Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ G Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ G 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 G Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The G-Class has 27 complaints over 10 years (2.7/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. Both report engine and brake issues, but the Silverado's volume means more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ G Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ G Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a low-volume luxury SUV with only 27 complaints over 10 years, averaging 2.7 per year. Owners report engine and electrical issues that can cause the vehicle to shut off while driving, and some complain of unresolved recalls. With 16 injuries and 1 crash reported, the G-Class demands careful attention to its electrical and fuel systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. Common problems include engine and transmission failures, brake loss, and electrical glitches, with 100 recalls and 104 injuries reported. The sheer number of complaints means buyers should expect a higher likelihood of issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ G Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 27 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 G Class
- 01ENGINE6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, sometimes at low speeds or after refueling, with no warning. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash, and some say the problem repeats even after dealer visits.
Complaints include the vehicle shutting off at red lights and not restarting, plus error messages for differential lock, ABS, and ESP. These electrical gremlins can disable safety aids and strand you.
Some owners describe the engine cutting out shortly after refueling, suggesting a fuel delivery issue. This can cause sudden loss of power, especially at highway speeds.
Reports of ESC and ABS becoming inactive along with differential lock errors. When these systems fail, the vehicle may handle unpredictably in slippery conditions.
“Driving 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-550 for approximately 8min. Preceding East on a 3 lane South Florida Highway no more than 40 mph. Gas tank 75% full with V-Power From Shell. (filled-3 days prior). Proceeded from the middle lane to the right lane in-order to make…”
“Shortly after purchasing a new Mercedes Benz 2021 G550 on [XXX], the SUV started having electrical problems. During early 2022 the vehicle shut off while at a red light and would not restart until a few minutes later. No warning light or error message was see…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of new Silverados report engine failures, including loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes at highway speeds. Diesel models also suffer from excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking garages. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move the vehicle.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of braking power, with a firm pedal but ineffective brakes. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to a crash.
Reports of electrical faults causing loss of motive power, brakes, and steering, along with warning messages. These failures can happen without warning and are dangerous.
“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 G 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 G Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has far fewer complaints per year (2.7 vs. 510.5), but both vehicles have serious safety-related issues. The G-Class's lower volume means fewer reported problems, but the ones that exist can be severe. The Silverado's high complaint count reflects its popularity and a wider range of common failures.
Key differences
- The G-Class has 27 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105, but the G-Class still reports engine shutdowns and electrical failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including brake fluid and tailgate latch issues, while the G-Class has no recalls on record.
- Silverado owners report transmission slipping into neutral and brake loss, while G-Class owners report engine shutoff and ESC/ABS deactivation.
- Both vehicles have injury reports (16 for G-Class, 104 for Silverado), but the Silverado's higher volume means more overall incidents.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or electrical shutdowns, especially after refueling or at idle; ask for service records related to fuel and electrical systems.
- Test the differential lock, ABS, and ESP systems for error messages; these are reported to fail and disable safety features.
- Inspect for transmission issues by test-driving at low speeds and uphill; sudden neutral engagement is a reported problem.
- Check brake function carefully, including pedal feel and stopping power; some owners report sudden brake loss without warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, focusing on engine, electrical, and brake repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored error codes in the ESC, ABS, and engine systems.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed; for the Silverado, check for tailgate latch, brake fluid, and seat belt recalls.
- Test-drive extensively, including highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and uphill grades, to check for stalling, transmission slipping, and brake performance.
- Ask the seller directly about any instances of engine shutdown, loss of power, or warning lights, and whether they have been repaired.
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 G Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 5 | 934 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 G Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ G Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ G Class total complaints
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ G Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ G Class avg complaints/year
- 2.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ G Class
- Mercedes BENZ G Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE