Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 5 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
Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX-5 averages 99 complaints per year versus 511 for the Silverado, and has 6 recalls compared to 100. Engine issues like oil leaks and unintended acceleration affect the CX-5, while Silverado owners report loss of power and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that, over the past decade, has generated a moderate number of complaints, averaging about 99 per year. The most frequent issues center on the engine, with owners reporting unexpected acceleration and oil leaks, alongside electrical system glitches affecting the display and telemetry. These patterns suggest that while the CX-5 generally offers a reliable driving experience, certain model years may exhibit concerning engine and electronic quirks that warrant attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, reflecting its popularity and diverse usage. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, including severe issues like loss of motive power and transmission failures, often occurring at low mileage. Electrical system faults also contribute to braking and steering concerns, indicating that the Silverado may have more frequent and serious reliability challenges, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 988 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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.
Mazda CX 5
- 01ENGINE369
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM161
- 04POWER TRAIN96
- 05SERVICE BRAKES80
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration and oil leaks from the timing cover due to premature seal failure, which could pose a fire hazard. These issues are serious and may require immediate attention.
The Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) can malfunction, causing the central display and dashboard to blink or drop signals erratically, which can be distracting and affect access to vehicle information.
Some owners have experienced oil consumption leading to overheating shortly after oil changes, and a 'trailing link shaft' failure at the rear wheel, which could affect vehicle stability.
“..... ON AT LEAST 5 SEPERATE OCCASIONS OUR 2021 MAZDA CX5 SUV ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ON IT'S OWN). IT HAS DONE IT TO MY WIFE AND I BOTH. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MAZDA SERVICE CENTERS AND WAS ADVISED THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND THAT THER…”
“The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Serious engine problems include sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging in diesel models, requiring frequent dealer interventions.
Transmission issues are reported, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines.
Electrical faults can lead to a sudden loss of braking effectiveness and steering control, as described in complaints where the brake pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop properly.
“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.
Mazda CX 5 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety S…
The risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffl…
The risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer…
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
Mazda CX 5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Mazda CX-5 has significantly fewer complaints per year (about 99) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). This suggests that, on average, CX-5 owners report fewer issues, which may translate to a lower likelihood of encountering major problems, though both vehicles have their own sets of concerns.
Key differences
- The CX-5 has far fewer complaints per year (99 vs 511) and fewer recalls (6 vs 100), indicating a generally more reliable track record.
- Engine issues in the CX-5 include oil leaks and unintended acceleration, while Silverado engines suffer from loss of power and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Electrical problems in the CX-5 affect infotainment, but in the Silverado they can lead to braking and steering failures, which are more critical.
- The Silverado has a higher rate of crash-related complaints and injuries, possibly due to its size and usage, but also reflects more reported incidents.
- Check for any history of engine oil leaks, especially around the timing cover, and ask about any repairs done.
- Test the infotainment system for intermittent display issues or signal drops, which may indicate a faulty CMU.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of unusual noises or loss of power, and verify that any recalls related to engine or fuel system have been addressed.
- Check the transmission behavior during a test drive, especially for unexpected shifts into neutral, and ensure the brake system responds normally without any warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any anomalies.
- Ask for service records to see if the owner has addressed any common issues, such as oil leaks or software updates.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year you're considering to see if there are any outstanding recalls or investigations.
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 | Mazda CX 5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 98 |
| 2025 | 27 | 150 |
| 2024 | 42 | 0 |
| 2023 | 61 | 0 |
| 2022 | 63 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 143 | 934 |
| 2020 | 106 | 0 |
| 2019 | 267 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 117 | 591 |
| 2017 | 148 | 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 Mazda CX 5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 5 total complaints
- 988
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 98.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 5
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE