Head-to-head reliability
Honda HR V vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda HR V 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 HR V vs Chevrolet Silverado: The HR V averages 160 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has more crash-related reports (233 vs. 84). The HR V tends to have fewer serious issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda HR V or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda HR V
The Honda HR V is a compact SUV that averages about 160 complaints per year over the last decade, with 30 recalls. Owner reports often mention windshield cracks, wiper spray issues, and occasional electrical or steering quirks. It's not a high-complaint vehicle, but the pattern suggests small annoyances rather than major breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and transmission problems, including sudden power loss and brake issues. The volume of complaints and recalls indicates a higher likelihood of significant repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda HR V | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,605 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 160.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 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 HR V
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER368
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER349
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM256
- 04STEERING173
- 05POWER TRAIN105
Owners report mysterious cracks in the front windshield that appear from the inside, and wiper fluid not spraying properly on the driver's side. These can impair visibility in bad weather, requiring costly replacement or repair.
Some owners describe the vehicle failing to start or the Collision Mitigation Braking System warning light coming on and causing unexpected deceleration. These electrical glitches can leave you stranded or create dangerous driving situations.
A few owners notice a shudder or vibration from the steering wheel at low speeds, such as when parking. While not always severe, it can be a sign of steering component wear that may worsen over time.
There are reports of the vehicle freezing entirely and not moving forward or in reverse, though this is less common. Such failures can be alarming and may require dealer diagnosis.
“I WAS GOING UP A STEEP NARROW ROAD, A BIG TRUCK WAS COMING DOWN SO I STOPPED AND HONKED SO HE WOULD BACK UP. WHEN HE DID, I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MY SUV. IT FROOZE ENTIRELY, WOULDNT GO UP, WOULDNT GO IN REVERSE, JUST STAYED ON BUT WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL A…”
“Components of concern: collision mitigation braking system - while driving with no car in front of vehicle, car slammed on brakes - could have caused an accident. Yes, available for inspection. Also, lights went off and said to see dealer (have picture that I…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. There are also cases of excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, leading to repeated dealer visits.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that can cause loss of power. These problems can be dangerous, especially in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical faults can compromise safety and leave you unable to control the vehicle.
Reports of severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle doesn't stop normally. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 HR V — 30 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V vehicles. The front seat belt pretensioners may be missing the rivet that secures the quick connector and wire plate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A seat belt pretensioner missing a rivet will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for t…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured se…
The risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: A loose driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ONC, KND, BNE a…
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 HR V or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda HR V has far fewer complaints per year (about 160 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (30 vs. 101). In practice, this means you're less likely to face frequent repair visits with the HR V, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of experiencing major issues like engine or brake failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about five times more complaints per year than the HR V, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, while HR V complaints are more often about windshield cracks and wiper spray problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 30 for the HR V, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (233 vs. 84), and it has 3 reported deaths compared to none for the HR V.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks, especially on the inside, as owners report factory defects causing mysterious cracks.
- Test the driver-side wiper spray function to ensure it sprays fluid evenly; some owners report poor spray coverage in frosty conditions.
- Check for any signs of engine hesitation or shutdowns during a test drive, and ask about any software updates for the engine control module.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low speeds and listen for unusual noises; owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints for each model.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or vibrations, especially in the steering and brakes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for oil changes and any transmission or engine repairs.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and transmission at low speeds and on inclines to check for sudden neutral engagement.
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 HR V | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 120 |
| 2025 | 45 | 157 |
| 2024 | 109 | 527 |
| 2023 | 686 | 450 |
| 2022 | 88 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 63 | 961 |
| 2020 | 84 | 868 |
| 2019 | 235 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 157 | 597 |
| 2017 | 123 | 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 HR V or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda HR V vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda HR V total complaints
- 1,605
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda HR V total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda HR V avg complaints/year
- 160.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda HR V
- Honda HR V top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE