Head-to-head reliability
Honda Pilot vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Pilot 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 Pilot vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Pilot averages 376 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 1 death. Both have serious engine, electrical, and brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Pilot or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a three-row family SUV with a mixed reliability record over the past decade. It averages about 376 owner complaints per year, with engine and electrical system issues leading the list. Owners report serious problems like engine fires and sudden loss of steering assist, though the vehicle has zero reported deaths in the data. Recalls cover fuel system, steering, and brake components, suggesting some safety defects are addressed through campaigns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a higher complaint rate than the Pilot, averaging about 511 complaints per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, and there is one reported death in the data. Owners describe sudden loss of braking, transmission failures, and diesel exhaust issues. Recalls include tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Pilot | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,760 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 66 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 376.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Pilot
- 01ENGINE1,128
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,055
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER648
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE456
- 05POWER TRAIN408
Owners report engine fires, sometimes after a recall repair was supposedly done, and auto idle stop system failures that can cause the vehicle to stall or hesitate. These issues matter because they can leave you stranded or create a fire risk.
Complaints include multiple warning lights for steering assist, brakes, and stability control, often accompanied by a 'Stop Driving When Safe' message. This can indicate a loss of power steering or other critical systems while driving.
Owners describe 'phantom braking' where the vehicle suddenly brakes hard for shadows or overpasses, and in one case the vehicle came to a complete stop while accelerating onto a highway. This unpredictable behavior can cause rear-end collisions.
Some owners file complaints when they cannot pinpoint the failed component, often suspecting electrical or powertrain issues. This makes diagnosis harder and can delay repairs.
“recall has been open since December of that year I have documentation that I took it last year to get this recall fix and your web site is stating that it is incomplete. today 11/12 at 7:30am my engine caught on fire there was a lot of witness at the elementa…”
“My vehicle has already had recalls on the fuel system and brake pin. Now I have an auto idle stop system problem. The indicator light is constantly flashing. Two days ago I was stopped at a red light on a two lane road in the city. When I pushed in the brake…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Reports include rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. One owner had a new 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L engine that had a major failure shortly after purchase.
Owners report transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral, especially at low speeds, and complete loss of motive power. This can happen in parking garages or on the road, creating a dangerous situation.
Complaints include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and at highway speed a loud pinging sound followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These are severe safety failures.
Owners describe the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness greatly reduced, requiring unusually high effort to stop. This can lead to longer stopping distances or inability to stop.
“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 Pilot — 66 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
The risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
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 2023-2024 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…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
The risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Honda Pilot or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Pilot has fewer complaints per year (about 376 vs. 511 for the Silverado) and no reported deaths, while the Silverado has one death and more crash-related complaints. In practice, the Pilot may have a lower frequency of reported problems, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 36% more complaints per year than the Pilot (510.5 vs. 376.0), with engine and power train problems being the most common.
- The Pilot has zero reported deaths in the data, while the Silverado has one death, and the Silverado also has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 76).
- Pilot owners frequently report forward collision avoidance 'phantom braking' and electrical warnings for steering assist, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and transmission shifting into neutral.
- Both have recalls for steering and brake issues, but the Silverado also has tailgate latch recalls, and the Pilot has fuel system and seat fastener recalls.
- Check for open recalls on the fuel system, steering rack, and brake pedals, and confirm they have been completed, as some owners reported fires after supposed fixes.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system for phantom braking and ensure all electrical warnings (steering assist, stability control) do not appear during a test drive.
- Inspect for transmission issues by test driving at low speeds and in parking garages to see if it suddenly shifts into neutral or loses power.
- Check brake function carefully: a firm pedal with reduced braking effect is a reported failure, so test braking from highway speeds if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, prioritizing fuel system and brake recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of failure, especially on the Silverado for transmission neutral issues and diesel soot buildup.
- Test all advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, for unexpected braking or warnings.
- For the Pilot, verify that the auto idle stop system works without flashing lights or stalling.
- For the Silverado, check tailgate latch operation and ensure brake fluid warning system is functional.
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 Pilot | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 98 |
| 2025 | 194 | 150 |
| 2024 | 109 | 0 |
| 2023 | 137 | 0 |
| 2022 | 149 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 424 | 934 |
| 2020 | 483 | 0 |
| 2019 | 894 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 437 | 591 |
| 2017 | 915 | 0 |
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 Pilot or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Pilot vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Pilot total complaints
- 3,760
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Honda Pilot total recalls
- 66
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Honda Pilot avg complaints/year
- 376.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Pilot top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE