Head-to-head reliability
Lexus LS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus LS 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 LS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lexus LS averages 1.8 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. The LS has 11 recalls versus 101 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus LS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of just 1.8 complaints per year over the past decade, suggesting a relatively trouble-free ownership experience for most. However, the complaints that do surface often involve advanced driver aids, such as a collision avoidance system that can blow a fuse and stop working without warning, or seat issues like a non-retracting seat belt. Recalls cover air bag sensors, instrument clusters, and tire sidewalls, but there are zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths reported. Overall, the LS appears to be a vehicle where problems are infrequent but can be safety-relevant when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a staggering 822.7 complaints per year on average, reflecting widespread owner frustration. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some defects have serious consequences. Recalls address fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings, but the volume of complaints suggests ongoing reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus LS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 18 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 LS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 02WHEELS4
- 03SEATS3
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report issues after recall repairs, such as a collision avoidance system that blows fuses and stops working while the dashboard light still shows it as active. This means a buyer could unknowingly drive without a key safety feature.
Complaints include dissatisfaction with recall fixes for wheel-related defects, with owners feeling that dealers and Lexus ignored dangers. This suggests that some wheel problems may not be fully resolved even after recall work.
Owners describe seat defects like a passenger seat belt that fails to tighten or retract, and driver seat lumps that cause leg numbness. These issues affect comfort and safety, especially if the seat belt does not secure the occupant properly.
Reports include premature battery failure at low mileage, leaving the car unable to start without warning, and a pre-collision system that released the hood in a crash. Such electrical faults can strand a driver or compromise safety systems.
“APEAL AGAINST THE RECALL DONE BY LEXUS TOYOTA ON MAY 16TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR LEXUS 2018 LS 500 TO THE DEALER, LEXUS OF WOODLAND HILLS, WHERE I BOUGHT IT, FOR BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY. (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V-134) AFTER RECALL DEFECTS WERE FIXED, I DROVE…”
“THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CE…”
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 that failed shortly after purchase and a diesel particulate filter that clogged repeatedly at low mileage. These issues can lead to costly repairs and leave a driver stranded.
Complaints include a vehicle that suddenly shifted into neutral while driving uphill and a transmission that failed with less than 300 miles. Such failures can cause loss of power and create dangerous situations in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance and engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and increase crash risk.
Reports include a brake pedal that remained firm but braking effectiveness was severely reduced, and a truck that shut off completely in a parking lot. Brake problems are especially alarming because they directly affect the ability to stop.
“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 LS — 11 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classif…
The risk: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
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 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread l…
The risk: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.
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 LS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus LS has far fewer issues per year (1.8 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Silverado has hundreds of crash-related complaints and some fatalities. In practice, this means a used LS is likely to spend less time in the shop and pose fewer safety risks, whereas a used Silverado may require more frequent repairs and carries a higher chance of serious incidents.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Lexus LS averages 1.8 per year; Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Safety outcomes: Lexus LS has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths; Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Common failure types: LS complaints center on driver aids, seats, and electrical glitches; Silverado complaints focus on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical shutdowns.
- Recall scope: LS has 11 recalls over 10 years; Silverado has 101 recalls, covering fuel pumps, tire pressure monitors, and collision warnings.
- Test the collision avoidance system and check for blown fuses, as owners report it can stop working without a dashboard warning.
- Inspect the front passenger seat belt for proper retraction and tightening, and check driver seat for lumps that could cause discomfort.
- Listen for engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on Duramax models, as clogging has been reported at low mileage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and ask about any history of sudden brake loss or engine shutdowns, which owners have experienced while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Lexus LS air bag sensors and the Silverado fuel pump.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and parking maneuvers to check for transmission hesitation, brake response, and electrical glitches.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Lexus LS for seat belt operation and collision system functionality, and the Silverado for engine codes, transmission behavior, and brake condition.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and check for signs of repeated regens or soot buildup.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if the patterns described here apply to that year.
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 LS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 1 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 5 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 1 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 10 | 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 LS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus LS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus LS total complaints
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lexus LS total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lexus LS avg complaints/year
- 1.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lexus LS
- Lexus LS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE