Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ AMG GT 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 AMG GT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The AMG GT averages 1.0 complaint per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 233 crash-related reports and 160 injuries. The AMG GT's main issue is a transmission wiring harness connector; the Silverado has engine, brake, and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ AMG GT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a low-volume performance car, averaging just 1.0 complaint per year over the past decade. Most owner complaints center on a transmission wiring harness connector that can let water in, causing shorts, overheating, and fire risk. There are also reports of a dashboard fault icon tied to the active rear wing. With 18 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported, the main ownership concern is potential electrical and drivetrain faults rather than crash safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup, averaging about 823 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and brake concerns, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths over the decade. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings. This is a vehicle with many reported problems, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ AMG GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 AMG GT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02POWER TRAIN4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report that the transmission wiring harness and connector X279 can allow water intrusion, leading to short circuits, overheating, and a fire risk. This is a recurring safety issue that may require dealer inspection and repair.
The same connector X279 issue is also filed under power train complaints, meaning the transmission wiring fault can affect drivability and safety. Buyers should verify that any recall or service campaign for this connector has been completed.
Some owners report a dashboard fault icon related to the active rear wing on 2021 AMG GT Black Series models. The issue was reproduced at a dealership, so a pre-purchase scan for stored fault codes is wise.
“My 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43, VIN [XXX] , has had a recurring safety issue with the transmission wiring harness and connector X279. Mercedes-Benz said this connector can let water in, which can cause a short circuit, overheating, and a fire risk while the…”
“My 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43, VIN [XXX] , has had a recurring safety issue with the transmission wiring harness and connector X279. Mercedes-Benz said this connector can let water in, which can cause a short circuit, overheating, and a fire risk while the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L gas engine and 6.6L Duramax diesel report sudden engine shutdowns while driving and repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave you stranded and require dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and the engine shutting off with a 'Return to Neutral' message. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm brake pedal, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can affect braking and acceleration, posing a serious safety risk.
Braking complaints mirror the electrical issues: the vehicle may not stop normally even with a firm pedal, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. This makes braking performance unpredictable.
“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 AMG GT — 18 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 AMG GTS and 2017 AMG GT vehicles. The bonding between the carbon-fiber driveshaft and the engine/transmission flange may be insufficient, causing the driveshaft to separate while in motion.
The risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the carbon-fiber draft shaft, including the flange, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models…
The risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 2…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 AMG GT vehicles. The bonding between the carbon-fiber driveshaft and the flange may be insufficient, which could result in driveshaft separation.
The risk: A separated driveshaft may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the carbon-fiber driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 20210900…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod…
The risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8…
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 AMG GT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT has far fewer issues per year (1.0 vs. 822.7) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Chevrolet Silverado has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the AMG GT is a niche performance car with a narrow set of recurring electrical and drivetrain faults, whereas the Silverado is a mass-market truck with a broad range of engine, transmission, brake, and electrical problems. The difference means a Silverado buyer faces a much higher chance of encountering a serious issue.
Key differences
- The AMG GT averages 1.0 complaint per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the AMG GT has 0 in all three categories.
- AMG GT owners most often report a water-intrusion issue in the transmission wiring harness connector X279, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, compared to 18 recalls for the AMG GT, mostly for driveline and electrical software.
- Check for any signs of water intrusion or corrosion at the transmission wiring harness connector X279, and confirm whether the related recall or service campaign has been performed.
- Scan the dashboard for a fault icon related to the active rear wing, especially on 2021 AMG GT Black Series models, and ask for dealership repair records.
- Test drive at low speeds in a parking lot and listen for any sudden engine shutdown or transmission shifting into neutral, which owners report.
- Check for a firm brake pedal with reduced stopping power, and ask if the fuel pump control module or forward collision warning recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired before purchase.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the AMG GT's transmission wiring harness and connector X279 for water damage or corrosion.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes and transmission during a slow-speed drive, and check for stored engine or electrical fault codes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to engine shutdowns, diesel particulate filter issues, or brake problems.
- Verify that the vehicle's software, including forward collision warning and electrical systems, has the latest updates.
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 AMG GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 9 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1 | 1154 |
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 AMG GT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT total complaints
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE