Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ CL 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 CL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CL Class averaged 4.5 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 0 and 4 for the CL Class. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CL Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CL Class
The Mercedes-Benz CL Class is a luxury coupe with complex systems that can be expensive to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it averaged 4.5 complaints per year, with no recalls and no crash-related complaints, but 4 injuries reported. The most common trouble spots are the fuel/propulsion system, suspension, and electrical system, often involving oil leaks, suspension failures, and electrical fires. Living with one means staying on top of maintenance and being prepared for potentially costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: 822.7 complaints per year on average, plus 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. The most frequent issues involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss. With 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported, these are serious concerns for any buyer. The high number of recalls means owners must stay vigilant about getting safety fixes done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CL Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 CL Class
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 02SUSPENSION7
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 04AIR BAGS5
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report strong gas smells inside the cabin and oil leaks, sometimes leading to sudden stalling. One complaint mentions a fuel filter flange that may crack, which could cause a fuel leak and fire risk. These issues can be dangerous and costly to diagnose.
The Active Body Control (ABC) system is a frequent source of complaints, with owners reporting the car lowering completely or leaking fluid. This can make the vehicle undriveable and repairs are often very expensive. Buyers should be aware that this system requires specialized maintenance.
Complaints include sudden stalling and even electrical fires, with one owner reporting a fire that started in the garage. These problems can be unpredictable and pose a safety risk. A thorough electrical inspection is wise before purchase.
There are reports of Takata airbag recalls and side airbags deploying without warning, causing injuries. Owners have had trouble getting these fixed, leaving them with a potentially dangerous vehicle. Buyers should verify that all airbag recalls have been addressed.
“CAR MADE NOISE & STOPPED SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, OIL LEAKAGE HAPPENED BEFORE 30,000 MILEAGE ,DRIVEWAY FULL OF OIL LEAKAGE ,TOOK TO THE DEALER, INITIALLY COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECT ,AFTER INSISTING THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM, THEY CALLED ME…”
“My 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC with 63,335 miles. it has a strong gas smell in the inside. There was a recall pertaining to, "Due to the irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the filter may crack when operated in high t…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. There are also reports of excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and are a major reliability concern.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly going into neutral and engines shutting off, even at low speeds. One owner reported the vehicle going into neutral in a parking garage with less than 300 miles on it. Such failures can be dangerous and indicate serious quality problems.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. Others mention the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems and are alarming.
Owners report severe loss of braking ability, sometimes shortly after starting a trip. In one case, the brake pedal remained firm but braking was ineffective. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention if experienced.
“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 CL 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 CL Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CL Class has far fewer complaints per year (4.5 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Silverado has a much higher volume of issues and many recalls. In practice, the CL Class may have fewer problems overall, but its problems can be expensive and complex, whereas the Silverado's issues are more frequent and include serious safety defects. Neither is trouble-free, but the scale of reported problems is dramatically different.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, while the CL Class has 0 recalls and 0 crash-related complaints.
- The CL Class averages 4.5 complaints per year, compared to 822.7 for the Silverado, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, while CL Class owners report fuel leaks, suspension failures, and electrical fires.
- The CL Class has 4 injuries reported, while the Silverado has 160 injuries and 3 deaths, indicating more severe outcomes in the Silverado.
- Check for fuel odors or leaks around the fuel filter flange, as cracking can lead to dangerous fuel leaks.
- Inspect the Active Body Control suspension for fluid leaks or warning lights, as failures can cause the car to lower and become undriveable.
- Test drive and listen for engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially at low speeds or during gear changes.
- Check for brake performance issues, such as a firm pedal with poor stopping power, and ensure all recalls are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all recalls have been performed, especially for the Silverado's many recalls and the CL Class's Takata airbag recall.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the specific trouble areas: for the CL Class, the fuel system, suspension, and electrical; for the Silverado, the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, shifting problems, or brake issues.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission repairs and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax.
- For the CL Class, budget for potential high-cost repairs and consider an extended warranty that covers the ABC suspension and electrical components.
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 CL Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class total complaints
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class avg complaints/year
- 4.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class
- Mercedes BENZ CL Class top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE