Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crosstour vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Crosstour 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 Crosstour vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Crosstour averages 34.5 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 5 and 0 for the Crosstour. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crosstour or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crosstour
The Honda Crosstour is a midsize crossover that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint volume: 138 complaints over 4 years, averaging about 34.5 per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system and steering, with some power train and engine issues. Many electrical complaints involve aftermarket ignition interlock devices, which may not reflect the car's factory reliability. Steering complaints often describe warning lights and power steering failure, which can be concerning but appear less frequent than in the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most frequent problem areas are the engine and power train, followed by electrical and brake issues. Owners report serious symptoms like engine shutdown while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. These patterns suggest that Silverado ownership may involve more frequent and potentially severe repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crosstour | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 138 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Crosstour
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 02STEERING28
- 03POWER TRAIN23
- 04ENGINE16
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
Owners report aftermarket ignition interlock devices malfunctioning, preventing the vehicle from starting or requiring rolling breath tests while driving. These are add-on devices, so factory electrical issues may be less common, but buyers should check for any aftermarket wiring.
Complaints describe ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights coming on during turns or bumps, and electronic power steering failing at highway speeds. This can make steering suddenly heavy, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a test drive and scan for steering codes.
Owners report harsh vibrations from the passenger side front, especially above 30 mph under acceleration, often traced to axle or mount issues. These vibrations can be annoying and may indicate worn components that need replacement.
One complaint describes the engine seizing at 65 mph and requiring multiple restart attempts, while another reports a timing belt failure shortly after replacement, causing catastrophic engine damage. These are serious but appear isolated; regular maintenance and checking the timing belt history are wise.
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device (Intoxalock eLERT model) installed in my vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned and disabled the vehicle’s ignition system, preventing the vehicle from starting and operating normally. The device was installed on October 6,…”
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the tes…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission issues that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer diagnosis.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving with blank screens. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems and should be checked with a thorough scan.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers, requiring restart. Brake problems are a major safety concern, so a brake inspection is essential.
“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 Crosstour — 13 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississip…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ACCORD AND CROSSTOUR VEHICLES. THE DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: HONDA WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AS NEEDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
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 Crosstour or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Crosstour has far fewer complaints per year (about 34.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means that, on average, Crosstour owners report fewer problems, but the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its popularity and wider range of uses. In practice, a used Crosstour may be less likely to need frequent repairs, while a Silverado could demand more attention and maintenance.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 24 times more complaints per year than the Crosstour, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Crosstour complaints often involve aftermarket electrical devices or steering warnings, while Silverado complaints include engine shutdown and brake loss while driving.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, compared to 5 crash-related and 0 deaths for the Crosstour.
- Recalls are more numerous for the Silverado (101) than the Crosstour (13), covering areas like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any aftermarket ignition interlock device or wiring that could cause electrical gremlins.
- Test drive at highway speeds and over bumps to see if steering warning lights come on or if the steering feels heavy.
- Scan for engine and transmission codes, and test drive to ensure the engine doesn't shut off or hesitate.
- Inspect brake function carefully and check for any messages about neutral or start issues during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, including a scan for stored codes.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions, including highway and rough roads, to replicate reported symptoms.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and transmission operation, and ask about any engine or emissions repairs.
- For the Crosstour, check the timing belt service history and inspect for vibrations or steering warning lights.
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 Crosstour or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crosstour vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Crosstour total complaints
- 138
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Crosstour total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Crosstour avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crosstour
- Honda Crosstour top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE