Head-to-head reliability
Honda Prelude vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Prelude 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 Prelude vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Prelude averaged 11.3 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Prelude had 6 recalls and 3 injuries; the Silverado had 100 recalls and 104 injuries. Both have brake and power train complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Prelude or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that, based on owner complaints, can suffer from transmission and brake problems. Over three years, it averaged about 11 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train and electrical systems. Many complaints describe the car not starting, the key getting stuck, or the brakes engaging on their own. These are serious problems that could leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to owner complaints, has a wide range of reliability issues. With over 5,000 complaints in ten years, it averages about 510 complaints per year, far more than the Prelude. The most frequent problems involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with some reports of sudden power loss and brake failure. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Prelude | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 34 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Prelude
- 01POWER TRAIN18
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 03SERVICE BRAKES4
- 04HYDRAULIC4
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
Owners report transmission problems that can prevent the key from being removed and cause the car to not move. One complaint describes being unable to remove the key after a recall for the transmission. This could leave you stuck and unable to secure your vehicle.
Complaints include the car turning off while driving and then not restarting for a while. There is also a recall for the ignition switch and interior lights, which could cause the car to shut off unexpectedly. This is a safety risk, especially with children in the car.
Owners report the brake system engaging involuntarily, causing the front end to vibrate and a wheel to lock up. Another complaint mentions the ABS control unit failing at low mileage. These brake issues can lead to loss of control and crashes.
The hydraulic system complaints are similar to brake issues, with the ABS control unit failing and needing replacement. This can cause braking problems and is a critical safety concern.
“I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM THE AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY STATING THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER, DUE MY FROM MY CAR WHATSOEVER TRANSMISSION. 2 WEEKS LATER I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY FROM MY CAR WHATSOEVER REVERS…”
“BRAKE SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING AND ENGAGING INVOLUNTARILY. FRONT END VIBRATES. ALSO, LEFT WHEEL GETS HOT AND LOCKS UP. VEHICLE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND SHOULD ROLL BACK WHEN THE FOOT IS TAKEN OFF OF BRAKE PEDAL ON AN INCLINE. INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE DOES NO…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems such as excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer service. Another complaint describes a loud pinging sound and loss of power at highway speeds. These issues can lead to costly repairs and dangerous driving conditions.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues after purchase. This can cause loss of control and accidents.
Owners report sudden loss of braking and engine power, with the brake pedal becoming firm but ineffective. Another complaint mentions the vehicle losing motive power and the brakes and steering becoming inoperable. These are severe safety hazards.
Complaints describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal is firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This can result in crashes and injuries.
“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 Prelude — 6 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA…
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
The fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
The risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACUR…
The defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA…
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
The fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
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 Prelude or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Prelude has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). This means the Prelude is likely to have fewer reported problems, but both have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent issues, but the Prelude's problems can also be severe.
Key differences
- The Honda Prelude has 34 complaints over 3 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual complaint rate for the Silverado.
- The Prelude's top complaint areas are power train and electrical, with reports of transmission problems and the car shutting off while driving.
- The Silverado's top complaint areas are engine and power train, with reports of diesel particulate filter issues and sudden loss of power.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the Silverado also has a recall for brake fluid low warning, indicating potential brake system concerns.
- Check for transmission issues: ensure the key can be removed easily and the car shifts smoothly, as owners report key removal problems and transmission recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: look for involuntary brake engagement, vibration, or wheel lock-up, which owners have reported.
- Inspect the engine for excessive soot or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on diesel models, as owners report frequent regeneration events.
- Test the brakes and electrical system: check for sudden loss of braking or power, and ensure the brake pedal feels normal, as owners report severe brake failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls and previous repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Silverado, specifically check the diesel particulate filter if equipped, and ask about any engine or transmission repairs.
- For the Prelude, verify that all recall work has been completed, especially for the ignition switch and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway driving and braking, to detect any unusual behavior.
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 Prelude | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
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 Prelude or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Prelude vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Prelude total complaints
- 34
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Honda Prelude total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Honda Prelude avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Honda Prelude
- Honda Prelude top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE