Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren 650S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mclaren 650S 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
Mclaren 650S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mclaren 650S has 2 complaints and 3 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 100 recalls, and 104 injuries. The Silverado’s higher volume means more reported engine, transmission, and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren 650S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren 650S
The Mclaren 650S is a low-volume exotic, so it accumulates very few miles and complaints—just 2 over 10 years. Owners report minor cosmetic issues like spider-web cracks in headlight lenses and frustration over a passenger airbag inflator recall with parts delays. With only 3 recalls and no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a niche vehicle where problems are rare but can be inconvenient to resolve.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck, generating 5,105 complaints over 10 years—about 510 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems (1,698 complaints), transmission issues (1,453), electrical glitches (982), and brake concerns (691). The data also shows 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death, indicating that some reported failures can have serious consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren 650S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Mclaren 650S
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
- 02AIR BAGS1
One owner reported that the front driver and passenger headlight lenses developed very small spider-web cracks on the interior section over time. This is a cosmetic issue that could worsen and require expensive replacement, but it does not affect safety performance.
A recall was issued for the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator module because it may explode with shrapnel, and one owner said the dealer did not have parts to fix it. This is a serious safety risk if not repaired, so buyers should confirm the recall was completed.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MCLAREN 650S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER TIME THE FRONT PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD DEVELOPED VERY SMALL SPIDER WEB CRACKS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE LOCATED ON THE INTERIOR SECTION OF THE LENSE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L gas or 6.6L Duramax diesel report sudden loss of power, rough running, and repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs, especially on newer trucks with low mileage.
Complaints describe the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and other power-train failures that cause loss of motive power. This can be dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer intervention.
Owners report severe loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping ability, as well as engine pinging followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Complaints include sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness shortly after starting a trip, and brake failure at highway speed. Because braking is fundamental, any sign of this should be taken seriously and inspected immediately.
“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.
Mclaren 650S — 3 recalls
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
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: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
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: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
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: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
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
Mclaren 650S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mclaren 650S has far fewer issues per year—about 0.2 complaints annually versus roughly 510 for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, the Silverado’s much higher complaint volume means a used buyer is more likely to encounter engine, transmission, electrical, or brake problems, while the Mclaren’s rare issues tend to be cosmetic or recall-related.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Mclaren 650S has 2 complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 5,105, with engine and power train dominating.
- Safety outcomes: Silverado data includes 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death; Mclaren shows 0 in these categories.
- Recall patterns: Mclaren recalls focus on passenger airbag inflator; Silverado recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Reported symptoms: Mclaren owners mention headlight lens cracks and airbag parts delays; Silverado owners report loss of power, transmission neutral drops, brake failure, and electrical shutdowns.
- Inspect both headlight lenses for small spider-web cracks on the interior surface, as reported by an owner.
- Verify that the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator recall has been completed; ask for written proof from a dealer.
- Check for any signs of engine misfire, power loss, or diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on 2026 models with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement at low speeds and confirm that all brake-related recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are closed, especially the Mclaren airbag inflator and Silverado brake/steering recalls.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Mclaren’s headlights and airbag system, and the Silverado’s engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and diesel particulate filter.
- For the Mclaren, check for any signs of interior headlight lens cracking and ask about parts availability for any outstanding recalls.
- Test drive both vehicles under varied conditions—including slow parking-lot maneuvers for the Silverado and highway driving for both—to reproduce reported symptoms.
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 | Mclaren 650S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 Mclaren 650S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren 650S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mclaren 650S total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mclaren 650S total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mclaren 650S avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren 650S
- Mclaren 650S top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE