Head-to-head reliability
Lexus TX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus TX 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 TX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lexus TX averages 57 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Silverado has more reports of engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus TX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus TX
The Lexus TX is a newer three-row luxury SUV with only three years of complaint history, averaging 57 complaints per year. Owners report issues with air bags, electrical systems, and engine performance, often at low mileage. The complaint pattern suggests a vehicle that is generally reliable but has some recurring electronic and powertrain quirks. With 12 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, it's important to check for open recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long history and a much higher complaint volume, averaging 510.5 complaints per year over ten years. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, with many reports of sudden power loss, transmission issues, and brake failures. The high number of recalls (100) and crash-related complaints (117) indicates a need for thorough inspection and recall verification.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus TX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 171 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 TX
- 01AIR BAGS52
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER46
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 04ENGINE16
- 05POWER TRAIN14
Owners report an intermittent crackling noise from the SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring) behind the steering wheel, which could affect air bag deployment. This is a safety concern that should be addressed promptly.
Complaints include failure of the electronic throttle control, vehicle speed control, and powertrain/transmission control system, leading to a loss of acceleration even when the pedal is pressed. This can leave drivers unable to accelerate safely.
Some owners report that the AC condenser can be damaged by road debris, causing sudden AC failure. Others mention the engine not activating from electric mode when accelerating, resulting in no power.
While fewer complaints, some owners experience transmission control issues that may cause the vehicle to not accelerate properly. This is part of the electronic throttle control failures reported.
“The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring i…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave the vehicle stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic. Transmission control failures are also noted.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective braking, as well as loss of steering and brakes at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures.
Owners describe a severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle will not stop as expected. This is often accompanied by other electrical system failures.
“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 TX — 12 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 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
The risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 23, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service a…
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 TX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus TX has far fewer complaints per year (57) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its larger sales and longer production. In practice, a used Lexus TX may require less frequent attention for major failures, but both vehicles have safety-related complaints that warrant careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Lexus TX has 171 complaints over 3 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints frequently involve severe engine and powertrain failures leading to loss of power, whereas Lexus TX complaints are more often about electronic throttle and air bag issues.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, compared to 12 recalls and 9 crash-related for the Lexus TX, indicating more safety-related actions for the Silverado.
- Lexus TX owners report AC condenser damage from road debris, while Silverado owners report diesel particulate filter soot accumulation and brake failures.
- Listen for an intermittent crackling noise from the steering column, which may indicate a failing clock spring in the air bag system.
- Test acceleration from a stop and during driving to ensure the electronic throttle responds properly and the engine activates from electric mode without hesitation.
- Check for any history of sudden loss of power, transmission slipping, or going into neutral, especially at low speeds or during acceleration.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and effectiveness, and look for any warning lights related to brake fluid or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been performed, especially for air bags, brakes, and powertrain software.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Request a complete vehicle history report to check for previous accidents, repairs, or lemon law buybacks.
- For the Lexus TX, test the air conditioning system and inspect the condenser for damage from road debris.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter maintenance records if equipped with a diesel engine, and test drive at highway speeds to detect power loss.
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 TX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 98 |
| 2025 | 32 | 150 |
| 2024 | 127 | 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 TX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus TX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus TX total complaints
- 171
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus TX total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus TX avg complaints/year
- 57.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus TX
- Lexus TX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE