Head-to-head reliability
Honda Insight vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Insight 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 Insight vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Insight averaged 45.5 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7. The Insight has 57 recalls and 2 deaths; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths. Both show serious safety issues, but the Silverado's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Insight or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a compact hybrid that tends to generate fewer complaints per year than full-size trucks, but owners still report serious issues. Over 10 years, it averaged 45.5 complaints annually, with air bags, engine, and forward collision avoidance as the most common problem areas. Many complaints involve recalls for Takata air bag inflators and occupant sensors, plus engine stalling and false automatic braking. For a used-car buyer, this means checking recall history and testing the hybrid system and driver-assist features is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume is much higher—averaging 822.7 per year. Engine and power train issues dominate, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and electrical glitches that can affect braking and engine shutdown. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings. For a buyer, this suggests that while the Silverado is capable, it may require more frequent attention to major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Insight | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 43 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Insight
- 01AIR BAGS120
- 02ENGINE90
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE51
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM46
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
Owners report Takata air bag inflator recalls and seat weight sensor circuit board failures that can cause airbags to deploy incorrectly. These are safety-critical and may require repeated dealer visits to resolve.
Complaints describe rough running, sudden speed drops to 15 mph, and expensive repairs that escalate over time. This can leave a driver vulnerable in fast-moving traffic.
Some owners experience the collision warning system slamming on the brakes when no obstacle is present, and adaptive cruise control issues that Honda has not fully resolved. This false activation can startle drivers and risk rear-end collisions.
Reports include sudden loss of power while driving, often linked to hybrid components or the DC/DC converter. This can strand a driver without warning.
“TAKATA RECALL.... I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE BY US MAIL AND THE DATE ON THE LETTER WAS MARCH 2016. IT IS NOW FEB ALMOST MARCH 2017, 1 YEAR LATER AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED. THEY STATE TO ME THAT I HAVE TO WAIT TILL I GET A LETT…”
“I received the "important safety recall" letter in March 2024 from the Honda Automobile Division regarding the seat weight sensor circuit board. The letter said that in a crash, the airbags could deploy in a dangerous fashion. I have called my Honda dealer th…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and other issues that can cause loss of power. These problems often appear at low mileage and may require dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of acceleration. This can happen even at very low miles, leaving the truck undriveable.
Drivers report severe loss of braking, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical faults can compromise control and safety.
Some owners experience a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, or complete loss of normal braking. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed immediately.
“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 Insight — 57 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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…
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 Insight or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Insight has far fewer complaints per year (45.5 vs. 822.7), but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Insight may be easier to live with day-to-day, while the Silverado's higher volume means a greater chance of encountering major engine, transmission, or brake issues.
Key differences
- The Insight averages 45.5 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 822.7, a nearly 18-fold difference.
- Insight complaints center on air bags, engine stalling, and false automatic braking; Silverado complaints focus on engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years vs. 57 for the Insight, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Both have crash-related complaints and fatalities, but the Silverado's higher totals (233 crashes, 160 injuries) reflect its larger owner base and usage.
- Check for open Takata air bag inflator and occupant classification sensor recalls; confirm they were fixed with documentation.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system for false braking and ensure the hybrid engine does not stall or lose power during a test drive.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially in 2026 models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal or reduced braking, and check for electrical glitches like blank screens or 'Return to Neutral' messages.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls and whether they were repaired.
- For the Insight, ask for proof of air bag recall completion and test the adaptive cruise control and collision warning on a highway.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test drive at low speeds to check for sudden neutral engagement.
- Take a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the hybrid system (Insight) or fuel pump and brakes (Silverado).
- Review the owner's complaint history on NHTSA for the specific model year you are considering.
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 Insight | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 32 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 25 | 961 |
| 2020 | 31 | 868 |
| 2019 | 98 | 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 Insight or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Insight vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Insight total complaints
- 455
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Insight total recalls
- 57
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Insight avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Insight
- Honda Insight top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE