Head-to-head reliability
Mazda RX 8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda RX 8 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 RX 8 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RX 8 had 814 complaints over 9 years (about 90 per year), while the Silverado had 5,105 over 10 years (about 511 per year). The RX 8's top issues are power train and engine cooling; the Silverado's are engine and power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda RX 8 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda RX 8
The Mazda RX 8 is a sports coupe with a rotary engine, and its complaint pattern shows a car that demands attention. Over nine years, owners filed 814 complaints—about 90 per year—with the most common issues in the power train, engine cooling, air bags, and steering. Many reports describe sudden loss of acceleration, clutch failure, oil cooler line corrosion, and power steering outages, meaning a used RX 8 often needs proactive maintenance and recall checks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sells in huge numbers, and its 5,105 complaints over ten years—about 511 per year—reflect that volume. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners report serious issues like sudden power loss, transmission shifting into neutral, and brake failure, so a used Silverado should be inspected for these safety-related faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda RX 8 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 814 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 33 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 90.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 RX 8
- 01POWER TRAIN239
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING150
- 03AIR BAGS117
- 04STEERING112
- 05ENGINE50
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration, smoke from under the hood and shifter area, and clutch pedals that become unresponsive. These failures can leave you stranded or unable to shift, making a pre-purchase transmission and clutch inspection critical.
A common complaint is oil cooler lines that rust and corrode from road salt, spraying oil onto the engine, tires, and brakes. This can cause traction loss and environmental hazards, so buyers in snowy states should check these lines carefully.
Many reports involve Takata air bag recalls where the dashboard deteriorates and exposes the air bag, or parts are unavailable for repair. This means you must verify that all recall work has been completed, or you could be driving with a defective air bag.
Drivers describe the power steering partially failing during turns, making the wheel very hard to control, and in one case a piece of the steering column broke and hit the driver's leg. Such steering problems are dangerous and should be checked immediately.
“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND AS I WAS SHIFTING GEARS I FELT THE CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCELERATION. THE TOP SPEED I GOT TO WAS 55MPH. WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO GET OFF THE CAR, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FROM INSIDE WHERE THE SHIFT KNOW IS LOCATED. I CH…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CLUTCH PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE GEAR DID NOT IMMEDIATELY SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE W…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine issues like rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns, especially on low-mileage trucks.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that cause a loss of acceleration. This can be a serious safety risk if it happens in traffic.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and instances where the engine lost power and the brakes and steering became inoperable. Electrical faults can affect critical safety systems, so a thorough diagnostic scan is wise.
Owners report brake failure where the pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is severely reduced, sometimes after dropping a child at school. This is a major safety concern and should be inspected by a mechanic before purchase.
“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 RX 8 — 42 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners…
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Ind…
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 remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018…
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as…
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 one, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's nu…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-716 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as…
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 July 9, 201…
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 RX 8 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda RX 8 has far fewer complaints per year (about 90) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but the RX 8's issues are concentrated in serious areas like power train and steering. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems overall, but many are on newer models with low mileage. In practice, the RX 8 may need more frequent attention, while the Silverado's sheer numbers mean you should be extra careful about checking for common faults.
Key differences
- The Mazda RX 8 averages about 90 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 511 per year, but the Silverado sells in much higher numbers.
- RX 8 owners frequently report power train failures like sudden acceleration loss and clutch problems, while Silverado owners report engine and transmission issues including sudden neutral shifts.
- Air bag recalls are a major theme for the RX 8, with Takata inflator issues and dashboard deterioration, whereas the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Steering complaints on the RX 8 include power steering loss and a broken steering column piece, while Silverado electrical complaints include brake and steering inoperability during driving.
- Check the oil cooler lines for rust or corrosion, especially if the car has been driven in winter salt states—these can spray oil and cause traction loss.
- Test the clutch and transmission for smooth engagement and listen for any hesitation or smoke; owners report sudden loss of acceleration and clutch pedal failure.
- Scan for engine and transmission fault codes, and test drive for any sudden loss of power or unexpected shifting into neutral, as owners report these issues.
- Inspect the braking system and electrical components; complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and inoperable brakes and steering at speed.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls have been performed, especially air bag recalls on the Mazda RX 8 and tailgate/seat belt recalls on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model.
- For the RX 8, check oil cooler lines, clutch operation, and power steering function during a test drive.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission slipping, brake performance, and any electrical warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any reported complaints have been addressed.
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 RX 8 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda RX 8 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda RX 8 total complaints
- 814
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda RX 8 total recalls
- 42
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda RX 8 avg complaints/year
- 90.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda RX 8
- Mazda RX 8 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE