Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 9 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 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX-9 averages 51 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has more crash-related reports (233 vs 22) and injuries (160 vs 15). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 9 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 9
The Mazda CX-9 is a three-row family SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates relatively few complaints for its class—about 51 per year over a decade. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are engine issues, often tied to a valve stem seal settlement, plus electrical glitches and occasional power train warnings. While the overall volume is low, the complaints that do appear can involve serious symptoms like sudden electrical shutdowns or unintended acceleration, so a careful pre-purchase inspection is wise.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, attracts a very high number of complaints—roughly 823 per year—and many recalls. Owners frequently report engine and power train failures, sometimes on nearly new trucks, along with electrical and brake problems that can cause sudden loss of power or braking. The sheer volume and severity of these reports suggest that living with a Silverado may require more frequent dealer visits and a higher tolerance for unexpected repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 511 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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.
Mazda CX 9
- 01ENGINE264
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 04POWER TRAIN48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
Owners report engine-related issues including a valve stem seal settlement and, in one case, uncommanded acceleration that required increased brake pressure. These can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, so a buyer should verify any outstanding recall or settlement work.
Complaints describe multiple 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts, parking brake malfunctions, and even a complete electrical shutdown while driving. Such failures can leave you stranded or without power steering, making a thorough electrical check essential.
Reports include simultaneous warning messages like 'Smart Brake System Malfunction' and 'Driver Attention Alert' at highway speeds, plus valve stem seal settlement issues. These symptoms suggest potential transmission or drivetrain problems that may affect reliability.
Although fewer in number, brake complaints exist and are concerning because braking is critical. Owners should test the brakes thoroughly and check for any related recalls.
“This complaint refers to Mazda and it's dealer refusal to properly execute the warranty work under the SSPD5 Valve Stem Seal Class Action Campaign and does not follow the Court's approval of the final Settlement Agreement. I assert that Mazda and it's dealer…”
“THE MAZDA CX-9 UNCOMMANDED ENGINE ACCELERATION REPORTED HEREIN DID NOT RESULT IN ANY DAMAGE PRIMARILY BECAUSE IT COMMENCED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER I BEGAN LIGHT BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS TO INCREASE BRAKE PRESSURE;…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failure on a nearly new truck and repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on a 6.6L Duramax. These can cause breakdowns far from home and expensive repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on engine health and service history.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral in a parking garage and other transmission-related failures. Such issues can leave you unable to accelerate or move, posing a safety risk and requiring immediate attention.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical systems, making a thorough diagnostic scan and test drive essential.
Reports of severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping are alarming. Because brakes are a primary safety system, any sign of this issue should be a deal-breaker unless fully repaired.
“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 9 — 11 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for th…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S…
The risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for th…
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 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.
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
Mazda CX 9 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-9 has far fewer complaints per year (about 51) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and also fewer recalls and crash-related reports. In practice, this means a used CX-9 is likely to need less frequent unscheduled repairs, while a Silverado may demand more time at the dealership and a higher budget for potential fixes.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-9 averages about 51 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823—a 16-fold difference in reported issues.
- Silverado owners report severe engine and power train failures, including sudden neutral engagement and diesel particulate filter problems, whereas CX-9 engine complaints often relate to a valve stem seal settlement.
- Electrical complaints in the Silverado include sudden loss of braking and engine shut-off, while CX-9 electrical issues involve multiple malfunction alerts and occasional total shutdown.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 11 for the CX-9, indicating a much higher rate of safety-related fixes.
- Check for any outstanding valve stem seal settlement work or related engine repairs, as owners report dealer refusals to perform warranty work.
- Test all electrical systems thoroughly, including the parking brake and infotainment, because multiple 'Critical Vehicle Malfunction' alerts have been reported.
- Inspect the engine and diesel particulate filter (if equipped) for excessive soot or recent repairs, as owners report repeated P2463 events.
- Test the brakes and electrical system for sudden loss of braking or engine shut-off, which have been reported as severe safety issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the CX-9's valve stem seal settlement and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and electrical component use to check for warning messages or unusual behavior.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if it's a Duramax, and check for any software updates related to engine shut-off.
- For the CX-9, verify that the valve stem seal campaign was completed and check for any signs of electrical gremlins like random alerts.
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 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 450 |
| 2022 | 10 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 39 | 961 |
| 2020 | 19 | 868 |
| 2019 | 53 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 128 | 597 |
| 2017 | 61 | 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 Mazda CX 9 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 9 total complaints
- 511
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda CX 9 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda CX 9 avg complaints/year
- 51.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 9
- Mazda CX 9 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE