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 11 complaints over 8 years and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 104 injuries and 1 death, versus none for the UX. 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 small luxury SUV with very few owner complaints—only 11 over 8 years, averaging 1.4 per year. There are no recalls on record, and the complaints that do exist cluster around vehicle speed control, brakes, power train, and tires. Owners report issues like unintended acceleration or braking during parking, brake failure causing a crash, stalling, and tires chunking or peeling at low mileage. Overall, the data suggests a low-volume problem pattern, but some reported failures are serious and could affect safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 5,105 over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. It has 100 recalls and reports of 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe severe issues like engine failure, sudden loss of braking, transmission problems, and stalling, often on new vehicles with low mileage. This pattern indicates a much higher likelihood of encountering significant reliability and safety problems.
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 | 11 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.4 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 UX
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
- 02SERVICE BRAKES3
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04TIRES2
- 05VISIBILITY1
Owners report unintended acceleration or braking during low-speed maneuvers like parallel parking, sometimes resulting in a crash. One complaint describes a brake malfunction that caused a crash into a restaurant. These incidents are rare but potentially dangerous.
Complaints include brake malfunction leading to a crash and brake issues during parking. The sample text mentions a 2020 UX200 brake failure that caused an accident. Buyers should be aware that brake problems, while infrequent, have been reported.
Owners report stalling while driving or accelerating from a stop, often accompanied by a check engine light. One complaint describes a 2022 UX200 stalling at 30 MPH. This can leave a driver stranded or create a hazard.
Reports include front tires chunking or peeling at low mileage, with chunks falling off the tread. One owner noted tires with less than 2,000 miles peeling. This suggests possible premature tire wear that buyers should inspect.
“I am [XXX] old, have been driving since I was 16, and until this incident, have never been in an accident. On [XXX], I was parallel parking in my friend's quiet suburban neighborhood, as we do yoga together every Sunday morning. I reversed into the space. The…”
“This is a new vehicle. It had been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at 5000 miles, around 3 weeks prior to the date of this incident. While driving on the freeway, I got an alert that the check engine light came on and there was a “mal…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor losing power and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These issues can require dealer repairs and may leave the vehicle undrivable.
Complaints include a new Silverado suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, and transmission problems. Such failures can cause loss of motive power and increase crash risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal firm but braking ineffective, and a 2026 Silverado losing motive power, brakes, and steering at 70 MPH. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and brakes becoming inoperable at highway speed. These brake failures are alarming and have contributed to crashes and injuries.
“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 — 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 UX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer issues per year (1.4 vs. 510.5) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate and 100 recalls. In practice, a used UX buyer is less likely to face frequent repairs or safety recalls, but the Silverado's higher volume means many owners do drive them without incident. The difference means the UX is a lower-risk choice for those prioritizing reliability, while the Silverado demands more vigilance and maintenance.
Key differences
- The Lexus UX has 11 complaints over 8 years and 0 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls.
- Lexus UX complaints include brake failure causing a crash and stalling, but these are rare; Silverado complaints include engine failure, sudden brake loss, and electrical faults that disable steering and brakes.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death; the UX has 4 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths.
- Silverado recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, seat belt anchors, and brake fluid warning sensors, indicating a broader range of safety defects.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or braking issues, especially during parking—test low-speed maneuvers and ask if the brake or speed control system has been serviced.
- Inspect tires for chunking or peeling, particularly the front tires, and verify they are not original if the vehicle is a few years old with low mileage.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises (like pinging) and check for check engine lights; ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if it's a Duramax.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including firmness and stopping power, and ask if there have been any electrical problems affecting braking, steering, or power loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Silverado.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on brakes, engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the UX, test drive at low speeds and in parking situations to check for unintended acceleration or braking.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and check for loss of power, brake responsiveness, and any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any repairs related to the complaint areas listed.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 4 | 934 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
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
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 1.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE