Head-to-head reliability
Honda Vtx1800 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Honda Vtx1800 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 Vtx1800 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Vtx1800 has 132 complaints over 7 years (about 19 per year), while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years (about 511 per year). The Vtx1800's main issues are rear wheel bearings and tire wear; the Silverado's are engine, power train, and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Vtx1800 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Vtx1800
The Honda Vtx1800 is a large cruiser motorcycle with a loyal following, but NHTSA data shows 132 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 19 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train and suspension, with multiple reports of rear wheel bearing failures that can cause scary handling. Recalls cover the transmission, frame, and kickstand. For a buyer, this means budgeting for regular rear-end maintenance and being alert to unusual tire wear or noise.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year. The biggest complaint areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of stalling, loss of power, and brake problems. There are 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings. For a buyer, this suggests a higher volume of potential issues, especially in newer models with advanced electronics.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Vtx1800 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 132 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 18.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Vtx1800
- 01POWER TRAIN37
- 02SUSPENSION34
- 03WHEELS21
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
- 05STRUCTURE11
Owners frequently report rear driven flange bearing failure, often discovered during tire changes. The bearings become rough or destroyed, which can lead to wheel wobble and unsafe handling.
Complaints describe rear bearing failure at low mileage, such as 13,500 miles, with metal pieces and seal damage. This can cause the rear wheel to turn harder and affect stability.
Reports include odd rear tire wear, with tread worn to the cords on one side, and rear flange bearing failure leading to a scary driving situation. This indicates a pattern of rear wheel and bearing issues that can compromise safety.
One owner reported the motorcycle stalling at 70 MPH on an overpass, requiring a 15-minute wait. While less common, stalling at speed is a serious concern for rider safety.
“(1) 2003 HONDA VTX 1800C MOTORCYCLE REAR DRIVEN FLANGE BEARING FAILURE. WHEN REMOVING TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT, (2) I DISCOVERED THE SMALL BEARINGS PRESSED INTO THE DRIVEN FLANGE (MOUNTED ON REAR WHEEL) WERE VERY ROUGH AND HARD TO SPIN, USING…”
“I WAS REMOVING REAR WHEEL ON MY 2003 HONDA VTX C MODEL TO REPLACE WORN TIRE AND WITH THE WHEEL OFF I DID A CHECK OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS. I FREQUENTLY VISIT THE HONDA VTX OWNERS SITE TO KEEP UP ON MAINTENANCE ISSUES AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHER OWNER HAVE HAD…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report issues like excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine pinging with loss of motive power. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems after purchase with low mileage. This can cause loss of control and dangerous situations.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and loss of motive power, brakes, and steering at 70 MPH. These are severe safety issues that demand immediate attention.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle would not stop normally. This is a critical safety concern, especially for a heavy pickup.
“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 Vtx1800 — 3 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A TRANSMISSION CIRCLIP WAS NOT SEATED CORRECTLY AND COULD ALLOW GEARS TO LOCK.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A REAR-WHEEL LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION ON THESE MOTORCYCLES. ALL OWNERS WERE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE AND ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED.
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 VTX1800 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 14 AND OCTOBER 4, 2001. THE SWINGARM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WELDED.
The risk: THE SWINGARM COULD BREAK WHILE RIDINGCAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN CRASH.
The fix: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELD AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SWINGARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA MOTORCYCLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WASHER FOR THE SIDE STAND SPRING BOLT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT HARNESS AND COULD DEFORM, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO FLEX AND EVENTUALLY BREAK DURING SIDE STAND OPERATION.
The risk: A RETRACTED SIDE STAND COULD DROP WHILE RIDING, POSSIBLY ACTIVATING THE SIDE STAND IGNITION CUT-OFF SYSTEM. IF THE IGNITION IS CUT, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED WASHER AND A NEW SPRING BOLT AND NUT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
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 Vtx1800 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Honda Vtx1800 has far fewer complaints per year (about 19) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). In practice, this means a Vtx1800 buyer may face fewer reported problems overall, but the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and complexity. Both have serious safety-related complaints, so careful inspection is key.
Key differences
- The Honda Vtx1800 averages about 19 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 511 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Vtx1800's top issues are rear wheel bearing failures and tire wear, while the Silverado's top issues are engine, power train, and electrical problems like stalling and brake loss.
- The Vtx1800 has 3 recalls covering transmission, frame, and kickstand; the Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries, versus 3 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Vtx1800.
- Inspect the rear wheel bearings and flange for roughness, noise, or play, as owners report failures even at low mileage like 13,500 miles.
- Check rear tire wear for uneven patterns or cords showing, which can indicate bearing or suspension problems.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sudden loss of braking or firm pedal with reduced stopping power, as reported by owners.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Vtx1800, have a mechanic inspect the rear wheel bearings, flange, and tire wear before purchase.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and brake firmly to check for stalling, brake loss, or transmission slipping.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission services.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model.
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 Vtx1800 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Vtx1800 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Honda Vtx1800 total complaints
- 132
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Honda Vtx1800 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Honda Vtx1800 avg complaints/year
- 18.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Honda Vtx1800
- Honda Vtx1800 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE