Vehicle 1

Lexus ES

50 complaints · 8 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lexus ES averages 5.0 complaints per year over 10 years, with 8 recalls, while the Silverado averages 687.8 complaints per year and 98 recalls. The Lexus has far fewer crash complaints (5 vs 206). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Lexus ES
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryLexus ESChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
50
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
8
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
5
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
5.0
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Lexus ES

1. AIR BAGS34
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
3. SERVICE BRAKES3
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
5. STEERING2

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Lexus ES has far fewer complaints per year (5.0 vs 687.8) and fewer recalls (8 vs 98), indicating a much lower likelihood of problems. A buyer can expect a more reliable ownership experience with the Lexus.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize reliability and fewer headaches, choose the Lexus ES. If you need a truck for towing or hauling and are willing to accept higher risk of issues, the Silverado may suit your needs, but be prepared for potential engine, powertrain, or electrical problems.

Key Differences
  • Lexus ES: 5.0 complaints/year vs Silverado: 687.8 complaints/year.
  • Lexus ES: 8 recalls vs Silverado: 98 recalls.
  • Lexus ES: 5 crash complaints vs Silverado: 206 crash complaints.
  • Lexus ES top issue: air bags (34); Silverado top issue: engine (2056).
⚠ Watch on Lexus ES
  • Watch for air bag issues, which account for 34 of 50 complaints.
  • Check for any open recalls related to air bags or forward collision avoidance.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be wary of engine problems (2056 complaints) and powertrain issues (1925 complaints).
  • Electrical system complaints (1263) are also common; test all electronics thoroughly.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
  • For Lexus ES: verify air bag system operation and any previous repairs.
  • For Silverado: inspect engine and transmission for signs of trouble; request service records.
  • Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to braking and steering feel.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Lexus ESChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
45
2025
0
115
2024
0
460
2023
0
375
2022
0
1172
2021
27
844
2020
16
787
2019
0
1932
2018
5
0
2017
2
1148
Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado
Lexus ES total complaints
50
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Lexus ES total recalls
8
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Lexus ES avg complaints/year
5.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Lexus ES
Lexus ES top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Lexus ESReliability & Problems

50 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Lexus ES or Chevrolet Silverado?

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