Head-to-head reliability
Lexus NX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus NX 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 NX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NX has 284 complaints over 10 years (28.4/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510.5/yr). NX issues are mostly electrical, while Silverado suffers from engine and powertrain failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus NX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX, a compact luxury SUV, shows a moderate complaint rate over the past decade, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report sudden cascading warning lights, loss of air conditioning, and perceived brake assist failure, which can be alarming. Structural complaints often mirror these electrical events, suggesting a systemic electronic problem. While not as numerous as some rivals, the nature of these failures raises concerns about electronic reliability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, with engine and powertrain issues leading the list. Owners describe serious failures like sudden loss of motive power, transmission neutral events, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical problems also contribute to brake and steering failures, making it a vehicle with significant reliability concerns, especially for those who depend on it for work or long trips.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus NX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 284 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 NX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM85
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 03STRUCTURE29
- 04SERVICE BRAKES21
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE21
Owners report all warning lights illuminating simultaneously, followed by loss of air conditioning and power brakes. This suggests a potential failure in the vehicle's central electronic control or power distribution, which can be disconcerting and potentially dangerous if braking assist is lost.
Structural complaints often accompany the electrical failures, with owners describing the same cascade of warning lights and loss of functions. This may indicate that the issue is not isolated to a single component but affects multiple systems, possibly due to a shared electrical architecture.
Brake-related complaints include a perceived loss of power braking during the electrical failures. Owners also express dissatisfaction with service experiences related to brake issues, suggesting that the problem may be persistent and difficult to resolve.
Some owners report issues like inadequate side mirror visibility for shorter drivers, which can be a safety concern. Others mention electromagnetic field concerns, though these are less common and more subjective.
“While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and th…”
“While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and th…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints are numerous, with owners reporting sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter clogging. These issues can lead to breakdowns and require frequent dealer visits, impacting reliability and owner satisfaction.
Transmission problems include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic. Owners also report loss of power, which may be related to engine or transmission control issues.
Electrical failures are linked to severe braking and steering loss, as described in complaints where the vehicle lost power and controls became inoperable. This suggests a critical electronic malfunction that can compromise vehicle control.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, indicating a potential failure in the brake assist or hydraulic system. 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 NX — 15 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 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h, 2024-2025 NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h vehicles. The head restraints on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadvertently removed without pressing the lock release button. As such, these vehicl…
The risk: A head restraint that is inadvertently removed and not reinstalled can increase the risk of injury during a rear-end crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat head rest assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 14, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are…
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 NX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus NX has far fewer complaints per year (28.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the NX's electrical problems can be alarming, while the Silverado's engine and powertrain failures are more frequent and potentially more severe. In practice, the NX may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but both have notable reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Lexus NX has a much lower complaint rate (28.4 per year) than the Silverado (510.5 per year), suggesting a more reliable vehicle overall.
- The NX's main issues are electrical, causing cascading warning lights and loss of functions, while the Silverado's top problems are engine and powertrain, leading to loss of power and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has a higher incidence of crash-related complaints (117 vs 34) and injuries (104 vs 26), indicating more severe safety-related failures.
- The NX's complaints often involve multiple systems simultaneously, hinting at a systemic electronic problem, whereas the Silverado's issues are more varied across engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Check for any history of electrical system failures, such as warning lights coming on unexpectedly or loss of power brakes. Ask for service records related to electrical repairs.
- Inspect the side mirrors for adequate adjustment range, especially if you are shorter, as some owners report visibility issues.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or frequent stalling. Ask about any repairs related to the engine or fuel system.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly. Also, check the brake system for any warning lights or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific model year.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system for the NX and the engine/transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to see if any warning lights or performance issues arise.
- Ask for all service records and verify that any previous complaints were addressed by a dealer.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the exact model year you are considering.
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 NX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 98 |
| 2025 | 34 | 150 |
| 2024 | 167 | 0 |
| 2023 | 29 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 34 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 NX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus NX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus NX total complaints
- 284
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus NX total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus NX avg complaints/year
- 28.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus NX
- Lexus NX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE