Head-to-head reliability
Lexus RC vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus RC 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 RC vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RC has 9 complaints and 7 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls. The RC averages 0.9 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado. The RC's main issue is a fuel pump defect; the Silverado reports engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus RC or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is a low-volume luxury coupe with very few complaints over a decade, averaging less than one per year. The main pattern is a fuel pump defect that can leave the car undriveable for months while waiting for parts, plus scattered reports of shattered sunroof glass and distorted side windows. Brake squeaks and a tire mix-up show up, but overall the RC's complaint count is tiny compared to mainstream trucks. For a buyer, this means fewer reported problems, but the fuel pump issue can be a serious inconvenience if it hits.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with thousands of complaints over ten years, averaging over 500 per year. Owners report major engine and transmission failures, electrical glitches that can disable brakes or steering, and brake problems that reduce stopping power. The high number of crash-related complaints and injuries suggests some issues have real safety consequences. For a buyer, this means a much higher chance of encountering a serious repair, especially on newer models with low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus RC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 RC
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER2
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1
- 05WHEELS1
Owners report the fuel pump failing, which can cause the car to stall or not start. One owner had their car towed, then waited nearly four months for a recall fix because parts were unavailable. This is the most common complaint area for the RC.
Some drivers complain of severe optical distortion in the side window glass, with a foggy or grid-like pattern that impairs visibility, especially at night. Another owner reported the sunroof shattering without any impact. These issues can affect safety and are expensive to fix.
At least one owner reported brake pads squeaking as if worn, but the dealer said the brakes were fine and pointed to a service bulletin. The squeak can be annoying and may indicate a known issue with pad material.
One complaint involved a certified pre-owned RC sold with the wrong size front tires, which led to a rejected service visit and eventually repossession. This highlights the importance of checking tire sizes and certification details before buying.
“On March 26, 2026 my vehicle was towed to dealership and diagnosed with a bad fuel pump. On April 8 it was recalled for this pump. It has been sitting at the dealership since then, almost 4 months, with Lexus claiming they do not know when they can fix it due…”
“On March 26, 2026 my vehicle was towed to dealership and diagnosed with a bad fuel pump. On April 8 it was recalled for this pump. It has been sitting at the dealership since then, almost 4 months, with Lexus claiming they do not know when they can fix it due…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report serious engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a diesel engine with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking garages. This loss of power can be dangerous and points to potential transmission or software defects.
Drivers describe sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm pedal but poor stopping, and instances where the engine lost power and the steering and brakes became inoperable. These electrical faults can create life-threatening situations.
Brake complaints mirror the electrical issues, with reports of reduced braking effectiveness and warning messages. Some owners experienced brake failure that required immediate attention, making this a critical area to check.
“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 RC — 7 recalls
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…
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…
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…
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 — 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 RC or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus RC has far fewer issues per year (0.9 vs. 510.5), meaning you are much less likely to face frequent repairs. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate translates to a greater chance of serious engine, transmission, or brake problems that could be costly and dangerous. The RC's main risk is a fuel pump defect that can cause long waits for parts, but it is less widespread.
Key differences
- The Lexus RC averages 0.9 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado owners report engine and power train failures that can cause loss of power, whereas RC complaints center on a fuel pump defect that mainly causes no-start or stall.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the RC has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries, suggesting different safety risk profiles.
- Both have brake complaints, but Silverado reports include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, while RC reports are limited to squeaky pads.
- Check for the fuel pump recall and confirm it was replaced; if not, the car may stall or not start, and parts may be backordered.
- Inspect the side window glass for distortion or haze, and test the sunroof for any cracks or signs of shattering.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on diesel models, as these can indicate costly engine issues.
- Test the brakes at low speed and look for any warning messages about brake fluid or reduced braking; some owners reported sudden loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- For the Lexus RC, ask for proof the fuel pump recall was completed and test the sunroof and windows for cracks or distortion.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, have a mechanic scan for engine and transmission codes, and check for any history of brake or electrical repairs.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation or brake problems.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic who specializes in that brand, focusing on the complaint areas listed above.
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 RC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 1 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 RC or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus RC vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus RC total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus RC total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus RC avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus RC
- Lexus RC top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE