Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ CLK 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 CLK Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CLK has 268 complaints over 10 years (avg 26.8/yr) with no recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (avg 510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Owners report fuel leaks and airbag failures in the CLK, and engine and brake failures in the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLK Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLK Class is a compact luxury coupe/convertible that, in ownership terms, demands attention to aging plastic and electrical components. Over the past decade, owners have filed 268 complaints, averaging about 27 per year, with no recalls. The most frequent issues involve fuel system leaks, electrical malfunctions (including a fire), and airbag system failures, suggesting that while the car offers a premium driving experience, it can become a reliability project as it ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that is a workhorse for many, but it has a high volume of complaints: 5,105 over 10 years, averaging over 510 per year, with 100 recalls. The dominant problems are engine issues (especially with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel), transmission failures, and electrical glitches that can affect braking and steering. This pattern indicates that while the Silverado is popular and capable, it has had significant powertrain and safety-related reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLK Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 268 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 26.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 CLK Class
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM53
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03AIR BAGS35
- 04POWER TRAIN22
- 05SEAT BELTS22
Owners report gasoline leaks from the fuel sender unit, which can crack and allow fuel to accumulate, creating a strong raw gas smell and a fire hazard. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate inspection.
There are reports of engine fires, likely due to wiring issues, and headlight harness insulation melting, leading to expensive repairs. Electrical problems can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Some owners report that airbags failed to deploy in crashes, while others see the SRS warning light illuminate due to wiring faults. This raises concerns about occupant protection in an accident.
The M272/M273 V6 engines can suffer from balance shaft wear, causing poor idle, loss of power, and check engine lights. Transmission issues, such as failure to shift out of park, also appear.
“ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IDENTIFIED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK'S "FUEL SENDER". SMALL CRACK IN PLASTIC FUEL SENDER AT POINT WHERE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO SENDER ALLOWED GASOLINE TO ACCUMULATE OVER TIME IN AREA SURROUNDING SENDER AND THEN TRAVEL TO UNDERSIDE OF…”
“PURCHASED FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL WITH MILEAGE 43,000. FILLED UP THE GAS TANK ON TWO OCCASIONS. AFTER EACH OCCASION, PLACED CAR IN GARAGE AFTERWARD AND CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. THE SMELL OF RAW GAS WAS OVERWHELMING AS SOON AS GARAGE DOOR WAS SHUT. DUE TO THE OVERW…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L V8 has experienced catastrophic failures, including sudden loss of power while driving. The 6.6L Duramax diesel has repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral, especially at low speeds, which is dangerous in traffic. This is a major safety concern that has led to numerous complaints.
Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as loud pinging from the engine. These failures are unpredictable and can lead to crashes.
Owners report sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety defect that has been linked to electrical problems.
“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 CLK 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 CLK Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLK Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 27) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the CLK's issues are still serious, including fuel leaks and airbag failures. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume and recall count suggest a higher likelihood of encountering problems, but the CLK's issues may be more expensive to fix due to its luxury nature.
Key differences
- The CLK has fuel system leaks from the fuel sender, while the Silverado has engine failures in the 6.2L and diesel particulate filter issues.
- The CLK has airbag deployment failures, while the Silverado has sudden loss of braking and steering due to electrical issues.
- The CLK has no recalls, while the Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating a higher rate of manufacturer-identified defects.
- The Silverado's transmission can suddenly shift into neutral, a dangerous issue not reported in the CLK.
- Inspect the fuel sender and fuel lines for cracks or leaks, especially if you smell gasoline.
- Check the airbag warning light and have the SRS system diagnosed if it illuminates.
- Check for any engine performance issues, especially with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel, and look for check engine lights.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and be aware of any electrical warnings that could indicate a loss of braking or steering.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for leaks on the CLK, and check the electrical harness for melted insulation.
- On the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine and transmission issues, and verify any recalls have been performed.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, including slow maneuvers, to check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral.
- Check the airbag system on the CLK by ensuring the SRS light is off and consider a diagnostic scan.
- For the Silverado, inspect the brake system and look for any warning messages about brake fluid or electrical faults.
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 CLK Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class total complaints
- 268
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class avg complaints/year
- 26.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLK Class top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE