Head-to-head reliability
Lexus HS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus HS 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 HS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The HS has 0 complaints over 3 years and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports. The Silverado also shows 104 injuries and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus HS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus HS
The Lexus HS is a hybrid sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has no owner complaints filed over three years. It has three recalls covering brakes and fuel storage, but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. For a used-car buyer, this suggests a very low reported failure rate, though the absence of complaints means there is little owner feedback to learn from.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of owner complaints—over 5,100 in ten years—and 100 recalls. Reported problems cluster around the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with some complaints describing sudden loss of braking or power. The data shows 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and one death, indicating that some issues may have serious consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus HS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 HS
No component data available.
Recalls exist for service brakes and antilock brake control modules, but no owner complaints describe actual brake failures. Buyers should still verify that recall work was completed, as brake issues can be safety-critical.
A recall covers fuel storage, which could involve leaks or improper fuel delivery. Without complaint text, the exact symptom is unknown, but any fuel smell or leak should be investigated immediately.
This recall points to a potential problem with the antilock brake control module. A malfunction could affect braking performance, so confirming the recall remedy was applied is important.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems such as rough running, loss of power, and excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter. Some complaints describe the engine losing motive power while driving, which can be dangerous.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission issues that cause a loss of drive. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or maintain speed, especially in traffic.
Owners report severe loss of normal braking and inoperable brakes and steering, sometimes accompanied by loud pinging from the engine. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, meaning the vehicle may not stop as expected. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 HS — 3 recalls
The defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake…
The risk: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 HS250h LEXUS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BY INSTALLING A NEWLY DESIGNED PROTECTOR COMPONENT FOR THE FUEL FILLER INLET PIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS A…
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A…
The risk: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3…
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 HS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus HS has far fewer issues per year—0 complaints annually versus about 510 for the Silverado. In practice, this means a used HS buyer is much less likely to encounter reported safety defects, while a Silverado buyer should be prepared for more frequent repairs and potential safety risks.
Key differences
- The Lexus HS has zero owner complaints over three years, while the Silverado has over 5,100 complaints over ten years, including 117 crash-related and 104 injuries.
- Silverado owners report serious issues like sudden loss of braking, engine power loss, and transmission slipping into neutral; the HS has no such complaint text on record.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls covering brakes, steering, seat belts, and tailgate latches; the HS has only 3 recalls for brakes and fuel storage.
- The HS has no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in its data; the Silverado has 1 death and over 100 injuries linked to complaints.
- Check for any outstanding recalls on the brake system and fuel storage, and confirm they were repaired by a Lexus dealer.
- Inspect the antilock brake control module for proper function, as a recall exists for this part.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for loud pinging from the engine, which owners link to loss of power and brake/steering failure.
- Check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds or in parking garages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system, including a scan for stored fault codes.
- For the Lexus HS, verify the brake and fuel system recalls were addressed and check for any unusual brake pedal feel.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway merging and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and look for signs of repeated repairs in the same areas reported by other owners.
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 HS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus HS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus HS total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus HS total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus HS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus HS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE