Head-to-head reliability
Honda Odyssey vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Odyssey 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 Odyssey vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Odyssey averages 340 complaints per year and 49 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and 233 crash-related reports. Both have 3 deaths reported. The Odyssey's issues often involve electrical and forward collision systems, whereas the Silverado's involve engine, power train, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Odyssey or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan that, over the past decade, has generated about 340 owner complaints per year, with 81 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and engine, and owners describe issues like alarms that won't shut off, blank infotainment screens, and sudden braking or acceleration failures. While some problems are annoying, others—like the van going into limp mode on the highway—can be dangerous. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands attention to electronics and safety systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, more than double the Odyssey's rate, plus 101 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and power train failures, including sudden shutdowns, transmission slams, and brake loss. Many complaints involve low-mileage vehicles, suggesting these issues can appear early. The volume and severity of reports indicate a higher likelihood of costly repairs and safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Odyssey | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,399 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 81 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 339.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 123 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Odyssey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,036
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE721
- 03ENGINE714
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER583
- 05LANE DEPARTURE461
Owners report the alarm going off for hours and failing to deactivate, as well as infotainment screens going blank and backup cameras failing. These glitches can leave you locked out or unable to see behind you, and they often require dealer visits.
Complaints describe the brakes activating independently, the accelerator failing to respond, and the van entering limp mode on the highway. Such unexpected behavior can be frightening and may lead to crashes if not addressed.
Owners report engine failure requiring new ignition coils and spark plugs, followed by recurring acceleration issues and juddering. Another complaint notes the power cutting off suddenly while driving, leaving only steering and brakes. These problems can strand you and are expensive to fix.
This category often duplicates engine and infotainment complaints, such as the same ignition coil failure and blank screen issues. It highlights that many problems don't fit neatly into one system, making diagnosis harder.
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the alarm activated, and the contact attempted to turn off the alarm; however, the alarm failed to deactivate. The alarm went off for several hours before stopping. The co…”
“The infotainment screen will go blank and will no longer show the backup camera at all. The FAKRA recall was performed at the Honda dealership when I first purchased the car new. I did not have any significant issues until around July of 2026. First, the spea…”
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, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may recur even after repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off, as well as hard shifts and transmission judder. Such failures can cause loss of power and control, especially at low speeds or in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Reports include severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failure is a serious safety concern that demands 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 Odyssey — 81 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to…
The risk: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-21…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
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 Odyssey or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Odyssey has far fewer complaints per year (about 340) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer crash-related reports (49 vs. 233). In practice, this means you're less likely to encounter frequent, severe problems with the Odyssey, though it still has notable electrical and safety-system issues. The Silverado's higher rate suggests a greater chance of engine, transmission, and brake failures that could be costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- The Odyssey averages about 340 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823—more than double the rate.
- Odyssey owners most often report electrical glitches (alarms, blank screens) and forward collision avoidance failures (phantom braking, limp mode).
- Silverado owners frequently report engine shutdowns, transmission problems (sudden neutral), and brake loss, often on low-mileage vehicles.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints versus 49 for the Odyssey, indicating a higher reported rate of serious incidents.
- Check the infotainment screen and backup camera for blanking or failure, as owners report these going out and not showing the rear view.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system by driving at low speeds to see if it brakes unexpectedly or fails to accelerate, and listen for any alarm issues.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slams, or messages like 'Return to Neutral'—these are reported by owners.
- Check for brake performance: a firm pedal with reduced stopping power could indicate the brake assist failure owners describe.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall documentation, especially for the Odyssey's fuel pump and backup camera recalls and the Silverado's fuel pump and forward collision alerts.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and infotainment on the Odyssey, and the braking and transmission systems on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers, to replicate conditions where owners report failures.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on ignition coils, spark plugs, and transmission service for the Odyssey, and diesel particulate filter or engine repairs for the Silverado.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN before purchase.
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 Odyssey | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 120 |
| 2025 | 391 | 157 |
| 2024 | 109 | 527 |
| 2023 | 100 | 450 |
| 2022 | 136 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 143 | 961 |
| 2020 | 474 | 868 |
| 2019 | 976 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 993 | 597 |
| 2017 | 39 | 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 Odyssey or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Odyssey vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Odyssey total complaints
- 3,399
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Odyssey total recalls
- 81
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Odyssey avg complaints/year
- 339.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Odyssey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE