Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ GLS 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 GLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GLS averages 19.3 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 10 and 0 for the GLS. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLS Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class is a large luxury SUV with an average of 19.3 owner complaints per year over the past decade. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, engine, and forward collision avoidance features, with owners reporting warning lights, limp mode, and sudden braking issues. There are no recalls on record, but the 10 crash-related complaints and 10 injuries suggest some problems can be serious. Overall, it's a complex vehicle where electronic and engine faults are the main ownership risks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year—and 101 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission issues. The 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths indicate that some failures can have severe consequences. This is a high-volume truck with a wide range of reported defects, so careful inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLS Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 193 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 GLS Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
- 03ENGINE36
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE19
- 05POWER TRAIN17
Owners report dashboard warnings like 'Active Brake Assist Functions Limited' and 'Blind Spot Assist Inoperative,' often accompanied by parking brake problems. These glitches can disable safety aids and confuse drivers, and fixing them may require repeated dealer visits.
Complaints include low oil pressure warnings and engine lights traced to a faulty oil pump solenoid valve, which can require major engine work. Another owner described the vehicle entering limp mode with multiple system failures, sometimes linked to water pooling in the footwell.
The collision avoidance system has shut down on multiple occasions without weather cause, and one owner reported the radar system locked up the wheels at 25 mph. These failures could prevent the system from working when needed or cause unexpected braking.
While fewer complaints appear here, some owners mention transmission or drivetrain issues that contribute to limp mode or loss of power. These can be expensive to diagnose and may leave the vehicle undrivable.
“As I approached a red light and removed my foot from the gas pedal to brake, my dashboard displayed several alarming messages: “Active Brake Assist Functions Limited See Owner's Manual,” “Active Blind Spot Assist Inoperative,” “To Deselect P or N Depress Brak…”
“At first, the parking brake assist would appear when vehicle was put into park or when starting. We would have to release the parking brake each time. Then, the parking brake assist light would not go on, but the parking brake assist would engage and or be st…”
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 with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns far from home and require dealer repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and another with less than 300 miles that lost power. Such failures can leave you stranded and may indicate transmission or control module defects.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shutdown while driving with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and create dangerous driving situations.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect and complete loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school. Brake failures are among the most serious safety concerns and require 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 GLS 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 GLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class has far fewer complaints per year (19.3 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher rate and 101 recalls. In practice, the GLS may have fewer overall problems, but its electrical and engine issues can still be costly and safety-related. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported defects, including severe engine, brake, and power train failures.
Key differences
- The GLS has 19.3 complaints per year and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 822.7 complaints per year and 101 recalls—a massive difference in reported issues.
- GLS owners report electrical glitches like brake assist warnings and limp mode; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 10 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the GLS, indicating more severe outcomes in the truck.
- Both have forward collision avoidance complaints, but the GLS reports system shutdowns and wheel lockup, while the Silverado has a recall for pedestrian alert warnings.
- Check for dashboard warning messages related to Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, or parking brake assist—these are common electrical complaints.
- Inspect for signs of water intrusion in the passenger footwell, which one owner linked to limp mode and multiple system failures.
- Listen for engine noises or check for low oil pressure warnings, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax models, as owners report early failures.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness or reduced stopping power, and ask if the vehicle has ever lost braking or shut off while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the Silverado's 101 recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the GLS's electrical system and engine, or the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation, and test all safety features like collision avoidance and braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the common complaints listed above.
- For the Silverado, verify that the diesel particulate filter (if equipped) has not had repeated soot accumulation issues, and for the GLS, check for software updates related to the communication module.
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 GLS Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 10 | 450 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 37 | 961 |
| 2020 | 38 | 868 |
| 2019 | 28 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 22 | 597 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 GLS Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class total complaints
- 193
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLS Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE