Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GLC 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 GLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GLC has 556 complaints over 10 years (about 56 per year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. The GLC also has fewer crash-related complaints (26 vs 233). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLC Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is a luxury compact SUV with 556 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 56 per year. Owners frequently report engine and electrical failures, including sudden shutdowns and persistent noises. There are no recalls on record, but 26 crash-related complaints, 22 injuries, and 1 death suggest some issues can be serious. Living with it means watching for electronic gremlins and engine quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of stalling, transmission problems, and brake loss. It has 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLC Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 556 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 GLC Class
- 01ENGINE171
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM111
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER99
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM57
- 05POWER TRAIN43
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, leaving only instrument lights on, and abnormal engine noises that sound like a diesel despite being gasoline. These can strand you and may indicate deeper mechanical issues.
Complaints include total electrical failure causing the engine to cut off, and recurring electronic parking brake warnings. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety systems.
Some owners report valve seat failure requiring cylinder head replacement, and difficulty getting recall work done. This can lead to costly repairs and safety risks if fuel delivery is compromised.
Reports include loss of steering control at highway speeds and unexpected vehicle behavior. These vague but serious complaints highlight the need for a thorough test drive and inspection.
“While driving down a busy neighborhood street 2 lanes with cars on both sides making it a 1 lane road pulled over to the side a little to let cars pass. All of a sudden ALL electrical and engine stopped and turned off. Only thing that was powered was instrume…”
“Defect Summary: Since 2024, my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has had a persistent, abnormal engine noise consistent with the sound of a 4-cylinder diesel engine, despite being gasoline-powered. The noise occurs both while idling and in motion. On several occasion…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners describe engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events on Duramax models. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and transmission issues at low speeds. This can leave you unable to accelerate, especially in parking lots or traffic.
Reports of severe braking loss with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. Electrical faults can disable critical safety features.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 GLC 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 GLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 56) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the GLC has no recalls while the Silverado has 101, indicating different types of risk. In practice, the GLC may have fewer overall issues but could still suffer from serious electrical and engine faults, while the Silverado's higher volume means more widespread problems.
Key differences
- The GLC averages about 56 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year and has 101 recalls.
- GLC owners report sudden engine and electrical shutdowns; Silverado owners report engine stalls, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs 26) and injuries (160 vs 22), though it also sells in much higher volumes.
- GLC complaints often involve electronic parking brake and steering loss; Silverado complaints include diesel particulate filter issues and brake pedal firmness with reduced braking.
- Check for any history of sudden engine or electrical shutdowns, and test all electronics including parking brake and infotainment.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises at idle and during test drive, and ask about any valve seat or cylinder head repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for any transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement.
- Ask about diesel particulate filter history on Duramax models, and verify that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes before purchase.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any recall or repair work.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes at low and high speeds and check for transmission smoothness.
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 GLC Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 65 | 450 |
| 2022 | 62 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 66 | 961 |
| 2020 | 80 | 868 |
| 2019 | 69 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 99 | 597 |
| 2017 | 115 | 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 GLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class total complaints
- 556
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class avg complaints/year
- 55.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLC Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE