Head-to-head reliability
Hummer H2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hummer H2 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
Hummer H2 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The H2 averages 39.6 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The H2's main issues are electrical failures affecting steering and brakes, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine and powertrain problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hummer H2 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is a heavy-duty SUV with a reputation for electrical and brake issues. Owners report sudden loss of power steering and weak brakes, often linked to electrical failures. There are also reports of interior fires and malfunctioning windshield washers. With 356 complaints over 9 years, it's a vehicle that demands attention to its electrical system.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, especially regarding the engine and powertrain. Owners report engine failures, transmission issues, and sudden loss of power, sometimes accompanied by brake and steering problems. With 5105 complaints over 10 years, it's a vehicle that has seen widespread reliability concerns, particularly in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hummer H2 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 356 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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.
Hummer H2
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM85
- 02VISIBILITY78
- 03SERVICE BRAKES51
- 04STEERING36
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report sudden loss of power steering and weak brakes, often due to electrical failures. Some have experienced interior fires starting near the rear seat, and others report electrical burning odors.
Windshield washer systems malfunction, either spraying continuously or failing to work, which can be distracting and dangerous while driving. Blower motor issues also occur, sometimes with burning smells.
Brakes can become weak or fail completely, sometimes in conjunction with electrical system failures. Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and getting little to no stopping power.
Steering can become extremely hard to turn or fail entirely, making the vehicle difficult to control. This often happens suddenly, posing a serious safety risk.
“I PURCHASED A 2006 HUMMER H2 AT CERRITOS HUMMER. I CURRENTLY HAVE ALMOST 55,000 MILES. TODAY I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND NOTICED THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. ALSO THE BRAKES WERE REALLY WEAK. I USED ALL THE ENERGY I HAD TO GET INTO A GAS STATION DRIV…”
“VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM START TIME, WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-25 MINUTES. VEHICLE INTERIOR CAUGHT FIRE AT THE BASE OF THE TOP SITTING AREA OF THE REAR SEAT, FLAMES FROM FIRE MELTED THE OVER HEAD INTERIOR LIG…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, including sudden loss of power and abnormal noises. Some have experienced diesel particulate filter issues requiring repeated dealer visits.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive power, especially during low-speed maneuvers.
Electrical issues can lead to sudden loss of braking and steering, often accompanied by warning lights. Some owners report a loud pinging sound before losing power.
Brakes may suddenly lose effectiveness, with the pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This can happen without warning, creating a dangerous situation.
“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.
Hummer H2 — 23 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WI…
The risk: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
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
Hummer H2 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hummer H2 has far fewer complaints per year (39.6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the H2's problems are often safety-critical, involving electrical failures that affect steering and brakes. In practice, the H2 may be less troublesome overall, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and can be equally severe.
Key differences
- The Hummer H2 has significantly fewer complaints per year (39.6) than the Silverado (510.5).
- The H2's top issues are electrical, affecting steering and brakes, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the H2 (23), indicating more widespread safety campaigns.
- The H2 has reports of interior fires, while the Silverado has reports of sudden loss of power and transmission failures.
- Inspect the electrical system thoroughly, especially for signs of wiring issues or burning smells, as these can lead to steering and brake failures.
- Check the windshield washer system for proper operation, as owners report it spraying unexpectedly or failing.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures are common.
- Test the transmission, especially during low-speed maneuvers, to ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system and brakes for the Hummer H2.
- For the Silverado, request service records for any engine or transmission repairs, and check for open recalls.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, including low-speed maneuvers, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific VIN's recall history and complaint data.
- Consider a warranty or extended service plan to cover potential major repairs.
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 Hummer H2 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hummer H2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hummer H2 total complaints
- 356
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hummer H2 total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hummer H2 avg complaints/year
- 39.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hummer H2
- Hummer H2 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE