Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ CLE 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 CLE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CLE has 9 complaints over 3 years (3.0/yr) and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. CLE owners report throttle lag and electrical glitches; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is a relatively new model with a low complaint volume, averaging just 3.0 per year over three years. Owners report issues primarily with the engine's throttle response, including a noticeable delay or lag when accelerating from a stop or low speeds, which can feel unpredictable. There are also reports of electrical glitches, such as the instrument cluster blacking out and audio static, plus a recall for the instrument cluster. Overall, the CLE shows a pattern of electronic and drivetrain refinement issues rather than major mechanical failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate, averaging 510.5 per year over ten years, reflecting its widespread use and longer production history. Owners frequently report serious engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, as well as transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement. Electrical system failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, and brake system complaints are common. The Silverado's issues are more varied and severe, with a higher incidence of safety-related incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.0 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 CLE
- 01ENGINE4
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05PARKING BRAKE1
Owners report severe throttle delay and unpredictable acceleration, especially when starting from a stop or during slow maneuvers. The lag is attributed to software, transmission, and turbocharger dynamics, making the car feel unresponsive and potentially unsafe in traffic.
The digital instrument cluster can completely black out while driving, removing access to speedometer and fuel gauge. There are also reports of audio static and sparking through speakers, and a recall for the instrument cluster panel.
The same throttle lag and delay issues are reported under power train, indicating a coordinated problem between the engine and transmission that affects drivability.
“SEVERE THROTTLE DELAY & UNPREDICTABLE ACCELERATION When applying pressure to the accelerator pedal at intersections or traffic lights, there is a substantial "dead zone" delay where the vehicle fails to respond or move forward. To prompt movement in normal tr…”
“THROTTLE LAG With the 2026 Mercedes CLE 300, throttle lag is driven by a combination of software programming, transmission behavior, and turbocharger dynamics working simultaneously.The following situation is when it usually occurs:Transitioning from a slow r…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that failed with low mileage, and diesel particulate filter clogging requiring repeated dealer visits. These issues can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines. Engine failures also fall under this category, causing loss of motive power.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as loud pinging sounds and loss of power. These are critical safety issues that can occur at highway speeds.
Brake system complaints include sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety concern.
“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 CLE — 2 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Ve…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Ve…
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 CLE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE has far fewer complaints per year (3.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While the CLE's problems are mostly about drivability and electronics, the Silverado's issues are more frequent and can involve safety-critical systems like brakes and steering. In practice, the CLE is likely to be more reliable in terms of complaint frequency, but both have areas to watch.
Key differences
- The CLE has a much lower complaint rate (3.0/yr) vs Silverado (510.5/yr), indicating fewer reported issues per year.
- CLE owners report throttle delay and lag, while Silverado owners report engine failures and transmission sudden neutral.
- Silverado has more safety-related complaints, including loss of braking and steering, while CLE's issues are less severe.
- Silverado has 100 recalls vs CLE's 2, suggesting more widespread and varied problems.
- Test the throttle response from a stop and during slow acceleration to check for any delay or lag.
- Check the instrument cluster for any flickering or blackout issues, and ensure the recall for the cluster has been performed.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond immediately, and ask about any open recalls, especially for brake fluid sensor and tailgate latch.
Before you buy
- For the CLE: verify that all recalls, especially the instrument cluster recall, have been completed.
- For the Silverado: ask for service records to see if any engine or transmission repairs have been done.
- For the Silverado: check the brake system for any signs of reduced effectiveness, and have a mechanic inspect the brake fluid sensor.
- For both: take a thorough test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- For both: check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls before purchase.
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 CLE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 98 |
| 2025 | 1 | 150 |
| 2024 | 6 | 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 CLE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ CLE total complaints
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ CLE total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ CLE avg complaints/year
- 3.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLE
- Mercedes BENZ CLE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE