Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ R Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ R 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 R Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The R-Class averages 36.1 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year with 100 recalls. Owners report air shock failures and Takata air bag issues on the R-Class, and engine stalling and brake loss on the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ R Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ R Class
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a large luxury crossover that, in ownership terms, offers a comfortable ride but comes with notable reliability concerns. Owner complaints over eight years average about 36 per year, with the most frequent issues in the suspension, air bags, and electrical system. The suspension problems often involve air shocks failing, causing the vehicle to lean or sit unevenly, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Air bag complaints are largely tied to the Takata recall, with owners frustrated by parts unavailability. Electrical issues include starting problems in cold weather and unexpected shutdowns. Overall, the R-Class demands attention to these systems, especially as it ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year over ten years. The dominant issues are in the engine, power train, and service brakes. Engine complaints frequently involve severe problems like sudden loss of power, stalling, and excessive soot in diesel particulate filters, often occurring at low mileage. Power train issues include sudden shifts into neutral and loss of drive. Brake complaints describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes accompanied by electrical warnings. With 100 recalls, the Silverado has a broad range of safety-related defects, making thorough inspection and recall checks essential for buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ R Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 289 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 R Class
- 01SUSPENSION64
- 02AIR BAGS44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04ENGINE37
- 05POWER TRAIN29
Owners report air shocks failing, causing the vehicle to lean to one side or sit unevenly, sometimes while driving, which can lead to near-accidents. This is a known issue that often requires expensive replacement.
Many complaints reference the Takata recall, with owners unable to get replacement parts for years, leaving the vehicle with potentially defective air bags. This is a critical safety concern.
Problems include the vehicle failing to start in cold weather despite battery changes, and unexpected shutdowns or electrical malfunctions that can leave the driver stranded.
Some complaints mention engine stalling without warning, sometimes due to sludge buildup, which can lead to engine replacement. This is a serious reliability issue.
“I HAD JUST ARRIVED AT CHURCH AND NOTICED THE CAR LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. I IGNORED IT AT FIRST THINKING MAYBE THE DRIVEWAY WAS UNEVEN. WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE MY BOYFRIEND POINTED IT OUT TO ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP…”
“MY AIR SHOCKS KEEP GOING OUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MERCEDES IT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. MY CAR IS NOW PARK SITTING SIDEWAYS.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of power, stalling, and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, often at low mileage, requiring dealer intervention. Some engines have been replaced.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, losing drive power, and transmission issues that can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical problems often accompany other failures, such as warning lights and messages, and can cause loss of braking or steering assist, as seen in some complaints.
Sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness is reported, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical 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 R 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 R Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has far fewer complaints per year (36.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the R-Class's problems are still significant, especially with air bags and suspension. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume and recall count suggest a greater likelihood of encountering major failures, but the R-Class's issues can be just as serious.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5/yr) than the R-Class (36.1/yr), indicating more frequent issues.
- The R-Class has no recalls on record, while the Silverado has 100, including tailgate, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors.
- The R-Class's top issue is suspension (air shocks), while the Silverado's is engine (loss of power, diesel particulate filter).
- The Silverado has reports of sudden brake loss and transmission failures, which are more safety-critical than the R-Class's leaning suspension.
- Check for suspension air shock leaks or uneven ride height, as these are common failures.
- Verify if the Takata air bag recall has been completed; if not, be aware parts may be unavailable.
- Inspect engine for signs of stalling or loss of power, and check for any pending recalls related to engine or transmission.
- Test brakes thoroughly for any sudden loss of braking, and check brake fluid sensor operation.
Before you buy
- For the R-Class, have a mechanic inspect the air suspension system for leaks or compressor issues.
- For the Silverado, check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all open recalls are fixed.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for any vibrations or unusual behavior.
- Ask for service records, especially for engine and transmission work on the Silverado.
- For the R-Class, confirm the Takata air bag recall status and whether parts are available.
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 R Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ R Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ R Class total complaints
- 289
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ R Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ R Class avg complaints/year
- 36.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ R Class
- Mercedes BENZ R Class top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE