Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ Metris vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ Metris 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 Metris vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Metris has 237 complaints over 8 years (about 30 per year) and 73 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Metris reports fewer complaints but more recalls per year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ Metris or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ Metris
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a commercial van often used for passenger or cargo duty. Over 8 years, it has 237 complaints (about 30 per year) and 73 recalls. Owners frequently report tire failures, fuel leaks, and steering problems. While the complaint rate is lower than the Silverado's, the high number of recalls and specific safety issues like fuel leaks and tire blowouts mean it demands careful maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive owner base, leading to 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, transmission, and electrical system, with reports of sudden power loss, brake failure, and transmission shifting into neutral. These issues can be severe and occur even on very new trucks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ Metris | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 237 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 73 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Metris
- 01TIRES48
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM45
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 04WHEELS25
- 05STEERING23
Owners report tire blowouts and premature wear, sometimes at highway speeds. One complaint describes a front tire failure at 75 mph after rotation. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to loss of control.
Fuel line leaks are a recurring issue, with some owners waiting months for recall parts. Another complaint notes inaccurate fuel range displays, which can leave drivers stranded. These problems pose fire risks and inconvenience.
Steering complaints often involve the electric power assist system, which can fail and make steering difficult. This is especially dangerous at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
Wheel-related complaints sometimes overlap with tire issues, such as cracks or failures that contribute to blowouts. Owners should inspect wheels for damage or defects.
“See attached document for complaint. I wanted to express my displeasure with the manner in which the above reference recall was conducted. The timeline left many owners with expensive replacement bills for new tires to replace inadequate tires that were insta…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES BENZ METRIS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRELINE VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2, TIRE SIZE 225/55/R17, DOT # 5MKC1AH0316.. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE JUST ROTATED AND WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of power and loud pinging sounds, even on new trucks with low mileage. Some cases involve diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of control. Complaints also include rough shifting and premature failure. This is a major reliability and safety concern.
Electrical glitches can cause braking problems, with reports of the brake pedal becoming firm but braking effectiveness reduced. Other symptoms include warning lights and infotainment malfunctions. These issues can affect critical safety systems.
Brake complaints include sudden loss of braking power, often linked to electrical or hydraulic faults. Owners describe the pedal feeling normal but the truck not stopping as expected. This is a serious safety risk.
“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 Metris — 73 recalls
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The drive shaft securing bolts may loosen at the automatic transmission flange.
The risk: If the bolts loosen and fall out, the driveshaft may separate causing a loss of drive, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission flange, securing bolts, and clean the shaft seal, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
The risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUS…
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Metris vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ve…
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum bolts with steels bolts, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on June 3, 2019. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer serv…
The defect: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The integrated backup battery compartment located underneath the front passenger's seat may not have its own cover, potentially exposing the battery when the seat is moved forward.
The risk: If conductive material, such as metal, unintentionally drops into the opening and contacts the terminals on the battery, an electrical short can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment area, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on December 2, 2019. The recall began March 9, 2020. Owners may contact…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ Metris or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz Metris has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). However, the Metris has a higher ratio of recalls to complaints, and its issues often involve safety-critical systems like tires and fuel lines. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are severe and occur on newer models.
Key differences
- The Metris averages about 30 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511, but the Silverado has a much larger owner population.
- Metris complaints often involve tires and fuel leaks, whereas Silverado complaints frequently cite engine and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 4) and injuries (104 vs. 9), though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Both have numerous recalls, but the Metris has 73 over 8 years (about 9 per year) and the Silverado has 100 over 10 years (10 per year), similar recall rates.
- Check tire condition and age, including the spare, and look for uneven wear or signs of cracking, as tire failures are commonly reported.
- Inspect fuel lines and hoses for leaks or dampness, and verify that any open fuel system recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine pinging or knocking, and check for any loss of power or hesitation.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting and ensure it does not slip or unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned for each model.
- For the Metris, verify that all fuel system and tire recalls have been completed and ask for documentation.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes and check transmission and engine performance during a thorough test drive.
- Test all electrical components, including brakes, lights, and infotainment, and ensure they function correctly.
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 Metris | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | 18 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 14 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 28 | 591 |
| 2017 | 29 | 0 |
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 Metris or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ Metris vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ Metris total complaints
- 237
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ Metris total recalls
- 73
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ Metris avg complaints/year
- 29.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ Metris
- Mercedes BENZ Metris top complaint area
- TIRES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE