Head-to-head reliability
Lexus UX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lexus UX 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 UX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The UX has 20 complaints over 8 years (2.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. UX issues center on brakes and speed control; Silverado on engine, power train, and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus UX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a compact luxury SUV with a very low complaint rate: 20 complaints over 8 years, averaging 2.5 per year, and no recalls on record. Owners report brake failures that can lead to crashes, unintended acceleration or speed control issues, and occasional electrical and power train problems. For a used buyer, this suggests a generally low-drama ownership experience, but the brake complaints are serious and should be checked carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year, plus 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. For a used buyer, this points to a much higher likelihood of encountering significant repairs and safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus UX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 UX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES6
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05STRUCTURE3
Owners of 2019 and 2020 UX models report brakes failing without warning, sometimes causing collisions. One owner said the brakes failed after a car wash and another reported a crash into a restaurant. This is a critical safety concern for any buyer.
Complaints include unintended acceleration or speed control malfunctions, such as during parallel parking or while driving on the freeway. These incidents can lead to loss of control and crashes, so buyers should test the throttle response carefully.
Electrical issues appear in complaints about brake malfunction and door lock failures, with one owner noting doors were closed but no warnings appeared before driving. Such problems can affect safety systems and convenience features.
Some owners report stalling while driving or accelerating, with the check engine light illuminating. A 2022 UX200 stalled at 30 mph, indicating potential transmission or engine management faults that could leave a driver stranded.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My Lexus 2020 UX200's brake malfunctioned and caused a crash accident into a restaurant on February 29th. It was inspected by Lexus Liability and an independent…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS UX250 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON EXITING A CAR WASH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE UPON DEPRESSION WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include a new Silverado suddenly going into neutral in a parking garage and a 6.2L model stalling during a family trip. Such failures can leave drivers unable to move the vehicle, posing a safety risk.
Owners report sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, engine shutdown while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start', and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions unexpectedly.
Brake complaints include a severe loss of normal braking shortly after dropping a child at school and a truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. These incidents highlight potential brake and electrical integration failures that could lead to crashes.
“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 UX
No recalls on record.
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 UX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer issues per year (2.5 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate and 101 recalls. In practice, a used UX buyer is less likely to face frequent repairs, but the brake complaints are still serious. The Silverado's volume of engine, power train, and electrical problems means a buyer should expect more time in the shop.
Key differences
- The Lexus UX has 20 complaints over 8 years and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years and 101 recalls.
- Lexus UX owners most often report brake failures and unintended acceleration, whereas Silverado owners report engine stalling, transmission problems, and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported in complaints, compared to 1 injury and 0 deaths for the Lexus UX.
- Silverado complaints include new vehicles with under 300 miles going into neutral or shutting off, suggesting potential early-life failures.
- During a test drive, check for any warning lights related to brakes or stability control, and test braking from various speeds, including after a car wash if possible.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation during acceleration, and ask if the check engine light has ever illuminated, as some owners reported stalling.
- Ask for a complete repair history, especially for engine and transmission work, and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Test drive at low speeds in a parking lot and on the highway, paying attention to any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping, or unusual brake pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on brakes, electrical systems, and transmission for both models.
- For the Lexus UX, specifically test the brakes after a car wash and check for any unintended acceleration during parking maneuvers.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and verify that the diesel particulate filter (if equipped) has been serviced.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and confirm that recommended services, such as oil changes and brake fluid flushes, have been performed.
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 UX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
| 2020 | 4 | 868 |
| 2019 | 6 | 2003 |
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 UX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus UX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lexus UX total complaints
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE