Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GLB 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 GLB Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GLB averages 12.7 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 5 and 0 for the GLB. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class is a compact luxury SUV that has averaged about 13 owner complaints per year over seven years, with no recalls on record. The complaints cluster around structural issues like spoiler detachment, engine power loss and limp mode, and electrical glitches such as hood warnings and wipers cutting out. Five crash-related complaints and five injuries are reported, but no deaths. For a buyer, this suggests a vehicle with a modest but recurring set of safety-related faults that can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous if ignored.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has generated over 8,200 complaints in ten years—roughly 823 per year—along with 101 recalls. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners reporting sudden power loss, transmission failures, and brake problems. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This volume indicates a truck with widespread, often serious reliability and safety concerns that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLB Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 89 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 GLB Class
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
- 02STRUCTURE17
- 03ENGINE16
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 05SUSPENSION9
Owners report rear spoiler detachment, with one complaint referencing Recall 20V-480 even though their VIN was not included. Another mentions a delayed remedy for a safety recall. A detached spoiler can become a road hazard or cause loss of vehicle control.
Complaints describe the car losing power, the check engine light coming on, and the vehicle entering limp mode, sometimes requiring a tow. One owner said the car shut down while driving and they had to move out of the way of a fast-approaching truck. This can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Owners report the hood-open warning appearing while driving and the windshield wipers cutting in and out or shutting off unexpectedly. These glitches can impair visibility and distract the driver, increasing crash risk.
Complaints include the power liftgate sensor failing to retract, which could trap someone reaching into the trunk, and the transmission slipping into neutral at highway speed with a 'transmission malfunction stop' message. Both issues can lead to injury or loss of control.
“Power Liftgate (via key fob – SmartKey). Mercedes GLB250. Was told by Mercedes employees that all cars operate the same. oSensor that automatically stops liftgate if it detects an obstruction does not retract to allow someone reaching in the trunk to safely e…”
“When driving on the highway going 65mph the car slipped in neutral and error showed on dashboard "transmission malfunction stop." I could steer and break, but not accelerate. Pulling over on side of highway, I was able to put in park and then drive. I pulled…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These failures can cause sudden power loss and expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and another instance where the truck would not accelerate. Transmission and drivetrain failures like these can leave you unable to move in traffic.
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. Another complaint notes a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints include the truck completely shutting off in a parking lot with all screens going blank and no acceleration, as well as braking that felt firm but did not stop the vehicle normally. Brake and electrical failures together are a serious 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 GLB 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 GLB Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class has far fewer issues per year (about 13 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints). In practice, the GLB is likely to spend less time in the shop for reported problems, while the Silverado's much higher complaint and recall volume suggests a greater chance of encountering serious engine, transmission, or brake issues.
Key differences
- The GLB has 0 recalls and about 13 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and about 823 complaints per year.
- GLB owners report structural issues like spoiler detachment and electrical glitches, whereas Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the GLB has 5 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden power loss or shutdown while driving, while GLB complaints include limp mode and liftgate sensor failures.
- Check the rear spoiler for secure attachment and ask if Recall 20V-480 was performed, even if the VIN is not listed.
- Test the power liftgate sensor by placing an object in its path to ensure it retracts, and listen for transmission slipping or warning messages during a test drive.
- During a test drive, watch for any hesitation, rough running, or warning messages about the diesel particulate filter or engine power.
- Test the brakes firmly and check for any electrical glitches like screens going blank or the engine shutting off; ask for a history of recalls and repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been remedied, especially for the Silverado.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific complaint areas.
- For the GLB, test the liftgate, wipers, and hood latch, and check for any transmission warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for brake performance, transmission shifting, and any sudden power loss.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the reported complaints.
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 GLB Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 13 | 450 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 61 | 868 |
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 GLB Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total complaints
- 89
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class avg complaints/year
- 12.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE