Head-to-head reliability
Honda Passport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Passport 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 Passport vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Passport averaged 92 complaints per year with 43 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 233 crash-related reports versus 43 for the Passport. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Passport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of about 92 complaints per year, with 43 recalls and 43 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe unexpected automatic braking, electrical glitches, and engine knocking, which can be alarming and costly. While the overall complaint volume is lower than some rivals, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting braking and forward collision systems—means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has accumulated roughly 823 complaints per year over the last decade, along with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Common owner reports include engine and transmission failures, sudden electrical shutdowns, and brake problems that can occur at low speeds. The high volume of complaints and the severity of some issues suggest that buying a used Silverado requires extra diligence and a focus on service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Passport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 924 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 43 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 92.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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 Passport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM196
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE177
- 03ENGINE137
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER129
- 05SERVICE BRAKES98
Owners report random automatic emergency braking that engages without warning, along with emissions lights that stay on. These electrical glitches can be frightening and may require dealer diagnosis, potentially leaving you without your vehicle for repairs.
Complaints describe the collision mitigation system braking abruptly even when no obstacles are present, sometimes occurring multiple times on clear roads. This malfunction could increase the risk of a rear-end collision if it surprises other drivers.
Some owners have experienced engine knock shortly after purchase, with one report noting a knock at under 50,000 miles that worsened quickly. Engine problems can be expensive to fix and may indicate premature wear.
There are reports of electrical malfunctions causing braking failure, where the brakes do not respond as expected. This is a critical safety concern that should be checked immediately if you notice any unusual brake behavior.
“My Auto-Electronic braking was randomly engaging while I was driving. It was unnecessary, & scary. It would just engage, then stop. Then, My Emissions Systems Light came on, & would NOT go off. I had to get to a safe place. The dealership told me to bring it…”
“On 11 Apr 2025, I was driving my 2023 Honda Passport at night on a toll road in clear weather when my infant son began screaming in distress. I pulled over onto the shoulder, partially onto a dirt area with bushes for more space. I pressed the “Park” button,…”
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, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing on the dash. There are also reports of diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service at low mileage, which can leave you stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, causing a loss of power. Transmission problems like this can be dangerous and costly to repair.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck does not stop effectively. Other electrical issues include the engine shutting off while driving, which is a serious safety risk.
Owners have experienced brake failure at low speeds, such as in parking lots, where the vehicle shuts off and screens go blank. This can lead to collisions if you cannot stop or restart quickly.
“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 Passport — 43 recalls
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 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, w…
The risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this r…
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 Passport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Passport has far fewer complaints per year (about 92) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and also fewer crash-related reports and deaths. In practice, this means a used Passport is likely to have fewer reported problems, but you should still check for the specific electrical and braking issues that owners describe.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about nine times more complaints per year than the Passport, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Passport owners frequently report unexpected automatic braking and electrical glitches, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls (101 vs. 43) and more crash-related reports (233 vs. 43), indicating a higher rate of safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns, which are more severe.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system by driving in clear conditions to see if it brakes unexpectedly; also check for any stored codes related to the emissions system.
- Listen for engine knock at idle and during acceleration, especially if the odometer is near 50,000 miles, as some owners reported knock at that mileage.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds in parking lots or garages.
- Check for brake performance by making several stops from low speed; if the pedal feels firm but braking is weak, it could indicate the electrical brake issue reported by owners.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds, to check for unexpected braking or shifting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any repairs related to the engine or transmission.
- For the Silverado, verify that the diesel particulate filter (if equipped) has been serviced and check for any software updates related to engine or brake systems.
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 Passport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 63 | 120 |
| 2025 | 40 | 157 |
| 2024 | 17 | 527 |
| 2023 | 39 | 450 |
| 2022 | 62 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 142 | 961 |
| 2020 | 102 | 868 |
| 2019 | 278 | 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 Passport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Passport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Passport total complaints
- 924
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Honda Passport total recalls
- 43
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Honda Passport avg complaints/year
- 92.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Honda Passport
- Honda Passport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE