Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ Esprinter vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ Esprinter 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 Esprinter averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. Mercedes BENZ Esprinter has 0 complaints and 3 recalls on record; Chevrolet Silverado has 7,904 complaints and 100 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ Esprinter | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 7,904 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 229 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 790.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 159 |
| 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 Esprinter
No component data available.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,352
- 02POWER TRAIN2,254
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,452
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,198
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER838
“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…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
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 Esprinter — 3 recalls
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vehicles. Due to a software error in the electronic stability program (ESP), the force required to stop the vehicle may increase, possibly requiring an extended distance to stop.
The risk: Extended stopping distance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3EBOOSTF.
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vehicles. The welds on the helical gear within the rear axle drivetrain may fail, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, drivetrain failure can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear axle electric drivetrain, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is V3ESCHWEI.
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2025 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vehicles. The vehicles fail to make sufficient pedestrian warning sounds when in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimu…
The risk: Insufficient pedestrian warning sounds may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the pedestrian warning sounds, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is V3EAV…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 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…
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 Esprinter | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 82 |
| 2025 | 0 | 135 |
| 2024 | 0 | 498 |
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 Esprinter or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ Esprinter vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ Esprinter total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,904
- Mercedes BENZ Esprinter total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ Esprinter avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 790.4
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ Esprinter
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE