has been performed; if not, stalling risk remains. Also test the air conditioning thoroughly, as condenser and evaporator failures are reported.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of braking or a firm brake pedal with poor stopping power, which owners have reported.
- Check for transmission issues by driving slowly in a parking lot; if the truck unexpectedly shifts to neutral or shuts off, that's a major red flag.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN, especially for the Clarity's fuel pump and the Silverado's brake and fuel pump recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers to feel for transmission or brake anomalies.
- For the Clarity, test the air conditioning and listen for unusual noises from the hybrid system; for the Silverado, test the brakes and watch for engine shutdown messages.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any repair invoices, focusing on fuel pump, transmission, or brake work.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with hybrids (for Clarity) or trucks (for Silverado) to spot potential issues.
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 Clarity | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | 961 |
| 2020 | 10 | 868 |
| 2019 | 45 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 161 | 597 |
| 2017 | 5 | 1154 |
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 Clarity or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Clarity vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Clarity total complaints
- 228
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Clarity total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Clarity avg complaints/year
- 45.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Clarity
- Honda Clarity top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE