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 5.8 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The IS has fewer reported engine and brake issues, but both have serious complaints. 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, based on NHTSA data, generates relatively few complaints—about 6 per year over a decade. The most common issues involve the fuel/propulsion system and engine, with owners describing misfires, reduced power, and sudden acceleration loss. There is also a notable structural complaint about a sticky, decomposing dashboard that can impair visibility. Overall, the IS appears to have a lower volume of reported problems, but some engine-related complaints are serious and may recur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that accumulates a very high number of complaints—over 800 per year—and has 101 recalls in the same period. Owners frequently report engine and power train failures, including sudden shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake issues. Electrical system complaints are also common, with symptoms like loss of braking and engine stalling. The sheer volume and variety of issues suggest a more problematic ownership experience.
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 | 58 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 IS
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- 02ENGINE12
- 03STRUCTURE10
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 05POWER TRAIN7
Owners of the Lexus IS report intermittent engine misfires, flashing check-engine lights, reduced engine power, and sudden loss of acceleration. These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate safely, and some owners say repairs by dealers have not permanently fixed the problem.
Similar to the fuel system complaints, engine-related reports describe misfires, engine shaking, and power loss. These issues often trigger warning lights and can require repeated diagnostic visits, which is frustrating and potentially dangerous if the car stalls or loses power in traffic.
A structural complaint on a 2025 Lexus IS-350 mentions health and safety issues that began within days of purchase, though details are limited. Another owner reported a decomposing dashboard that becomes sticky and reflects sunlight, obscuring the driver’s view—a safety concern that worsens over time.
Complaints in this category include a dashboard that decomposes and becomes reflective, and an incident where the car began to shake violently after a cold start, with the check-engine light coming on. These issues can affect visibility and indicate underlying engine problems.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Silverado owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a diesel engine that repeatedly clogged its particulate filter, requiring dealer service. Some complaints describe the engine shutting off while driving, which can cause loss of power steering and braking.
Power train complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another where the engine shut off and the truck would not accelerate. These failures can leave the driver unable to move the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle does not stop effectively. Another complaint describes the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like “Return to Neutral” and “Press Start” appearing on the display—a dangerous situation in traffic.
Brake-related complaints include a severe loss of braking ability shortly after dropping a child at school, and a parking-lot incident where the truck shut off completely, screens went blank, and acceleration was lost. These symptoms suggest potential failures in the braking or electrical systems that could lead to crashes.
“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 — 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 IS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus IS has far fewer complaints per year (about 6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), and fewer recalls (1 vs. 101). In practice, this means a used IS is likely to have fewer reported problems, but buyers should still watch for engine misfires and dashboard issues. The Silverado’s much higher complaint volume suggests a greater chance of encountering serious engine, transmission, or brake problems.
Key differences
- The Lexus IS averages about 6 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800 per year—a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- Lexus IS complaints often center on engine misfires and a sticky dashboard, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls in 10 years, compared to just 1 for the Lexus IS, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports and 160 injuries, while the Lexus IS has 1 crash-related report and 3 injuries, suggesting different levels of reported severity.
- During a test drive, listen for engine misfires or shaking, and check for a flashing check-engine light—these are common complaints on the Lexus IS.
- Inspect the dashboard for any sticky, decomposing, or highly reflective surface, especially on older models, as this can impair visibility in sunlight.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low and high speeds; some owners report a firm pedal with reduced braking effect, which could indicate a serious issue.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or transmission problems by driving in stop-and-go traffic and on inclines; complaints include sudden neutral shifts and engine shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially on the Silverado, which has many.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the Lexus IS, ask if the fuel pump recall was performed and whether there are any stored engine misfire codes.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical functions, including brakes and dashboard warnings, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the exact model year you are considering to see if common issues apply.
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 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 3 | 157 |
| 2024 | 3 | 527 |
| 2023 | 15 | 450 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 6 | 868 |
| 2019 | 2 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 3 | 597 |
| 2017 | 10 | 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 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
- 58
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lexus IS total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lexus IS avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lexus IS
- Lexus IS top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE