Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 90 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 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX 90 has 802 complaints over 3 years (267/year) and 13 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (511/year) and 100 recalls. Steering issues dominate the CX 90; engine and power train problems lead the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 90
The Mazda CX 90 is a newer three-row SUV with a high complaint rate for its short time on the road: about 267 complaints per year over three years. The most common trouble spots are steering, engine, and electrical problems, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power or steering assist. Recalls cover software and steering fasteners, so it's a vehicle that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a check for open recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long history and a much lower complaint rate per year—about 511 complaints annually over ten years. However, the sheer number of complaints (over 5,100) and recalls (100) shows that engine, power train, and brake issues are common. Owners frequently report serious problems like sudden power loss, transmission failures, and brake malfunctions, so reliability can vary widely by year and engine choice.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 802 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 90
- 01STEERING359
- 02ENGINE134
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER95
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locked while driving or at start-up, often with multiple dashboard warnings and an inability to shift out of Park. This can make the vehicle hard to control and may be tied to a prior steering recall.
Complaints describe warnings like 'Acceleration Limited Due to Low Fuel and/or Battery Condition' and 'Hybrid System Malfunction,' leading to reduced acceleration and loss of power while driving. These drivability issues can strand drivers and are a major safety concern.
Owners report hybrid battery failures, sometimes after a recall repair, causing complete car failure and burning other systems. Others see 'Acceleration Limited Due to Battery Condition' warnings that significantly reduce power on busy roads.
This system has a high complaint count (92) and a recall for external/pedestrian alert warnings. While specific owner text isn't provided, the volume suggests the safety alert may not work as expected, which could affect driver awareness.
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and i…”
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 models with the 6.2L gas or 6.6L Duramax diesel report severe issues: one gas engine lost power on a family trip, and a diesel had repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another losing motive power at 70 MPH with inoperable brakes and steering. Such failures are extremely dangerous and point to transmission or drivetrain defects.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking where the pedal remained firm but braking was ineffective, and another case where a loud pinging sound preceded loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
The same braking loss incidents are also filed under service brakes, with owners reporting the vehicle would not stop normally at a stop sign. Brake failure is a top safety risk, and this pattern suggests a potential defect in the braking system.
“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 90 — 13 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not fun…
The risk: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this r…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arm…
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda'…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
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 90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has far fewer complaints per year (about 511) than the Mazda CX 90 (about 267 per year, but over a much shorter period). In practice, the CX 90's higher annual rate means you're more likely to encounter a reported problem in any given year of ownership, while the Silverado's issues are spread over a decade and may be more model-year specific.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 90 has a much higher complaint rate per year (267 vs. 511 for the Silverado, but over 3 vs. 10 years), meaning problems may be more concentrated in early ownership.
- Steering problems dominate CX 90 complaints (359), while Silverado complaints are led by engine (1,698) and power train (1,453) issues.
- The CX 90 has 13 recalls in 3 years, including steering and electrical software; the Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, covering tailgate latches, seat belts, and brakes.
- Owner reports for the CX 90 often involve loss of power and steering lock, while Silverado reports include sudden brake failure and transmission going into neutral.
- Check for any open recalls, especially the steering fastener and electrical software recalls, and confirm they were performed.
- Test-drive extensively and listen for steering stiffness or warning lights; also check for hybrid system warnings and any signs of battery issues.
- Inspect for brake pedal feel and any warning lights related to brakes; ask for service records on brake fluid and ABS system.
- On test drive, listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially on inclines.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls and whether they've been fixed.
- Ask for a complete service history, focusing on steering, engine, and electrical repairs for the CX 90, and engine, transmission, and brake work for the Silverado.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes and a test of all safety systems.
- For the CX 90, specifically test the steering at low speeds and during start-up, and check for any hybrid or acceleration warning messages.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes from various speeds and check for any transmission hesitation or unusual noises from the engine.
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 90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 98 |
| 2025 | 27 | 150 |
| 2024 | 761 | 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 90 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 802
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 267.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 90
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE