Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ B Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ B 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 B Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The B Class has 75 complaints over 10 years (7.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 117 crash-related incidents and 104 injuries; the B Class reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ B Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ B Class
The Mercedes B Class is a compact electric hatchback (based on complaints referencing 'electric vehicle' and 'B-250e') with a low complaint rate: 75 complaints over 10 years, or about 7.5 per year. There are no recalls on record, and no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported in the data. Owners describe issues like a 'clomp' rocking forward when stopping, sudden power loss at highway speed, and coolant warnings, but these appear less frequent than the Silverado's problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. It has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death in the data. Owners report serious issues including sudden loss of braking, engine power loss, and transmission problems, often on very new vehicles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ B Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 75 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.5 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.
Mercedes BENZ B Class
- 01POWER TRAIN35
- 02ENGINE29
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
Owners report a 'clomp' where the car unexpectedly rocks forward when coming to a stop, creating an unsafe feeling. Another complaint describes sudden loss of power at 70+ mph, with the vehicle unable to restart or shift out of park.
A coolant low warning appeared on an electric vehicle, which confused the owner. Another report describes extremely dangerous sudden loss of power while driving on a busy highway, nearly causing a collision.
One owner with a 2017 B-250e at 38,000 miles found a Facebook group for B Class Electric owners, suggesting recurring electrical quirks. The coolant warning also appeared under electrical system complaints, pointing to sensor or software issues.
Even though it's electric, this category includes sudden power loss at highway speed and failed restart attempts. Another owner noted that paddle shifters for aggressive engine braking worked well for four years and 65,000 miles, but then had issues.
“On Wednesday [XXX] I was driving my electric vehicle to work. I exited the freeway and as soon as I stopped at the light for the off ramp a warning light indicator appeared stating Coolant Low. I found this odd as I was unaware of Electric Vehicles using Cool…”
“BEGINNING AT ABOUT 4500 MILES WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE SHOP AFTER COMING TO A STOP; WE CALL IT THE 'CLOMP!' IT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY ROCK FORWARD CREATING A VERY UNSAFE FEELING. THEN THE FOLLOWING MONTH, THE 'CLOMPING' PRESENTED ITSELF AGAIN SO MY WIFE RETURN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
A 2026 Silverado with the 6.2L motor had a problem at 5,700 miles, roughly a month and 2,500 miles after purchase, while the family was 750 miles from home. A 2026 Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel had three separate diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events at about 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles.
A 2026 Silverado with less than 300 miles suddenly went into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage. Another complaint describes the same 6.2L motor issue from the engine category, indicating transmission or drivetrain failure.
A Silverado experienced sudden, severe loss of normal braking; the brake pedal was firm but braking was ineffective. Another at 70 mph had a loud pinging sound, lost motive power, and the brakes and steering became inoperable.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but poor stopping ability. Another complaint at 70 mph involved loss of motive power and inoperable brakes and steering, showing a dangerous pattern.
“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 B Class
No recalls on record.
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
Mercedes BENZ B Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes B Class has far fewer issues per year (7.5 vs. 510.5 complaints) and no recalls, crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related reports, meaning owners face a much higher chance of serious safety problems. In practice, the B Class appears less likely to leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation, though it still has its own reported faults.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints; the B Class has 0 recalls and 0 crash-related complaints.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and power at highway speed; B Class owners report a 'clomp' rocking forward and sudden power loss, but far less frequently.
- The B Class averages 7.5 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a roughly 68-fold difference.
- Silverado complaints include engine and diesel particulate filter issues on very new vehicles; B Class complaints include coolant warnings and electrical quirks on electric models.
- Test for the 'clomp' by coming to a complete stop repeatedly; feel for any unexpected forward rocking or jolt.
- Check for coolant low warnings and any electrical glitches, especially on 2017 B-250e models with around 38,000 miles.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any firm-pedal-but-poor-stopping behavior, as owners report sudden brake loss.
- Listen for engine pinging and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on 2026 models with low mileage.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls, especially on the Silverado which has 100 recalls.
- Take a long test drive including highway speeds and repeated stops to feel for power loss, brake issues, or the B Class 'clomp'.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the B Class, verify the electric coolant system and check for any software updates or electrical fault codes.
- For the Silverado, check the diesel particulate filter history on diesel models and test all electrical features including brakes and steering.
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 B Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 Mercedes BENZ B Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ B Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ B Class total complaints
- 75
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ B Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ B Class avg complaints/year
- 7.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ B Class
- Mercedes BENZ B Class top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE