Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ A Class 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
Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The A-Class has 80 complaints over 4 years (20/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. Both report sudden shutdowns, but the Silverado also has brake and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ A Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury car that, over four years, has generated 80 complaints—about 20 per year—with no recalls. Owners frequently report sudden shutdowns while driving, transmission stalling, and engine limp mode, often requiring major repairs. These issues can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate, which is a serious concern for a daily driver.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has accumulated 8,227 complaints—roughly 823 per year—and 101 recalls. Common owner reports include engine failures, transmission problems, brake loss, and electrical shutdowns, sometimes occurring at very low mileage. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests a wide range of potential problems that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ A Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 80 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 03ENGINE21
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION9
Owners describe the car completely shutting down while in motion with no warning, sometimes in intersections. Another report mentions a motor mount snapping on the freeway, leading to major engine repairs. These failures can cause loss of power and control, making the car dangerous to drive.
Complaints include the check engine light appearing followed by 'limp mode,' limiting speed to about 9 mph. One owner reported the engine stopping mid-intersection and emitting a strong odor. Such issues can leave you unable to keep up with traffic or escape hazardous situations.
Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off and shifting into Neutral while stopped at a red light, with all warning lights on. Another instance involved limp mode on the highway. These sudden losses of power can happen at any moment, increasing crash risk.
A recurring transmission malfunction beginning around 15,000 miles and continuing through 75,000 miles caused the car to suddenly stall and shift on highways and main streets. This pattern suggests a persistent, unresolved defect that can strike without warning.
“While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine stopped mid intersection, emitted a strong…”
“August 2024 the dealership had my vehicle for over a month for major engine repairs after the motor mount snapped on the freeway and since then I only drove 3661 miles and I’m now convinced that they miss diagnosed and missed something It never drove the same…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Another complaint describes three separate diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service at low mileage. These issues can strand you and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and a new truck with less than 300 miles losing power. Such failures can cause loss of control and accidents, especially in tight spaces.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems, making the truck unpredictable.
One owner described the truck completely shutting off in a parking lot, with all screens going blank and no acceleration, then restarting. Another reported braking failure at a stop sign. Brake and power loss are among the most dangerous failures a driver 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.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
No recalls on record.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ A Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 823) and no recalls, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and many more reported issues. In practice, the A-Class may have fewer overall problems, but the ones reported are often severe sudden shutdowns. The Silverado's higher volume means a greater chance of encountering a defect, though many are covered by recalls.
Key differences
- The A-Class has 80 complaints over 4 years (20/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls.
- A-Class owners frequently report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission stalling, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 3 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the A-Class.
- The A-Class has no recalls on record, but the Silverado has numerous recalls for fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any history of electrical shutdowns or limp mode; test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to see if the car stalls or hesitates.
- Inspect the transmission for rough shifting or stalling, especially around 15,000 to 75,000 miles, as owners report recurring malfunctions.
- Look for signs of engine issues such as rough idling, check engine lights, or messages about diesel particulate filters; test drive and listen for unusual noises.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or firm pedal with poor stopping, and check for electrical glitches like screens going blank.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Silverado.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- During the test drive, include highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check for stalling, limp mode, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past repairs related to the reported problem areas.
- For the Silverado, verify that all recall work has been completed and check for any pending recalls by VIN.
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 | Mercedes BENZ A Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 10 | 961 |
| 2020 | 21 | 868 |
| 2019 | 46 | 2003 |
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 Mercedes BENZ A Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ A Class total complaints
- 80
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ A Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ A Class avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ A Class
- Mercedes BENZ A Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE