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 averaged 36 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The R Class had 6 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths; the Silverado had 233 crash-related and 3 deaths. 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 luxury minivan/SUV that averaged about 36 complaints per year over eight years, with no recalls on record. Owners most often report suspension problems like the vehicle leaning to one side, airbag issues tied to the Takata recall, and electrical faults that can cause stalling. Living with one means dealing with frequent repairs and potential safety recalls, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are engine and power train failures, often causing sudden stalling or loss of power, plus electrical and brake problems. This high complaint volume means many owners face repeated dealer visits and safety risks, so checking recall history and maintenance records is essential.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 R Class
- 01SUSPENSION64
- 02AIR BAGS44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04ENGINE37
- 05POWER TRAIN29
Owners report the vehicle leaning to one side, often noticed after parking, which can indicate a broken or failing suspension component. This affects handling and tire wear, so a buyer should have the suspension inspected for uneven ride height.
Many complaints mention the Takata airbag recall, with owners saying they were not informed before purchase and that dealers refused repairs due to parts unavailability. This is a serious safety defect that may remain unfixed, so verify the recall was performed.
Owners describe the vehicle stalling while driving, sometimes repeatedly, and other electrical glitches like lumbar support failure. These issues can leave you stranded and are hard to diagnose, so check for any stored fault codes.
Some complaints involve engine stalling without warning, with one owner reporting sludge that required engine replacement. This points to potential maintenance neglect or design issues, so ask for oil change records and listen for unusual noises.
“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…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral,' and diesel models have repeated soot accumulation events. These failures can happen at low mileage and leave you without power, so test drive and check for recalls.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral or losing power, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can cause dangerous situations, so a pre-purchase scan for transmission codes is wise.
Owners report severe loss of braking and engine shut-off while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems, so check for any open recalls on braking and electrical components.
Some owners describe the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effect reduced, often after the engine shuts off. This is a major safety concern, so have a mechanic inspect the brake system and any related recalls.
“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 — 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 R Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz R Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 36) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the R Class may need less frequent trips to the shop, while the Silverado's higher volume means more owners report problems, though its larger recall count could mean more fixes are available.
Key differences
- The R Class has no recalls on record, while the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and forward collision warnings.
- R Class complaints center on suspension leaning and Takata airbag issues; Silverado complaints focus on engine stalling and power train failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 6 crash-related and 0 deaths for the R Class.
- Annual complaint rate is about 36 for the R Class and 823 for the Silverado, showing a much higher reported problem volume for the truck.
- Check for uneven ride height or leaning, which owners report as a sign of suspension failure.
- Verify that the Takata airbag recall has been completed; many owners say dealers refused or delayed repairs.
- Test for sudden engine shutdown or transmission slipping into neutral, especially at low speeds.
- Look for any open recalls on fuel pump, brakes, or forward collision warning, as these are common recall subjects.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially the Takata airbag for the R Class and fuel/brake recalls for the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension on the R Class for leaning or worn components.
- Scan the Silverado's computer for stored engine and transmission fault codes.
- Ask for complete maintenance records, focusing on oil changes for the R Class and diesel particulate filter service for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including stop-and-go traffic and parking lot maneuvers, to check for stalling or braking issues.
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
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ R Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ R Class avg complaints/year
- 36.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ R Class
- Mercedes BENZ R Class top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE