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 averages about 30.5 complaints per year with 15 recalls, while the Silverado averages about 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado reports include engine shut-offs and brake loss; NX reports include electrical glitches. 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 is a compact luxury SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: about 30.5 complaints per year over 10 years, plus 15 recalls. Owners most often report electrical glitches, such as all warning lights coming on at once and loss of air conditioning or power brakes, and some structural annoyances like a misaligned fuel door. There are 38 crash-related complaints and 30 injuries reported, but no deaths in the data. Overall, the NX appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but electrical and brake issues still need attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: about 822.7 complaints per year over 10 years, along with 101 recalls. Owners frequently report serious engine and power train failures, including engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data. This suggests that Silverado owners experience more frequent and potentially severe issues than NX owners.
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 | 305 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 30 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 NX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM97
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER64
- 03STRUCTURE37
- 04SERVICE BRAKES21
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE21
Owners report all warning lights illuminating at once, loss of air conditioning, and power brake assist, and instances where the car will not start and locks occupants inside. These failures can leave a driver stranded or without normal braking assistance, so a pre-purchase electrical inspection is wise.
Complaints include a fuel door that does not open due to misalignment, sometimes after dealer repairs. This is a minor but persistent annoyance that can affect refueling and indicates fit-and-finish issues.
Some owners express disappointment with brake service or performance, though the sample text is less specific. Brake issues matter because they directly affect stopping ability, so check for brake pedal feel and any warning lights.
This system appears among top components, but the sample complaints do not detail specific failures. Buyers should verify that driver-assist features work and are not throwing error messages.
“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…”
“The electrical system failed. It operates just about all the systems including items that are normally operated manually. My wife entered the car and pressed the start button and the car would not start. The car locked my wife inside with no manual method for…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events on the 6.6L Duramax. These can cause dangerous loss of power and expensive repairs, so a thorough engine diagnostic is critical.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission problems, sometimes with very low mileage. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move, posing a safety risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems, so check for any stored codes or warning messages.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and complete shutdown of screens while driving. Brake failures are among the most dangerous, so test brakes carefully and look for related recalls.
“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 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480…
The risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall…
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 NX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus NX has far fewer issues per year (about 30.5 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 822.7 complaints). In practice, this means NX owners report fewer problems overall, while Silverado owners face a much higher likelihood of engine, power train, and brake complaints that can be severe. However, both vehicles have recalls and safety-related complaints, so neither is problem-free.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 27 times more complaints per year than the NX (822.7 vs 30.5), with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Silverado owners report dangerous engine shut-offs and sudden loss of braking, while NX owners more often report electrical glitches and minor structural annoyances.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 15 for the NX, and 3 deaths versus 0 in the data, indicating more severe safety-related reports.
- NX complaints include fuel door misalignment and warning-light cascades, whereas Silverado complaints include transmission going into neutral and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Check for any history of all warning lights coming on simultaneously, loss of air conditioning, or power brake assist, as these are reported electrical failures.
- Inspect the fuel door for misalignment or difficulty opening, a reported structural issue that may require dealer repair.
- Look for any signs of engine shutting off while driving or messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start', which owners report as dangerous electrical/engine faults.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for sudden loss of braking effectiveness, and check for diesel particulate filter soot accumulation if considering a Duramax diesel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Silverado's fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored error codes and check the electrical system, brakes, and transmission, focusing on the specific complaint areas for each model.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway driving and braking, to feel for any hesitation, warning lights, or unusual noises.
- For the Silverado, verify engine and transmission operation, and for the NX, check all electrical accessories and the fuel door operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the reported complaint patterns.
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 | 5 | 120 |
| 2025 | 36 | 157 |
| 2024 | 183 | 527 |
| 2023 | 31 | 450 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 34 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 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
- 305
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lexus NX total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lexus NX avg complaints/year
- 30.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lexus NX
- Lexus NX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE