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 239 complaints over 8 years (30/year) and 73 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 4 and 0 for the Metris. 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 transport. Over 8 years, it has 239 complaints (about 30 per year) and 73 recalls. Owners frequently report tire failures, fuel leaks, and inaccurate fuel gauges. While the complaint rate is lower than some vehicles, the high number of recalls suggests ongoing quality issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. Owners report serious engine, transmission, and brake problems, including sudden loss of power and braking. The high complaint volume and crash-related incidents (233) indicate significant reliability concerns.
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 | 239 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 73 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Metris
- 01TIRES48
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM45
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 04WHEELS25
- 05ENGINE24
Owners report tire blowouts and premature wear, especially with Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires. One owner described a front tire failure at 75 mph after rotation. This is a safety risk and may require immediate replacement.
Complaints include fuel line leaks (subject to recall 18V837) and inaccurate fuel range displays. One owner ran out of gas because the dashboard showed 50 miles remaining. Leaks can cause fire hazards and parts may be unavailable.
Wheel-related complaints often overlap with tire issues, such as the same 2017 Metris tire failure. This suggests possible wheel or tire assembly problems that could affect handling.
While fewer complaints, engine issues appear. Owners report coolant smells without visible leaks, raising concerns about overheating or fire risk. This warrants a thorough inspection.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. One owner had three filter events by 10,280 miles. These can leave you stranded and are costly to fix.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration. One owner with under 300 miles experienced this in a parking garage. This is dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission defects.
Owners report brake failure with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-offs with warning messages. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Braking problems include sudden loss of normal braking and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration. One owner couldn't stop at a stop sign. This is a severe safety issue.
“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 — 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 Metris or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz Metris has far fewer complaints per year (about 30 vs. 823 for the Silverado). However, the Metris still has notable tire and fuel issues. The Silverado's much higher rate means you're more likely to encounter problems, especially with engine and brakes.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints vs. 239 for the Metris, a massive difference in reported problems per year.
- Silverado complaints often involve engine shutdowns and brake failures, while Metris issues center on tires and fuel leaks.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the Metris has 4 crash-related and 0 deaths.
- Both have many recalls (73 for Metris, 101 for Silverado), but Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- Check tire brand and condition; Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 tires have reported blowouts. Ensure recall 18V837 for fuel line leak has been addressed.
- Test drive for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral. Check for brake pedal firmness and any warning messages about brake or engine issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially fuel line recall for Metris and fuel pump recall for Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect tires and wheels on the Metris for uneven wear or signs of failure.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored error codes related to engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate reported conditions.
- Check for coolant smells or leaks in the Metris and diesel particulate filter status in the Silverado.
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 | 450 |
| 2022 | 18 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 14 | 868 |
| 2019 | 18 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 28 | 597 |
| 2017 | 29 | 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 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
- 239
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ Metris total recalls
- 73
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ Metris avg complaints/year
- 29.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ Metris
- Mercedes BENZ Metris top complaint area
- TIRES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE