Head-to-head reliability
Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus ES 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
Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lexus ES has 181 complaints over 10 years (18.1/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510.5/yr). Airbag issues are common in the ES, while the Silverado suffers from engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus ES or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, is generally low-stress, but the complaint data shows it's not without issues. Over 10 years, owners filed 181 complaints (about 18 per year), with the most common problems involving air bags, fuel/propulsion, brakes, and engine. While the ES has a reputation for reliability, these complaints reveal specific, sometimes safety-related, failures that a buyer should be aware of, especially regarding airbag deployment and unexpected power loss.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that, in ownership terms, is a workhorse but has a much higher complaint rate. With 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 510 per year), it's clear that owners report frequent and serious issues, particularly with the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes. The sheer volume and severity of complaints, including loss of power and braking, suggest that the Silverado may have more reliability and safety concerns than the Lexus ES.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus ES | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 181 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 18.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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.
Lexus ES
- 01AIR BAGS44
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
- 03SERVICE BRAKES23
- 04ENGINE20
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
Owners report airbags not deploying in crashes, as seen in a 2018 ES 300h rear-end collision where no airbags deployed and an 'SRS Airbag System Malfunction' message appeared. Also, there are prolonged recalls for passenger-side airbag issues, leaving owners concerned about safety.
Several owners describe the car 'lunging' forward when shifting into drive, and others report a temporary loss of engine power when accelerating after backing off. These issues can be unpredictable and may affect drivability and safety.
Brake failure is reported, such as a 2020 ES 350 where the brake pedal did not respond when going downhill, requiring the driver to pump the pedal and shift gears to stop. This is a critical safety concern.
Engine problems include transmission failure on both a 2007 and 2017 ES350, and an oil leak from the front timing chain cover on a 2GR-FKS engine at 53k miles, leading to expensive repairs.
“I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding the prolonged recall of the passenger-side airbag in my 2020 Lexus ES350 (VIN #[XXX]). The recall numbers are (23LA03, 23LB03 and 23V865) these were issued in December of 2023, which h…”
“On 7/25/25, I was rear-ended while driving my 2018 Lexus ES 300h with my child in the front seat. Despite the force of impact and resulting injuries, none of the airbags deployed. Moments after the crash, a “SRS Airbag System Malfunction” message appeared on…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated Diesel Particulate Filter soot accumulation events, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are common, such as a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, and a loss of motive power at highway speeds, which can be dangerous.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as reported in a 2026 Silverado where the vehicle lost power, brakes, and steering simultaneously. This is a critical safety issue.
Brake failure is reported, including a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and another instance where brakes became inoperable along with power loss.
“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.
Lexus ES — 8 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic cont…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TA01 and 24LA0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
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
Lexus ES or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus ES has far fewer issues per year (18.1 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5 complaints). In practice, this means the ES is likely to be more reliable and less likely to experience major failures, but it still has notable airbag and drivetrain concerns. The Silverado's high complaint rate suggests a higher risk of serious problems, especially with the engine and brakes.
Key differences
- The Lexus ES has 181 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105, a 28-fold difference in volume.
- Airbag issues are prominent in the Lexus ES, with 44 complaints, including non-deployment and recall delays.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain complaints (1,698 and 1,453) are the most frequent, with reports of sudden power loss and transmission failure.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but the Silverado's electrical system issues can cause simultaneous loss of brakes and steering, which is more severe.
- Check for any open recalls related to the airbag occupant classification system, as some owners report airbags not deploying in crashes.
- Test drive the vehicle to see if it lunges when shifting into drive or hesitates during acceleration, which could indicate fuel or propulsion system issues.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks or soot buildup, and ask about any history of Diesel Particulate Filter issues if it's a diesel model.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, as some owners report sudden loss of braking and steering at speed.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using their VINs, and ensure all recalls are performed.
- For the Lexus ES, ask for service records related to airbag recalls and any transmission or engine repairs.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission replacements, and inspect the brake system for any warning signs.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation, lunging, or brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned in complaints.
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 | Lexus ES | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 12 | 150 |
| 2024 | 9 | 0 |
| 2023 | 22 | 0 |
| 2022 | 23 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 28 | 934 |
| 2020 | 18 | 0 |
| 2019 | 62 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 5 | 591 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 Lexus ES or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus ES vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus ES total complaints
- 181
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus ES total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus ES avg complaints/year
- 18.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus ES
- Lexus ES top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE