Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 7 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 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX-7 averaged 188 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 510 over 10 years. The CX-7 has 29 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints. Both have safety recalls, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 7 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 7
The Mazda CX-7 is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of long-term reliability. Over six years, it averaged about 188 complaints per year, with air bags, engine cooling, and suspension being the most common trouble spots. Many complaints involve Takata air bag recalls and suspension issues like lower control arm and ball joint failures. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the severity of safety-related recalls and engine problems means buyers should be diligent about maintenance and recall history.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: over ten years, it averaged about 510 complaints annually. The most frequent issues involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with some reports of sudden loss of braking and transmission problems even at low mileage. Recalls are numerous, covering tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings. For a buyer, this means the Silverado can be capable but may require more frequent attention to mechanical and electrical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 7 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,130 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 188.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 7
- 01AIR BAGS271
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING257
- 03SUSPENSION235
- 04ENGINE194
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING96
Owners report Takata air bag inflator recalls, with some experiencing delays in getting parts. This matters because a faulty air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash, posing a serious safety risk.
Complaints include turbo booster malfunction causing white smoke from the tailpipe and issues as early as 60,000 miles. This can lead to costly repairs and potential emissions problems.
Drivers describe a lack of stability at high speeds, diagnosed as worn lower control arms and ball joints. This affects handling and safety, especially during emergency maneuvers.
Some owners report window regulator failures and tire pressure monitor issues, though these are less severe. Still, they add to ownership annoyance and repair costs.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LACKED STABILITY WHEN BEING OPERATED AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V012000 (AIR BAGS), 16V593000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer models report severe engine issues, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low mileage. This is dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software problems.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine pinging followed by loss of motive power. These electrical gremlins can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe braking effectiveness dropping unexpectedly, often linked to electrical or hydraulic issues. This is a major safety concern that needs immediate attention.
“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 7 — 29 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. M…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degr…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3,…
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (S…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 vehicles manufactured February 14, 2006, to May 9, 2012. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the front suspension ball joint fittings. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as from driving on s…
The risk: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. As a priority, Mazda will first address all affected 2007-2008 vehicles as well as 2009-2011 vehicles currently registered in Connecticut, De…
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 7 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-7 has fewer complaints per year (about 188) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), suggesting the CX-7 may have fewer overall issues. However, the CX-7's complaints include serious safety recalls like Takata air bags, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and electrical problems. In practice, the CX-7 might be less troublesome overall, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-7 has about 188 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 510, indicating a higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Air bag recalls (Takata) are prominent for the CX-7, whereas the Silverado's recalls often involve tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
- CX-7 owners report suspension and turbo issues, while Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission problems, and electrical braking loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 24) and injuries (104 vs. 20), though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Check for open Takata air bag recalls and confirm the inflator has been replaced; delays in parts availability have been reported.
- Inspect suspension components, especially lower control arms and ball joints, for wear or looseness that could cause instability at high speeds.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine pinging or unusual noises; some owners report sudden loss of power and braking issues.
- Check for transmission behavior, such as sudden shifting into neutral, and ensure all electrical systems, including brakes, function correctly.
Before you buy
- Verify all safety recalls have been performed, especially air bag and suspension recalls on the CX-7 and brake/steering recalls on the Silverado.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and maintenance records to see if known issues like turbo problems or transmission repairs have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and undercarriage on the CX-7 for ball joint and control arm wear.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored error codes related to the engine, transmission, and brake systems, and test drive under various conditions.
- Check for signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights or warning messages, and ensure all safety systems operate properly.
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 7 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 7 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 7 total complaints
- 1,130
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda CX 7 total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda CX 7 avg complaints/year
- 188.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 7
- Mazda CX 7 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE