Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GLE 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 GLE Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GLE averages 46.5 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. The GLE's issues are often electrical and engine-related, whereas the Silverado suffers more severe engine, brake, and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLE Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is a luxury SUV that averages about 46.5 owner complaints per year, with no recalls on record. The most common complaints involve electrical system glitches, engine issues, and power train problems. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the electrical and engine issues can be costly and frustrating.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates a much higher volume of complaints—about 822.7 per year—and has 101 recalls. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of severe issues like sudden engine shutdown and brake loss. This suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, though the sheer number of trucks on the road may influence complaint counts.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLE Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 465 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 46.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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 GLE Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM107
- 02ENGINE107
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER82
- 04POWER TRAIN49
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL44
Owners report battery monitor warnings that appear while driving, instructing them to pull over, and instrument clusters going black, which disables speedometer and safety features like blind spot monitoring. These glitches can be distracting and potentially dangerous if they occur on the road.
Common complaints include a check engine light tied to code P06DA00, often linked to a faulty oil pump solenoid or wiring harness. Some owners experience rough acceleration or a persistent check engine light, which may lead to expensive repairs.
Reports describe the vehicle lurching or moving forward while in Park, and rough acceleration that feels like the car is struggling. These issues can affect drivability and may indicate transmission or engine management problems.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, this component is among the top five. Owners may experience unintended acceleration or cruise control malfunctions, which are serious safety concerns.
“I have been getting Battery Monitor - Charge status very low warnings for the past month and they occur at any moment, including while driving the car. The warning then states for me to stop and pull the car over so it can charge up. MESSAGE: 12V Battery The…”
“My instrument cluster has gone black twice. Meaning I have no speedometer, gas gauge, etc. My blind spot monitoring, front parking, and other safety features do not work when this happens. It stays this way for several hours and then displays again, usually o…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe issues like engine shutdown while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation in Duramax models. These problems can leave drivers stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous, especially at low speeds or in traffic.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can compromise critical safety systems.
Owners report a severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is reduced. This is a critical safety issue 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 GLE 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 GLE Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class has far fewer complaints per year (46.5 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls and a much higher complaint volume. In practice, this means a GLE owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, but the Silverado's issues are often more severe and safety-related.
Key differences
- The GLE has no recalls on record, while the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision warnings.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdown and brake loss, which are rare in GLE complaints.
- GLE complaints often involve electrical glitches like battery warnings and blank instrument clusters, which are annoying but less immediately dangerous.
- The Silverado's complaint rate is nearly 18 times higher per year, indicating a much larger volume of reported problems.
- Check for battery monitor warnings and instrument cluster functionality; test all electrical features, including blind spot monitoring and parking sensors.
- Listen for rough acceleration or unusual noises from the engine, and scan for stored code P06DA00 related to the oil pump solenoid.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of assist or firm pedal feel, and check for recalls on the brake system.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, and verify that all screens and electrical systems work consistently.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Silverado.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the GLE, test the battery and charging system, and check for software updates related to the instrument cluster.
- For the Silverado, verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, especially those involving brakes and fuel pumps.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of frequent repair visits for engine or transmission issues.
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 GLE Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 31 | 450 |
| 2022 | 63 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 83 | 961 |
| 2020 | 123 | 868 |
| 2019 | 34 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 56 | 597 |
| 2017 | 75 | 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 GLE Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class total complaints
- 465
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class avg complaints/year
- 46.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLE Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE