Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Tribute vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Tribute 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 Tribute vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Tribute averages 216 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510. The Tribute's top issues are speed control and rear hatch failures, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine and brake problems. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has more. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Tribute or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute, a compact SUV sold through the 2000s, shows a reliability profile dominated by issues that affect daily driving and safety. Owners report problems with the gas pedal feeling odd and cruise control surging, which points to speed control troubles. Structural complaints about the rear hatch failing to open are common, raising concerns about access in emergencies. With 216 complaints per year on average, it's a vehicle that demands attention to specific known trouble spots.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a higher complaint volume at over 510 per year, but its issues are concentrated in the engine and powertrain. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and severe braking failures, often in newer models. Electrical system problems also appear, sometimes leading to loss of braking and steering. This pattern suggests that while the Silverado is a workhorse, it can have serious, potentially dangerous failures that need careful monitoring.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Tribute | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,160 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 113 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 216.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 1 Better |
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 Tribute
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING355
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL344
- 03STRUCTURE290
- 04SUSPENSION250
- 05POWER TRAIN235
Owners report the gas pedal feels strange and cruise control can surge, increasing speed unexpectedly from 70 to 80 mph. This can lead to unintended acceleration, a serious safety concern.
The rear hatch often fails to open when the button is pressed, sometimes requiring full pump replacement. This can trap occupants or hinder emergency exit, a clear safety hazard.
While specific complaints are not shown, the high count suggests issues like overheating or cooling system failures that could lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging in newer models. These can leave you stranded and require dealer intervention.
The transmission can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, causing a loss of drive and potential safety risks. This is a critical failure that needs immediate attention.
Severe loss of braking effectiveness has been reported, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This can lead to crashes and is a top safety concern.
Electrical issues can cause loss of braking and steering, as well as other malfunctions. These are unpredictable and can be dangerous if they occur at speed.
“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 Tribute — 56 recalls
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system cou…
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on…
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
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 Tribute or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Tribute has fewer complaints per year (216 vs 510) and fewer recalls (56 vs 100), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, its problems are still serious, especially with speed control and structural access. The Silverado's higher volume reflects more frequent and sometimes catastrophic failures, but it's a newer, more complex vehicle. In practice, the Tribute may be less troublesome on a per-year basis, but both require thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Tribute has a notable issue with unintended acceleration from cruise control, while the Silverado has sudden loss of power and transmission neutral events.
- The Tribute's rear hatch often fails to open, a safety and convenience issue, whereas the Silverado has severe braking failures that can lead to crashes.
- The Silverado's engine problems include diesel particulate filter clogging, which is not reported for the Tribute.
- The Tribute has fewer complaints per year, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be catastrophic.
- Test the cruise control and gas pedal feel; if the pedal feels odd or cruise surges, it may need repair.
- Check the rear hatch operation multiple times; if it fails to open, the pump may need replacement.
- Listen for loud pinging from the engine and watch for loss of power; these could indicate serious engine issues.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds; if the pedal feels firm but braking is weak, there's a problem.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the speed control system on the Tribute, including the pedal and cruise control module.
- Operate the rear hatch on the Tribute several times to ensure it opens reliably.
- For the Silverado, check for any recalls and ensure they've been addressed, especially brake and transmission recalls.
- Test drive the Silverado at various speeds and on hills to see if the transmission stays in gear.
- Ask for service records on both vehicles to see if these known issues have been repaired.
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 Tribute or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Tribute vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Tribute total complaints
- 2,160
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda Tribute total recalls
- 56
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda Tribute avg complaints/year
- 216.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Tribute
- Mazda Tribute top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE