Head-to-head reliability
Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ridgeline averages 138 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 511. The Ridgeline's top issues are electrical and engine, including auto stop/start stalling and high beam problems. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, with reports of sudden power loss and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Ridgeline or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup known for its car-like ride and unibody construction, but owner complaints reveal a pattern of electronic gremlins and engine issues that can undermine daily usability. The most frequent problems involve the electrical system and engine, with reports of the auto stop/start stalling at intersections, false collision warnings, and even a crankshaft failure. Lighting issues, particularly the auto high beams, are also a common annoyance and safety concern. While the Ridgeline has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, these issues suggest a vehicle that may require patience with electronic nannies and potential powertrain repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and the severity of issues reported. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, with owners describing sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical system faults can lead to loss of braking and steering, which is alarming. Brake system complaints are also significant, with reports of reduced braking effectiveness. With over 500 complaints per year, the Silverado shows a pattern of serious mechanical and safety-related failures that could lead to costly repairs and potential safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Ridgeline | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,379 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 137.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 Ridgeline
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM315
- 02ENGINE275
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER185
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING144
- 05POWER TRAIN133
Owners report the engine and powertrain management system failing with multiple DTCs, triggering a cascade of warnings and power-limiting. The auto stop/start can stall the engine when accelerating, which is a safety hazard at intersections.
There are reports of a broken crankshaft counterweight and seized bearing requiring engine replacement, and the auto stop/start system stalling. These are serious failures that can leave you stranded and are costly to fix.
The auto high beam system is widely criticized for blinding oncoming drivers by turning on high beams at the wrong time, which can cause accidents. This is a safety issue that affects both the driver and others on the road.
False error warnings from the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) occur when meeting oncoming vehicles, causing unnecessary braking or alerts. This can be distracting and erode trust in safety systems.
“The vehicle’s engine and powertrain management system repeatedly fails with multiple DTC's triggering a full-system cascade of safety-critical warnings and automatic power-limiting. The issue affects the engine, transmission, emissions, AWD, brake system, sta…”
“The automatic engine stop/start system is a safety hazard. On multiple occasions with two different drivers (husband and wife owners), the engine has stopped just as the accelerator is pressed after waiting for traffic to clear at a stop sign or while waiting…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including sudden loss of power at highway speeds, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models experience frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service. These issues can be dangerous and expensive.
Transmission problems are reported, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of control. This is a critical safety concern that may require transmission replacement.
Electrical faults can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power. This is a severe safety issue that can result in a crash. Owners describe the vehicle becoming inoperable while driving.
Brake system failures are reported, including a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness even with a firm pedal. This can lead to extended stopping distances and potential accidents.
“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 Ridgeline — 56 recalls
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen…
The risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
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…
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 Ridgeline or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Ridgeline has significantly fewer complaints per year (about 138) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference in frequency does not guarantee reliability. In practice, the Ridgeline may offer fewer headaches, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Ridgeline has far fewer complaints per year (138 vs 511), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems.
- The Silverado's complaints are dominated by engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission issues, which are more severe than the Ridgeline's electrical and lighting complaints.
- The Ridgeline's auto high beam and CMBS false warnings are annoying and potentially dangerous, but the Silverado's brake and steering failures are more directly life-threatening.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 56) and more crash-related complaints (117 vs 25), indicating a higher safety risk.
- Inspect the auto stop/start system for stalling issues, especially when accelerating from a stop.
- Check the auto high beam operation for proper dimming to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
- Test the brakes for any loss of effectiveness, especially after the vehicle has been driven for a while.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the powertrain.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds, to see if any stalling or power loss occurs.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any major repairs, especially engine or transmission work.
- Ask about the auto high beam and collision warning systems and test them if possible.
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 Ridgeline | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 98 |
| 2025 | 81 | 150 |
| 2024 | 54 | 0 |
| 2023 | 126 | 0 |
| 2022 | 113 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 100 | 934 |
| 2020 | 168 | 0 |
| 2019 | 232 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 160 | 591 |
| 2017 | 337 | 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 Ridgeline or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,379
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 137.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE