Head-to-head reliability
Lexus IS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus IS 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 IS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lexus IS averages 2 complaints per year over 10 years, with 1 recall, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year and has 100 recalls. The Lexus's main issue is engine misfires, while the Silverado faces serious engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus IS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, has a relatively low complaint rate, averaging just 2 per year over the past decade. The complaints that do exist center on a recurring engine misfire issue that can cause power loss and shaking, along with a few reports of steering stiffness and a sticky dashboard. While not widespread, these issues suggest that some IS models may require repeated dealer visits to resolve, which could be a concern for a used-car buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, indicating a significantly higher rate of reported problems. Owners frequently report serious engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission issues, as well as electrical problems that can affect braking and steering. The high number of recalls and crash-related complaints underscores that these are not just minor annoyances but can be safety-relevant.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus IS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.0 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 IS
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03ENGINE5
- 04STEERING3
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
Owners report intermittent engine misfires, flashing check-engine lights, reduced power, and sudden loss of acceleration, often requiring multiple repair attempts. This can be dangerous in traffic and suggests a persistent issue with the fuel or ignition system.
The same misfire events are often categorized under engine, with noticeable shaking and loss of power. These symptoms point to a possible defect in the engine's combustion process, which may not be fully resolved by standard repairs.
A few owners describe the steering feeling sticky or locking up on the highway, making lane changes difficult and requiring a sharp correction to break free. This could be a safety concern if it occurs at speed.
Some complaints mention a dashboard that decomposes and becomes sticky, reflecting sunlight and reducing visibility. While not mechanical, this can be a distraction and a sign of material quality issues.
“I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven…”
“This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealer…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The most common issue, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, loud pinging sounds, and in some cases complete engine failure. Diesel models also show frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are frequent, including sudden shifts into neutral and loss of drive, which can leave you stranded or cause unexpected movement. This is a major reliability concern for a work truck.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering assist, as reported by owners. These are critical safety systems, and their failure is alarming and potentially dangerous.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This suggests a possible issue with the brake system's electronic controls or sensors, which is a serious safety risk.
“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 IS — 1 recall
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's cust…
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 IS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus IS has far fewer complaints per year (2.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the Lexus is likely to be more reliable and less likely to require major repairs, while the Silverado has a higher risk of serious mechanical and safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The Lexus IS has a recurring engine misfire issue that can cause power loss, but it's relatively rare (8 fuel/propulsion complaints).
- The Silverado has widespread engine and powertrain failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission issues, with over 1,600 engine complaints.
- Electrical problems in the Silverado can affect braking and steering, a critical safety concern, while the Lexus's electrical complaints are minimal.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to just 1 for the Lexus, indicating a much higher rate of safety-related defects.
- Check for any history of engine misfire repairs or recurring check-engine lights, as this is the most common issue.
- Test the steering at highway speeds for any stickiness or difficulty in turning, which could indicate a steering problem.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission trouble, such as unusual noises, hesitation, or a history of major repairs.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly and ask about any electrical issues, as failures here can lead to loss of braking or steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Lexus, ask if the engine misfire issue has been resolved and if any software updates were applied.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes, and check for any pending codes.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for any steering or power issues.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, especially for the Silverado.
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 IS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 3 | 591 |
| 2017 | 9 | 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 IS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus IS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus IS total complaints
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus IS total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus IS avg complaints/year
- 2.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus IS
- Lexus IS top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE