Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ E 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 E Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The E-Class has 407 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints, versus 0 deaths and 14 for the E-Class. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ E Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ E Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury sedan that generates about 41 complaints per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. Owner complaints cluster around electrical glitches, engine stumbles, and a recurring trunk-lid problem that can cause injury. While the overall complaint rate is low, the nature of the issues—sudden power loss, warning lights, and a trunk that closes on its own—means living with this car can involve unexpected shop visits and safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls and three reported deaths over the same period. The sheer volume of complaints, especially for engine, power train, and brake problems, suggests a higher likelihood of serious mechanical and safety defects. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures even on low-mileage trucks, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a thorough recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ E Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 407 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 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 E Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM86
- 02ENGINE85
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER69
- 04POWER TRAIN43
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
Owners report warning messages like a 'positive short circuit' in the EVAP system and instances where the car shuts down or loses power while stopped at a light. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or unable to accelerate, which is dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include violent shaking, sudden loss of power, and oil/engine lights coming on, sometimes within the first few thousand miles. One owner also noted premature cylinder head wear on 2.0L turbo engines, leading to misfires and unsafe driving conditions.
Multiple reports describe the trunk lid closing unexpectedly and with force, causing injuries to arms or heads. This is a physical safety hazard that can happen when loading or unloading the trunk.
The same sudden loss of power and shaking reported under engine issues also appears here, often tied to transmission or drivetrain faults. For a buyer, this means the car may not respond predictably when you press the accelerator.
“My 2023 Mercedes 450E car was purchased on June 11, 2023 and has 1,750 miles. On 2 to 3 different occasions, I was stopped at a light waiting to make a left turn, fortunately my light was red and not a green permitting turning, which would have meant I would…”
“Vehicle: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan (W213) VIN: [XXX] While operating the vehicle, the diagnostic system displayed the fault code P240200 related to the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). The warning message indicated a “positive short circuit” in…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and even engine shutdown while driving. These issues can strand you and lead to expensive repairs, especially on the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines.
Complaints include the truck suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. This loss of drive power is a serious safety risk, particularly in traffic or on hills.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and displaying 'Return to Neutral' messages. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report that the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is severely reduced, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. This makes stopping unpredictable and increases crash risk.
“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 E 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 E Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 41 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and no recalls, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and three deaths reported. In practice, the E-Class is likely to spend less time in the shop for major safety defects, but it still has notable electrical and trunk issues. The Silverado's much higher complaint and recall volume means a buyer should be prepared for more frequent and potentially severe problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, while the E-Class has zero recalls and no deaths, indicating a much higher safety-related defect rate for the truck.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and loss of braking, while E-Class owners more often report electrical warnings and a trunk lid that closes on its own.
- The Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year versus about 41 for the E-Class, a twenty-fold difference in reported problem frequency.
- Both vehicles have engine and power train complaints, but the Silverado's issues more frequently involve complete loss of drive or braking, which can be immediately dangerous.
- Check for any stored electrical fault codes, especially EVAP-related 'positive short circuit' errors, and test all warning lights.
- Inspect the trunk lid operation: open and close it multiple times to ensure it does not drop unexpectedly or fail to latch securely.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the engine shuts off or the transmission slips into neutral, as owners report these sudden failures.
- Check for brake performance: apply brakes firmly from various speeds to ensure the pedal does not feel firm with reduced stopping power, a reported symptom.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Silverado.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles, focusing on the specific complaint areas.
- For the E-Class, test the trunk lid and ask about any electrical warning messages or software updates.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively at low speeds and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any engine or transmission repairs have already been done.
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 E Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 25 | 527 |
| 2023 | 24 | 450 |
| 2022 | 22 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 20 | 961 |
| 2020 | 21 | 868 |
| 2019 | 54 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 68 | 597 |
| 2017 | 167 | 1154 |
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 E Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ E Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total complaints
- 407
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ E Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ E Class avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ E Class
- Mercedes BENZ E Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE