Head-to-head reliability
Lucid AIR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lucid AIR 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
Lucid AIR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lucid AIR averages 16.4 complaints per year with 47 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported power loss and brake issues, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lucid AIR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lucid AIR
The Lucid AIR is an electric luxury sedan with a relatively short 5-year complaint history. Owners report sudden power loss and drive system faults that can leave the car crawling or stranded, often with little warning. Electrical and power train issues dominate, and while total complaints are low, the severity of some incidents—like losing power at highway speed—makes them noteworthy. Recalls cover drive shaft, software, and propulsion system problems, suggesting ongoing refinement.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive 10-year complaint record, averaging over 800 complaints per year. Engine and power train problems are the most common, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls indicates a wide range of potential issues, though many may be isolated. For a used buyer, this means careful inspection and service history are critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lucid AIR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 82 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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.
Lucid AIR
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 05SERVICE BRAKES10
Owners describe total power loss while driving, with dashboard warnings like 'System Failure' and immediate deceleration. Another report notes the car losing all forward motion except a weak crawl. These failures can strand drivers and create dangerous situations on highways.
Complaints include sudden loss of power and 'Drive System Fault' messages that prevent acceleration. One owner reported the car would not accelerate after a fault, though steering remained functional. Such issues can leave the vehicle undrivable and require dealer service.
Reports mention unintended acceleration or braking in situations like Auto-Hold mode, and one owner suspected a malfunction contributed to a parking garage accident. These advanced driver aids may not always behave as expected, potentially increasing crash risk.
While fewer complaints, brake issues are listed among top components. Owners may experience reduced braking performance, though specific details are limited in the sample. Brake problems are always safety-critical and should be inspected.
“2022 Lucid Air suffered a total loss of power without any warning at approximately 10 PM on July 29, 2023, while driving 65+ mph on the Jersey Turnpike. The car’s dashboard suddenly flashed “System Failure” and immediately started to decelerate. I had approxi…”
“Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Car lost all ability to move forward except for a very weak crawl of 1 or 2 miles per hour. The car is with the manufacturer at this point. Q: How was you…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can cause loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. One owner reported the vehicle went into neutral in a parking garage, and another had a drive system fault. Such failures can leave the truck immobile and pose safety risks.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving with dashboard warnings. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine control, leading to dangerous situations.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. Another report notes the truck shut off completely while barely applying throttle, resulting in no acceleration. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns.
“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.
Lucid AIR — 47 recalls
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Air vehicles equipped with Pure Rear-Wheel Drive. Improperly secured bolts may allow the half-shaft to disconnect from the drive unit.
The risk: A disconnected half shaft can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid will remove, inspect, and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-25-03-0.
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Air vehicles operating a software version prior to 2.8.0. The lower console display may fail to show a rearview camera image or may show a delayed, inaccurate image of what is behind the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: A rearview image that does not appear or fails to accurately depict behind the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-25-04-0. The information in…
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Air Pure rear wheel drive vehicles. The rear subframe wiring harness may be too short, straining the electrical connection and causing power loss to the rear drive unit (RDU).
The risk: A loss of power to the rear drive unit can result in a complete loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid will replace the wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-24-05-0.
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Air vehicles equipped with an AD02 package and operating a software version from 2.8.0 through 2.8.16. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
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: Lucid has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2026. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-26-01-0.
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
Lucid AIR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lucid AIR has far fewer complaints per year (16.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but the Lucid's issues often involve sudden power loss that can be terrifying. The Silverado's higher volume means more widespread problems, but many may be addressed by recalls or repairs. In practice, the Lucid may have fewer overall incidents, but each could be severe; the Silverado requires more vigilance due to its frequency of issues.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Lucid AIR averages 16.4 complaints per year; Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported issues.
- Primary failure modes: Lucid AIR owners report sudden power loss and drive system faults; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- Recalls: Lucid AIR has 47 recalls over 5 years; Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, indicating ongoing safety fixes for both.
- Crash and injury reports: Lucid AIR has 17 crash-related complaints and 9 injuries; Silverado has 233 crash-related and 160 injuries, reflecting its larger fleet and longer period.
- Check for any history of electrical system faults or power loss, including software updates and recall completion.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and ensure no unintended acceleration or braking occurs during a test drive.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any signs of engine shutdown or rough running, especially in 6.2L and diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and effectiveness, and ask about any prior brake-related repairs or recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, power train, and brakes for both models.
- For the Lucid AIR, test drive at highway speeds and check for any warning lights or power delivery issues.
- For the Silverado, test drive in various conditions, including stopping and accelerating, to check for engine and transmission behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring issues like power loss or brake problems.
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 | Lucid AIR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 120 |
| 2025 | 14 | 157 |
| 2024 | 10 | 527 |
| 2023 | 28 | 450 |
| 2022 | 24 | 1390 |
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 Lucid AIR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lucid AIR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lucid AIR total complaints
- 82
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lucid AIR total recalls
- 47
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lucid AIR avg complaints/year
- 16.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lucid AIR
- Lucid AIR top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE