Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren 720S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mclaren 720S 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 720S vs Chevrolet Silverado: the 720S has 2 complaints over 7 years (0.3/year) and 6 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls, with 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries. The 720S reports focus on suspension and turbo parts; the Silverado on engine, power train, electrical, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren 720S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren 720S
The Mclaren 720S is a low-volume exotic car, so it accumulates very few complaints—just 2 over 7 years, or about 0.3 per year. The two owner reports point to a suspension accumulator problem and a turbo inlet baffle that can break apart and damage the engine. With 6 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported in this data, the main ownership concern is that even rare failures can be expensive and safety-relevant on a high-performance vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market pickup with 5,105 complaints over 10 years—about 510 per year—plus 100 recalls and reports of 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death. Owner complaints cluster around the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with many describing sudden loss of power, braking problems, or transmission issues even at low mileage. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported problems, so a used buyer should expect to check service history carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren 720S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 720S
- 01SUSPENSION1
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
One owner reports a known suspension accumulator problem on earlier 720S models, saying a revised part exists but was not recalled at the time. A failing suspension component can affect handling and safety, so a buyer should ask whether the updated part was installed.
One owner describes the turbo inlet baffle coming loose, being pulled into the turbo, and sending debris into the engine. This can lead to engine failure and possibly fire if fragments reach hot parts, making it a serious pre-purchase inspection point.
“McLaren automotive has a known suspension accumulator problem on earlier year 720s models. This is a major safety concern as the suspension is a huge safety component in all vehicles. They have a revised updated part to fix this, but it has not yet issued a r…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems including a 6.2L motor issue that left a family stranded 750 miles from home, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can mean unexpected breakdowns and repeat repair visits.
Complaints include a Silverado suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage with under 300 miles, and the same 6.2L engine issue affecting power delivery. A transmission that unexpectedly shifts to neutral can leave a driver without power when they need it.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping, and at 70 mph a loud pinging sound followed by loss of motive power and inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical-related failures can affect core driving functions.
The same braking-loss complaints appear under service brakes: a driver could not stop normally at a stop sign, and another lost braking along with power and steering at highway speed. Brake problems are among the most safety-critical issues a buyer can face.
“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 720S — 6 recalls
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2020 570S, GT, 2019 600LT, and 2019-2020 720S vehicles. The brake assembly banjo bolt may be missing the holes that supply brake fluid to the caliper, which would cause the brakes to fail on one corner of the vehicle.
The risk: Brake failure in one corner can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the banjo bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2021. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916. McLaren's number for this recall is SRC 00 C 001.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began J…
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began J…
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began J…
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 720S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mclaren 720S has far fewer issues per year—about 0.3 complaints annually versus about 510.5 for the Chevrolet Silverado—but the Silverado's much higher volume means its problems are more widely reported and easier to research. In practice, the 720S owner faces rare but potentially severe exotic-car failures, while the Silverado owner faces a broad set of common truck issues that can affect daily driving.
Key differences
- The Mclaren 720S has 2 complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years—about 510 per year.
- Silverado complaints include 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death; the 720S data shows 0 in each of those categories.
- 720S owner reports focus on a suspension accumulator and a turbo inlet baffle that can break apart; Silverado reports focus on engine, power train, electrical, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 6 for the 720S, and its recall subjects include tailgate latches, steering, seat belt anchors, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Ask whether the suspension accumulator has been updated to the revised part, since one owner reported this as a known problem on earlier 720S models.
- Have a specialist inspect the turbo inlet for a loose baffle, because one owner said it can break apart and send debris into the engine.
- Check for engine issues such as the 6.2L motor problem that left one owner stranded, and for diesel soot accumulation on the 6.6L Duramax.
- Test the brakes and electrical system carefully, since owners reported sudden loss of normal braking and, at highway speed, loss of power with inoperable brakes and steering.
Before you buy
- For the Mclaren 720S, obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist covering the suspension accumulator and turbo inlet.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, pull the full service history and check for engine, transmission, electrical, and brake repairs or software updates.
- Verify that all open recalls have been performed on either vehicle, using the VIN with a dealer or NHTSA.
- On the Silverado, test drive at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation, power loss, or brake problems.
- On the 720S, confirm the revised suspension part is installed and ask about any turbo or engine repairs tied to the baffle issue.
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 720S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 1 | 591 |
| 2017 | 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 720S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren 720S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mclaren 720S total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mclaren 720S total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mclaren 720S avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren 720S
- Mclaren 720S top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE