Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ CLS 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 CLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CLS has 55 complaints over 10 years (5.5/yr) and no recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures, whereas CLS issues focus on wheels and 48V electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLS Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of relatively low complaint volume but with issues concentrated in wheels, electrical system, steering, engine, and powertrain. Owners report premature tire wear and wheel cracks, 48V electrical system failures that can shut the engine off, and steering/suspension sensations of looseness. While not high-volume, these are serious, potentially safety-relevant issues that could lead to unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year, and 100 recalls. The dominant issues are engine problems (especially with 6.2L and Duramax diesel variants, including fuel system and DPF issues), transmission failures that can cause sudden neutral or loss of drive, electrical problems that can affect braking and steering, and brake system failures. This pattern suggests a vehicle with widespread and serious reliability concerns that could affect safety and dependability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLS Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 55 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 CLS Class
- 01WHEELS18
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 03STEERING7
- 04ENGINE6
- 05POWER TRAIN4
Owners report premature tire baldness, bubbles, and shredding, as well as hairline cracks in the wheel itself causing slow leaks. This suggests a possible alignment or wheel quality issue that could lead to frequent tire replacements and potential blowout risk.
The 48V mild-hybrid system is a known trouble spot, with failures causing the engine to shut off, especially in hot climates. Owners also report battery malfunction warnings and total electrical failures affecting infotainment, windows, mirrors, and climate control, which can be distracting and potentially dangerous while driving.
Some owners describe a sensation of loose wheels or lug nuts when driving over bumps, leading to side-to-side movement and a feeling of reduced control. This could be related to suspension or steering components and is a safety concern if it indicates a loss of stability.
There are reports of low coolant messages recurring over years, suggesting a possible slow leak or head gasket issue. Additionally, the 48V system defect can cause the engine to turn off, which is a serious safety hazard if it happens while driving.
“I purchased my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 with approximately 12,000 miles on 08/16/2022. Throughout the course of my ownership the vehicle has had multiple sets of tires replaced due to them either being prematurely bald, developing multiple bubbles, or shred…”
“I had a slow leak in the rear passenger tire for a few weeks now so I took it to the neighborhood tire shop. No nail or puncture was discovered but a hairline crack in the rear wheel. The tire shop manager advised me to call the dealership and ask the part to…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The most frequent complaints involve engine failures, including catastrophic failures in 6.2L motors and diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging in Duramax diesels. Owners report sudden loss of power, excessive soot accumulation, and the need for repeated dealer visits, indicating serious reliability issues.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive while driving, especially at low speeds. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents, and often requires major transmission repairs or replacement.
Electrical failures can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling. Owners describe a loud pinging sound followed by loss of motive power and inoperable brakes and steering, which is extremely dangerous and points to a critical system failure.
Brake system issues are prominent, with reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This could be due to electronic brake assist failures or other hydraulic issues, and is a major 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 CLS 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 CLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Class has far fewer complaints per year (5.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the CLS's problems are still serious, particularly the electrical and wheel issues. In practice, the Silverado's high complaint volume and 100 recalls suggest a much higher risk of encountering major problems, making the CLS a more reliable choice on average, though not without its own concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5/year) and 100 recalls, while the CLS has only 5.5 complaints/year and no recalls.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic engine and transmission failures, including sudden loss of drive and power, whereas CLS issues are more about electrical glitches and wheel/tire wear.
- Brake failures are a major concern in the Silverado, with reports of sudden loss of braking, while the CLS has no brake-related complaints in the top components.
- The CLS's 48V electrical system can shut off the engine, but the Silverado's electrical issues can also affect steering and brakes, making it potentially more dangerous.
- Check for any signs of 48V battery malfunction warnings or previous repairs; ask about the vehicle's history in hot climates.
- Inspect the wheels for cracks, and check tire wear patterns for uneven or premature wear.
- Ask about any engine or transmission replacements or repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax engines.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas listed.
- For the CLS, test drive over bumps to feel for any steering or suspension looseness.
- For the Silverado, test the transmission at low speeds and on inclines to ensure it doesn't slip or shift unexpectedly.
- Check the service records for both vehicles to see if any of the common issues have been addressed.
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 CLS Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 1 | 934 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 | 20 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 CLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total complaints
- 55
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLS Class top complaint area
- WHEELS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE