Head-to-head reliability
Lexus GX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus GX 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 GX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GX averages 5.4 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado owners report more severe engine, brake, and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus GX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 54 complaints over 10 years, averaging 5.4 per year. The most common issues involve brakes, engine/transmission behavior, and electrical glitches, but many are described as nuisances rather than breakdowns. With only 6 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints, it appears to have fewer systemic problems than many vehicles. However, some owners report serious brake shudder and transmission harshness that could affect daily driving.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with an extremely high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. The most frequent problems are engine, power train, electrical, and brake issues, with many reports of sudden engine shutdown, loss of braking, and transmission failures. It also has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, indicating widespread safety concerns. While not every truck will have these issues, the sheer number of reports suggests a higher risk of costly repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus GX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 54 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 GX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES13
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 03ENGINE8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05POWER TRAIN6
Owners report violent shaking during braking on steep grades, which can feel like the vehicle might not stop. There is also a complaint about a sharp metal edge on the parking brake pedal that can cut a driver's foot. These issues matter because they affect stopping confidence and basic comfort.
Several owners describe rough shifting or a harsh downshift when slowing to a stop, even after software updates. This can make the vehicle feel jerky and may indicate transmission wear over time. A buyer should test-drive at low speeds to check for these symptoms.
Some owners report a 'Low Steering Power' warning at startup, along with other electrical glitches. In one case, a wheel jerked unexpectedly while driving, which could be dangerous. These faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Complaints include a driver-side window cracking spontaneously and various unexplained issues. While not always safety-critical, these can be frustrating and costly to fix. They suggest occasional build-quality lapses.
“At approximately 6,000 miles we drove this vehicle from Chattanooga to Nashville and back. The interstate has one steep grade. On the decent home the vehicle was violently shaking. It felt as if the car might not be able to stop or something had been broken.…”
“Parking brake foot pedal on my GX460 has a very sharp edge on the metal piece on the back side of it. In disengaged position, it sits directly above the left footrest position. If I slight lift my left feet or stretch the foot on a drive, it hits the back sid…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some trucks shut off while driving, displaying 'Return to Neutral' messages. These failures can leave you stranded and are expensive to repair.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving uphill and transmission issues that cause loss of power. This can happen at low speeds, such as in parking garages, and may lead to accidents. A buyer should check for recall repairs and test-drive carefully.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shutdown while driving, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems. They are unpredictable and may recur even after repairs.
Owners report a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. In one case, the truck shut off entirely during low-speed maneuvering. Brake problems are especially dangerous and should be inspected immediately.
“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 GX — 6 recalls
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…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
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…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026. Owners m…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Lexus GX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus GX has far fewer issues per year (5.4 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints). In practice, this means a used GX is likely to need fewer repairs and have less downtime, while the Silverado carries a much higher risk of major mechanical and safety problems. However, even the GX can have brake and transmission quirks that should be checked.
Key differences
- The Lexus GX averages 5.4 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and loss of braking, which are rare in GX complaints.
- The GX has 6 recalls over 10 years; the Silverado has 101 recalls, including fuel pump and collision avoidance issues.
- GX complaints often involve brake shudder or transmission harshness, while Silverado complaints frequently involve catastrophic engine and power train failures.
- During a test drive, brake firmly from highway speeds to check for violent shaking or vibration, especially on a downhill grade.
- Check for a sharp edge on the parking brake pedal that could cut your foot, and test the electrical system for any warning lights like 'Low Steering Power'.
- Test drive at low speeds and uphill to see if the transmission suddenly shifts into neutral or if the engine shuts off.
- Check for any signs of brake problems, such as a firm pedal with poor stopping power, and ask for proof that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Silverado's fuel pump and collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, transmission, and electrical system for both vehicles, focusing on the specific complaints noted.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway braking to feel for shudder, harsh downshifts, or loss of power.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and ask about any engine or transmission repairs.
- For the GX, verify that the parking brake pedal has no sharp edges and that all electrical functions work without warning messages.
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 GX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 13 | 157 |
| 2024 | 19 | 527 |
| 2023 | 6 | 450 |
| 2022 | 7 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 3 | 961 |
| 2020 | 5 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 GX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus GX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus GX total complaints
- 54
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lexus GX total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lexus GX avg complaints/year
- 5.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lexus GX
- Lexus GX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE