Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crf1000a vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Crf1000a 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 Crf1000a vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Honda CRF1000A has 17 complaints over 10 years (1.7/year) and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Honda's main issue is a fuel tank weld seam defect; the Silverado reports engine, transmission, electrical, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crf1000a or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crf1000a
The Honda CRF1000A is an adventure motorcycle with a very low complaint rate—about 1.7 per year over a decade. Most owner complaints center on fuel system problems, especially a known issue where material from the fuel tank's weld seams flakes off and clogs the fuel filter and pump, causing engine surging or power loss. There are also tire complaints tied to a Continental recall. Overall, the complaint volume is small, but the fuel tank issue is a recurring pattern that can leave you stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 8,200 in ten years, or roughly 823 per year. Owners report serious problems across the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures. There are also 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, plus 101 recalls. This is a vehicle with many reported failure points that can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crf1000a | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 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 Crf1000a
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
- 02TIRES2
- 03SERVICE BRAKES1
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 05POWER TRAIN1
Owners describe a white, ferrous dust flaking from dirty fuel tank weld seams, which clogs the fuel filter and pump. This can cause engine surging and loss of power at highway speeds, a serious safety risk on a motorcycle.
Complaints mention tire tread separation and cracking, with one owner noting a Continental recall. Owners report difficulty getting reimbursement, and the tire issues can lead to blowouts or loss of control.
One complaint involves the brakes, though details are limited. Any brake issue on a motorcycle is critical, so buyers should have the braking system inspected.
A single complaint exists for back over prevention, likely related to a sensor or alert system. While rare, it's worth checking that any such system functions properly.
“THIS IS THE KNOWN, DIRTY FUEL TANK WELD SEAMS ISSUE THAT ONLY AFFECTS THE LARGER, ADVENTURE SPORTS MODELS. THE MATERIAL ON THE SEAMS FLAKES OFF AND CLOGS THE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP. IT IS A FERROUS, WHITE DUST. THE FACE BOOK GROUPS DEVOTED TO THIS MODEL AR…”
“WITH 3,000 MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE THE ENGINE SURGES WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAD A LOSS OF POWER. UPON RESEARCH, I FOUND SEVERAL ARTICLES DESCRIBING FUEL TANK ISSUES ON THE HONDA AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORT (ATAS) MODEL. I REMOVED THE FUEL TANK A…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, rough running, and excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter (P2463) requiring dealer service. These failures can leave you stranded or cause a crash if power is lost.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with very low mileage. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, creating a risk of collision.
Owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of normal braking and complete vehicle shutdown while barely applying throttle. Brake failure is a major safety concern, especially in a heavy truck.
“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 Crf1000a — 2 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain Honda Genuine Accessory Centerstand Kits, part number 08M70-MJP-G50, sold for possible installation on 2016-2018 Africa Twin motorcycles. The circlip can break allowing the centerstand to detach.
The risk: If the centerstand detaches while moving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. If the centerstand detaches while the motorcycle is parked on the centerstand, the motorcycle can fall over, increasing the risk of inju…
The fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2016-2018 Honda Africa Twins advising them that if they purchased the affected centerstand kit, not to use it and to take the motorcycle to a dealer. Dealers will replace the circlip and washer, f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain Honda Genuine Accessory Centerstand Kits, part number 08M70-MJP-G50, sold for possible installation on 2016-2018 Africa Twin motorcycles. The circlip can break allowing the centerstand to detach.
The risk: If the centerstand detaches while moving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. If the centerstand detaches while the motorcycle is parked on the centerstand, the motorcycle can fall over, increasing the risk of inju…
The fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2016-2018 Honda Africa Twins advising them that if they purchased the affected centerstand kit, not to use it and to take the motorcycle to a dealer. Dealers will replace the circlip and washer, f…
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 Crf1000a or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda CRF1000A has far fewer issues per year—about 1.7 complaints annually versus roughly 823 for the Silverado. In practice, the Honda's problems are concentrated in a known fuel tank defect, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems, with many more crashes and injuries reported. The difference means the Honda is less likely to leave you with a major repair, but the fuel issue still needs attention.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Honda averages 1.7 per year; Silverado averages 822.7 per year—a massive gap.
- Honda's main issue is a fuel tank weld seam defect causing clogged filters and power loss; Silverado's issues span engine shutdowns, transmission failures, electrical glitches, and brake loss.
- Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; Honda has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries or deaths.
- Silverado has 101 recalls versus 2 for Honda, indicating broader safety-related defect patterns.
- Inspect the fuel tank for white, flaky residue around weld seams and check fuel filter/pump condition; ask if the tank has been replaced or cleaned.
- Check tire manufacturing dates and look for cracking or tread separation, especially on Continental tires from production week 1221.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, or loss of braking; scan for stored codes.
- For diesel models, review service records for repeated P2463 soot accumulation events and diesel particulate filter repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair records for both models.
- For the Honda, have a mechanic inspect the fuel tank, filter, and pump for the known weld seam issue.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively and scan for engine, transmission, and brake fault codes.
- Check tire dates and condition on both vehicles, and verify any recall-related tire replacements.
- Ask specifically about any prior complaints or repairs related to the reported failure patterns.
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 Crf1000a | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 13 | 597 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 Crf1000a or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crf1000a vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Crf1000a total complaints
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Crf1000a total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Crf1000a avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crf1000a
- Honda Crf1000a top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE