Head-to-head reliability
Lexus LC vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus LC 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 LC vs Chevrolet Silverado: The LC averages 1.1 complaints per year over 9 years, with no crash-related incidents, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year and has 117 crash-related complaints. The LC's main issue is door handle water intrusion, whereas the Silverado faces serious engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus LC or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus LC
The Lexus LC is a low-volume luxury coupe or convertible that, in ownership terms, shows a very low complaint rate—about one per year over nine years. The few complaints that exist cluster around a single structural issue: door handles and actuators that can fail when water gets in, which owners describe as potentially dangerous. There are also isolated reports of a fuel/propulsion stumble and a radiator vulnerability from road debris. Overall, the LC appears to be a relatively trouble-free vehicle in daily use, but the door-handle issue is worth checking on any example.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 500 per year—and a wide range of reported problems. Owners frequently report engine issues, including fuel system and diesel particulate filter problems, as well as transmission and drivetrain failures that can cause sudden loss of power. Electrical system complaints include severe braking loss and loss of motive power, and brake system issues are also common. With over 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, the Silverado shows a pattern of more serious and varied reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus LC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 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 LC
- 01STRUCTURE5
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 04ENGINE1
Owners report that door handles and actuators can fail when water enters, potentially leaving occupants unable to open doors from inside or outside. This is described as a known issue across multiple model years, and it could be a safety concern in an emergency.
Several complaints are duplicates of the same door-handle issue, indicating that this problem is the most prominent for the LC. It's not clear if there are other distinct issues, but the pattern suggests a focused manufacturing or design flaw.
One owner reported the car shuddering and almost stalling while pulling out of a gas station, which could indicate a fuel delivery or engine management issue. This is an isolated report but could point to intermittent drivability problems.
A rock penetrated the large grille and damaged the radiator, causing overheating on a busy highway. This suggests that the front-end design may leave the cooling system vulnerable to debris, which could lead to expensive repairs and potential breakdowns.
“GOOD DAY GENTLEMEN: THIS REPORT IS CONCERNING A KNOWN, ONGOING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH LEXUS LC500 CARS FROM 2018 UP TO AND INCLUDING 2025 COUPES AND CONVERTIBLES. THE PROBLEM CONCERNS THE DOOR HANDLES/ACTUATORS. APPARENTLY WATER SEEMS TO BE TH…”
“GOOD DAY GENTLEMEN: THIS REPORT IS CONCERNING A KNOWN, ONGOING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH LEXUS LC500 CARS FROM 2018 UP TO AND INCLUDING 2025 COUPES AND CONVERTIBLES. THE PROBLEM CONCERNS THE DOOR HANDLES/ACTUATORS. APPARENTLY WATER SEEMS TO BE TH…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report serious engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing with low mileage, causing a family to be stranded far from home. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events, requiring dealer service. These problems can lead to loss of power and costly repairs.
Transmission and drivetrain complaints include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines. Other reports mention loss of motive power, sometimes accompanied by brake and steering failure, indicating a broader drivetrain control issue.
Electrical problems are linked to severe braking loss—the brake pedal stays firm but braking effectiveness drops—and to complete loss of power, brakes, and steering at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures that could lead to crashes.
Brake-related complaints mirror the electrical issues, with sudden loss of normal braking. This is a direct safety concern, as owners report difficulty stopping at stop signs and in traffic.
“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 LC — 3 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 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 LC or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus LC has far fewer complaints per year (1.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported problems. In practice, the LC's issues are mostly limited to a door-handle defect, while the Silverado shows a wide range of serious engine, transmission, and brake failures that could affect safety and reliability. For a buyer prioritizing trouble-free ownership, the LC is the clear choice based on this data.
Key differences
- The LC has a single dominant issue: water intrusion into door handles/actuators, while the Silverado has multiple high-frequency problems across engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering at highway speeds, which are severe safety concerns; LC owners do not report such catastrophic failures.
- The Silverado has over 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, whereas the LC has only 3 recalls and no crash-related complaints.
- The LC's radiator is vulnerable to debris through the grille, a design flaw, but the Silverado's engine and drivetrain failures are more common and can leave owners stranded.
- Inspect the door handles and actuators for any signs of water damage or intermittent operation; ask if the dealer has addressed the known water intrusion issue.
- Check the front grille and radiator for any damage or debris impact, and consider whether a protective mesh or guard is installed.
- Ask for service records related to engine issues, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax diesel, and check for any pending recalls or software updates.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and be alert for any warning lights or unusual behavior that could indicate electrical or brake system problems.
Before you buy
- For the LC: have a mechanic inspect the door handles and actuators, and verify that any recall work has been performed.
- For the Silverado: check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls are completed, especially those related to brakes and tailgate latch.
- For the Silverado: request a diagnostic scan for any stored trouble codes, particularly for the engine and transmission.
- For both: take a thorough test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers to feel for any hesitation, shuddering, or brake issues.
- For both: review the vehicle's service history for any repeat repairs or major component replacements.
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 LC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 2 | 591 |
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 LC or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus LC vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus LC total complaints
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus LC total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus LC avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus LC
- Lexus LC top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE