Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ ML Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ ML 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 ML Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The ML Class averages 67 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 511 complaints per year and has 100 recalls. Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs 27). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ ML Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ ML Class
The Mercedes-Benz ML Class is a luxury SUV that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over four years, owners filed 268 complaints, averaging 67 per year, with no recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine and electrical system, often involving oil leaks and warning lights. While crash-related complaints are relatively low at 27, the potential for expensive repairs like an $8,000 engine harness fix is a real concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: 5,105 complaints over ten years, or about 511 per year. With 100 recalls, it has a much higher rate of safety fixes than the ML Class. The most frequent issues are engine and power train problems, including sudden loss of power and transmission failures. Brake and electrical complaints also appear, sometimes involving serious safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ ML Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 268 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 67.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 ML Class
- 01ENGINE70
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM50
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM31
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report camshaft solenoid leaks that can soak the engine harness in oil, leading to repair bills around $8,000. Others see a random check engine light that comes and goes, which can mask bigger issues.
The same check engine light and mirror warning lights are often tied to electrical gremlins. These can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, frustrating owners and leading to repeated shop visits.
Water in the spare wheel well can damage the fuel module and pump, causing the engine to stall in traffic. One owner described stalling on I-5, putting them at risk of a crash.
A rear wiper issue where dust reappears and a pop sound precedes dashboard red lights suggests body or electrical faults that are not easily categorized but still disruptive.
“In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there…”
“HELLO, REF: ML350 CAMSHAFT SOLENOID LEAK! I AM SEEKING OUT FOR YOUR HELP WRT TO A SITUATION WITH 2012 ML350. ENCLOSED HEREWITH IS AN INSPECTION REPORT FROM A RECENT SERVICE VISIT REQUIRING CLOSE OF $8K IN REPAIRS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. ENGINE HARNESS (OIL LLED H…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase, leaving families stranded far from home. Diesel models can suffer from excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can cause a loss of control. This is especially alarming in low-speed maneuvers like parking garages.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal stays firm but the vehicle won't stop. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Electrical faults can cause a loud pinging from the engine, loss of power, and even inoperable brakes and steering. These symptoms point to serious system failures that demand 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 ML Class
No recalls on record.
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 ML Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz ML Class has far fewer complaints per year (67) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (511), but both have serious issues. The ML Class's problems tend to be expensive repairs like oil leaks, while the Silverado's include more frequent safety-related failures such as brake loss and transmission slips. In practice, the ML Class may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it breaks, it can cost a lot.
Key differences
- The ML Class averages 67 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 511 complaints per year and has 100 recalls.
- ML Class owners report oil leaks from camshaft solenoids and fuel pump failures from water damage; Silverado owners report sudden brake loss and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) than the ML Class (27 crashes, 18 injuries), though both have 1 death reported.
- Electrical issues in the ML Class often involve warning lights, while in the Silverado they can cause loss of power and inoperable steering and brakes.
- Check for oil leaks around the camshaft solenoids and engine harness, as these can lead to costly repairs.
- Inspect the spare wheel well for water intrusion, which can damage the fuel module and cause stalling.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of normal braking, especially after the vehicle has been driven a short distance.
- Check for transmission issues by driving uphill slowly and feeling for any sudden shift into neutral or loss of power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (for the Silverado) or major repairs (for the ML Class) have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine and electrical system for the ML Class, focusing on oil leaks and warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and conditions, paying close attention to brake response and transmission shifting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN before purchase.
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 ML Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class total complaints
- 268
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class avg complaints/year
- 67.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class
- Mercedes BENZ ML Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE