Head-to-head reliability
Lotus Evora vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lotus Evora 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
Lotus Evora vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Evora has 12 complaints and 4 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Evora's issues often involve sudden engine shutdowns and suspension cracks; the Silverado's include engine stalls, brake failures, and electrical glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lotus Evora or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lotus Evora
The Lotus Evora is a low-volume sports car, so complaints are rare—just 12 over 10 years. But the pattern is serious: owners report sudden engine shutdowns, loss of power, and rear suspension cracks. These are not minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume truck with thousands of complaints each year. Owners report engine stalls, transmission failures, brake problems, and electrical glitches. The sheer number of issues means you're more likely to encounter a problem, but many are covered by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lotus Evora | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 12 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Lotus Evora
- 01ENGINE7
- 02SUSPENSION5
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05STEERING2
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, often linked to a wiring harness issue in automatic-transmission cars. This can cause a complete loss of power and require a tow.
The rear upper control arm (wishbone) can crack, causing a clunking noise and allowing the joint to slide under braking or acceleration. If ignored, it may lead to loss of control.
The same wiring harness fault can trigger a malfunction indicator light and send the car into limp mode, cutting engine power without warning.
Complaints describe the car shutting off when shifted into neutral, with brakes becoming hard and steering locking. This is a severe safety risk.
“IPS WIRING HARNESS ISSUE - VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD RANDOMLY LOSE COMPLETE POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. VEHICLE STUCK IN THIS LIMP MODE ARE UNABLE TO GO BACK INTO GEAR AND IS LOCKED OUT FROM DRIVING, THUS REQUIRE THE VEHICLE T…”
“I WAS COMING TO A STOP, APPLYING THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. THE BRAKES BECAME ROCK HARD I HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO SLOW THE CAR STEERING LOCKED AND I REAR ENDED THE CAR I FRONT OF ME AT 2-3 MPH. THE CAR WAS DAMAGED THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message. Diesel models also suffer from excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This can happen with very low mileage.
Electrical glitches can cause a sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Screens may go blank and the truck may shut off.
Owners report brake problems where the pedal feels firm but the truck doesn't stop normally, often accompanied by other electrical 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.
Lotus Evora — 4 recalls
The defect: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Evora vehicles. The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the vehicle, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requ…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant's knee contacts the rigid structure, there may be an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the toe board with a new design to provide the appropriate stiffness, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' num…
The defect: Lotus Cars is recalling certain model year 2013 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2012 through November 2012. These vehicles have been granted a temporary exemption from the requirement to conform to the latest passenger side advanced air bag requirements covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: An incorrect certification label may prevent the owner from determining recall applicability, potentially increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Lotus Cars will notify the owners instructing them to take their vehicle to a Lotus dealer. The federal compliance label will be replaced and an exemption label will be applied, free of charge. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may…
The defect: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Evora vehicles. The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the vehicle, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requ…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant's knee contacts the rigid structure, there may be an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the toe board with a new design to provide the appropriate stiffness, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' num…
The defect: Lotus Cars Limited (Lotus) is recalling certain 2018 Lotus Evora vehicles. Due to an assembly error, in the event of a frontal collision, the steering column may not properly collapse to absorb some of the impact energy.
The risk: If the steering column does not collapse as intended in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will correct the steering column assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2018. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 2018/01R.
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
Lotus Evora or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lotus Evora has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 822.7), but its failures are often sudden and severe. The Silverado's higher volume means more overall issues, but many are addressed by recalls. In practice, the Evora demands careful inspection for specific faults, while the Silverado requires vigilance for a wider range of problems.
Key differences
- The Evora has 12 complaints over 10 years; the Silverado has 8,227, but the Evora's issues often involve sudden power loss or suspension cracks.
- The Evora's top complaint areas are engine and suspension; the Silverado's are engine, power train, and electrical, with many brake complaints.
- The Evora has 4 recalls; the Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- The Evora has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries; the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Check for any history of engine shutdowns or limp mode, especially in automatic-transmission models—ask for service records related to the IPS wiring harness.
- Inspect the rear suspension for cracks or clunking noises, particularly the upper control arm and spherical joint.
- Test-drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden neutral engagement or engine shutdown.
- Verify that all recalls are completed, especially those for fuel pump control and forward collision warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed.
- For the Evora, have a Lotus specialist inspect the wiring harness and rear suspension.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, including infotainment and driver-assist features.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway driving to check for stalling or shifting issues.
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 | Lotus Evora | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 3 | 1154 |
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 Lotus Evora or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lotus Evora vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lotus Evora total complaints
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lotus Evora total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lotus Evora avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lotus Evora
- Lotus Evora top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE