Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GL 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 GL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GL Class averages 62.8 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The GL Class has 45 injuries and 0 deaths reported; the Silverado has 160 injuries and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GL Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GL Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL Class is a large luxury SUV that averages about 63 complaints per year over a 10-year period, with no recalls on record. The most common owner complaints involve air bags (often Takata recall-related), electrical system glitches, engine noises, suspension failures, and brake issues. Many reports describe repeated dealer visits for the same problem, such as an odometer that failed multiple times. For a used buyer, this suggests a vehicle that can be costly to maintain and may have unresolved safety recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year over 10 years, with 101 recalls. The most frequent complaints are engine problems (including sudden shutdowns and diesel particulate filter issues), power train failures (like going into neutral unexpectedly), electrical system faults (such as brake loss), and service brake problems. Owners report serious safety concerns like engine stalling while driving and braking failures. For a used buyer, this indicates a truck with many reported issues and a high number of recalls, requiring careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GL Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 628 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 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 GL Class
- 01AIR BAGS154
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM74
- 03ENGINE74
- 04SUSPENSION70
- 05SERVICE BRAKES70
Owners report Takata air bag recall notifications and long waits for parts, meaning the air bag inflator may not have been replaced. This matters because an unrepaired Takata air bag can rupture and cause injury in a crash.
Complaints include the instrument cluster (odometer) failing while driving, sometimes repeatedly after replacement, and shuddering with check engine light. These electrical glitches can leave you without critical information and lead to expensive diagnostic repairs.
Owners describe noises on the right side when first driving and check engine lights, often requiring dealer visits. Such engine issues can signal underlying mechanical problems that may be costly to fix.
Reports mention failed struts and ABS/check engine lights, sometimes tied to a service brake recall. Worn suspension can affect handling and ride comfort, and repairs can be expensive on a luxury SUV.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) IN MID OCTOBER OF 2017 AND WAS WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THE PART. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES, 14199…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdown while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events on Duramax models. These can leave you stranded and may indicate serious reliability flaws.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic and may require major transmission repairs.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can compromise safety and are difficult to diagnose.
Reports include braking effectiveness loss and the truck shutting off when barely applying throttle. Brake problems are a critical safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
“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 GL 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 GL Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GL Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 63) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and the GL Class has no recalls while the Silverado has 101. In practice, this means the Silverado generates many more owner-reported problems and recall actions, but the GL Class still has notable air bag and electrical issues. Neither is problem-free, but the Silverado's volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering issues.
Key differences
- The Mercedes-Benz GL Class has 0 recalls and about 63 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls and about 823 complaints per year.
- GL Class owners most often report air bag (Takata) and electrical (odometer) failures; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission going into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported in complaints, while the GL Class has 0 deaths and 45 injuries, though these are complaint counts, not rates.
- The GL Class has no recall subjects listed, whereas the Silverado has recalls for fuel pump, tires, forward collision warnings, and owner's manual issues.
- Check if the Takata air bag recall (NHTSA campaign 16V081000) was performed; if not, the air bag inflator may still be defective.
- Test the instrument cluster and odometer for proper function, as owners report repeated failures even after replacement.
- Look for signs of engine stalling or sudden shutdown; test drive at various speeds and check for stored codes related to fuel pump or diesel particulate filter.
- Inspect brake function carefully, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness and screens going blank.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- For the GL Class, confirm the Takata air bag recall was completed and test all electrical components, especially the odometer.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises and feel for transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if there are repeated repairs for the same issue.
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 GL Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class total complaints
- 628
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class avg complaints/year
- 62.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class
- Mercedes BENZ GL Class top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE