Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLC vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GLC 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GLC averages 128.8 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported fires and serious safety issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means more overall complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLC or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV that averages about 129 complaints per year over the past decade, with engine and electrical issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe serious problems like engine misfires, sudden power loss, and headlight failures due to water intrusion. While the overall complaint count is lower than some rivals, the nature of the issues—including fires and limp mode—can be alarming and costly. Buyers should expect a vehicle that demands diligent maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—largely because it sells in much higher volumes. Owner reports frequently cite engine and transmission problems, including sudden shutdowns, rough running, and brake failures. Recalls are also numerous, with 101 over the same period. While many issues are addressed by recalls, the sheer number of complaints suggests that some trucks may experience persistent reliability headaches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,288 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 64 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 128.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ENGINE381
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM271
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER236
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM116
- 05POWER TRAIN104
Owners report check engine lights, shaking, and repeated engine misfires, sometimes at relatively low mileage like 65,000 miles. These symptoms can lead to rough running and may require expensive repairs, making it crucial to check for stored fault codes and service history.
Complaints include moisture entering headlight assemblies, causing them to fail completely, and instances where vehicles not included in a recall exhibit the same defect. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and frustrating, so inspect headlights for condensation and test all electrical functions.
Drivers describe sudden drops into 'limp home mode' and loss of motive power, sometimes with the check engine light on. This can create dangerous speed differentials on the road, so a test drive should include acceleration and highway merging to check for hesitation or power loss.
Reports include vehicle fires and spontaneous rear window shattering without impact. These are rare but severe, and buyers should look for any signs of prior fire damage or unusual window integrity issues.
“While driving my vehicle on March 3, 2025 the check engine light came on. Additionally my vehicle began to shake. I was scheduled for a service appointment on March 5, 2025 and told the service department the check engine light need to be addressed. Upon insp…”
“Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLC 300 Engine: M264 Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 65,000 miles Complaint Description: While driving, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 began experiencing repeated engine misfires and rough ru…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and rough running. These issues can leave you stranded and may require dealer intervention, so check for any active recalls or service bulletins related to the engine.
Complaints include sudden shifts into neutral, loss of power, and transmission problems even at very low mileage. This can be dangerous in traffic, so test drive at various speeds and check for delayed or harsh shifting.
Owners report severe loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems, so verify that all software updates have been applied and test brakes and electronics thoroughly.
Some drivers experience a sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which is a serious safety concern. During a test drive, brake firmly from moderate speed to ensure the system responds correctly.
“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 — 3 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Ve…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant's head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may n…
The risk: In the event of a crash, insufficient impact protection can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will modify the roof lining and C-pillar trim, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack.
The risk: A loose steering coupling can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering coupling bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has far fewer complaints per year (about 129 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but the Silverado's higher volume means the rate per vehicle may be closer. In practice, the GLC's issues tend to be luxury-car problems like electrical gremlins and engine misfires, while the Silverado's include more frequent engine and transmission failures. Both have serious safety-related complaints, so neither should be considered trouble-free.
Key differences
- The GLC averages about 129 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, but the Silverado sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle rates may be similar.
- GLC owners frequently report engine misfires and electrical issues like headlight failures, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to just 3 for the GLC, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Both vehicles have reports of fires and serious safety issues, but the GLC's complaints include spontaneous window shattering, while the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking.
- Check for moisture or condensation inside the headlight assemblies, as this can lead to complete failure and is a common complaint.
- During a test drive, listen for engine misfires or rough running, and check for any stored check engine light codes, especially around 65,000 miles.
- Test the brakes thoroughly; some owners report a sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which is a critical safety issue.
- Be alert for any signs of engine shutdown or electrical glitches, such as messages to 'Return to Neutral' or screens going blank while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- During the test drive, accelerate hard to check for power loss or limp mode, and brake firmly to test braking response.
- Inspect headlights for condensation and test all electrical components, including windows, lights, and infotainment.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recommended services and software updates have been completed.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 120 |
| 2025 | 44 | 157 |
| 2024 | 31 | 527 |
| 2023 | 121 | 450 |
| 2022 | 124 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 66 | 961 |
| 2020 | 231 | 868 |
| 2019 | 138 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 294 | 597 |
| 2017 | 230 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLC vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total complaints
- 1,288
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GLC total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GLC avg complaints/year
- 128.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLC
- Mercedes BENZ GLC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE