Head-to-head reliability
Lexus RX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus RX 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 RX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RX averages 61.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. RX owners report sudden unintended acceleration and electrical drains; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. Both have recalls, but the RX has fewer. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus RX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover that, in owner reports, shows a troubling pattern of sudden unintended acceleration and loss of power, often linked to the air bag system or unknown causes. Electrical issues, including parasitic battery drain and transmission harshness, also appear. While the total complaint count is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of these reports—especially those involving loss of control—raises serious safety concerns for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, dominated by engine and powertrain failures. Owners report catastrophic engine failures, transmission issues, and sudden loss of braking or power, often at highway speeds. The high frequency of these reports, along with numerous recalls, paints a picture of a vehicle that may be less reliable in daily use, especially for those who depend on it for work or family transport.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus RX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 617 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 73 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 61.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 65 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 RX
- 01AIR BAGS260
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER105
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM75
- 04ENGINE51
- 05STRUCTURE35
Owners report unintended acceleration events that lead to crashes, with air bags deploying or failing to deploy as expected. Some also note missing seat belt warnings for rear passengers, which could increase injury risk in a crash.
Sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes after pressing a button, and uncontrollable acceleration with brake failure are described. These incidents often occur at low speeds but can happen on highways, posing a serious safety hazard.
Parasitic 12V battery drain leaves the vehicle dead, and transmission harshness is reported, which can cause unexpected jerking or near-rear-endings. These issues may stem from software or battery management problems.
Engine hesitation or stutter when pulling into traffic is a common complaint, which could lead to accidents if the driver misjudges gaps. This is especially concerning in a vehicle that should provide smooth acceleration.
“The contact owns a 2025 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a high rate of speed before crashing into the brick wall of an office building. Dur…”
“The car does not alert when a seat belt is not worn in the back seats. This feature is mentioned in the owner's manual, but the car fails to alert when a rear passenger does not buckle their seat belt. I have raised the complaint twice and proved to lexus ser…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Catastrophic engine failures, such as the 6.2L motor failing at low mileage, and diesel particulate filter clogging in Duramax engines are reported. These can leave owners stranded, especially on long trips.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of power and control. Owners also report hard shifting and hesitation, affecting drivability and safety.
Sudden loss of braking and steering, accompanied by loud pinging from the engine, is described. This suggests a possible electrical or sensor failure that disables critical systems, leading to a dangerous situation.
Severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal is reported, which can prevent the driver from stopping in time. This is a critical safety issue that may be linked to brake system sensors or hydraulic problems.
“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 RX — 16 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 2023-2024 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…
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 RX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus RX has far fewer complaints per year (61.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the RX's complaints often involve sudden unintended acceleration, which is a severe safety concern. The Silverado's higher volume suggests more widespread reliability problems, but the RX's specific issues may be more alarming for a buyer.
Key differences
- The Lexus RX has a much lower complaint rate (61.7/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but its complaints often involve sudden unintended acceleration, which is a critical safety issue.
- The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, including catastrophic engine failure and transmission problems, while the RX's top issues are air bag-related and electrical, with some engine hesitation.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100) than the RX (16), indicating a higher number of factory-identified defects.
- The RX's complaints include parasitic battery drain and missing rear seat belt warnings, while the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking and steering, which are more immediately dangerous.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or power loss, and ensure all recalls are performed, especially those related to air bags and electrical systems.
- Inspect the 12V battery and charging system for signs of parasitic drain, and test the transmission for harsh shifting during a test drive.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises or warning lights, and verify that all engine-related recalls have been addressed.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages about brake fluid or system failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions similar to your daily driving, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask for service records and look for repeated visits for the same issue, which may indicate an unresolved problem.
- Check online owner forums for common issues with the specific 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 RX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 98 |
| 2025 | 22 | 150 |
| 2024 | 57 | 0 |
| 2023 | 65 | 0 |
| 2022 | 40 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 277 | 934 |
| 2020 | 151 | 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 RX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus RX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus RX total complaints
- 617
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus RX total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus RX avg complaints/year
- 61.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus RX
- Lexus RX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE