Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ S 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 S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S Class has 172 complaints over 10 years (17.2/yr) with no recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Owners report electrical fires and false braking in the S Class, and engine failures and brake loss in the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ S Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ S Class
The Mercedes-Benz S Class is a luxury flagship that, in ownership terms, promises comfort and prestige but, based on owner complaints, can deliver electronic and braking surprises. Over ten years, owners filed 172 complaints—about 17 per year—with the most frequent issues in the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, service brakes, and engine. Living with this car means being alert to intermittent electronic glitches, unexpected braking or acceleration events, and potential fire hazards, which can undermine the sense of security such a vehicle should provide.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a workhorse pickup that, in ownership terms, is expected to be tough and reliable, yet the complaint data tells a different story. With 5,105 complaints over ten years—averaging over 510 per year—and 100 recalls, owners report serious engine, powertrain, and brake failures, often at low mileage. Living with this truck can involve sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and braking problems that can turn a routine drive into a safety concern, especially when loaded or towing.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ S Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 172 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 S Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE30
- 03SERVICE BRAKES23
- 04ENGINE23
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report harsh shifting between 3rd and 4th gear, burning odors and smoke from under the driver's seat (a small fire), and intermittent shutdowns at stoplights. These electrical gremlins can affect drivability and pose a fire risk.
The system can cause the vehicle to decelerate without driver input on the highway, misread speed limit signs, and trigger sudden speed changes. In eco mode, the car may shut off at a stop light and then 'jump' with all warning lights, taking 20-30 seconds to restart.
Brake actuators can seize, making the rear brakes inoperable, and the system may falsely prepare for an impact by tightening seat belts. These issues can lead to a loss of braking confidence and require dealer intervention.
The engine can jerk upon acceleration with an auxiliary battery warning, and owners report premature service reminders. While not as severe as other issues, these can indicate underlying electrical or engine management problems.
“I am reporting a recurring transmission/drivability issue with my 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580. The vehicle has been experiencing a harsh, abnormal shift between approximately 3rd and 4th gear at around 25–35 mph during normal acceleration. The shift feels like a…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while parking their vehicle, a burning-leather odor entered the cabin, and they noticed smoke in the cabin. The contact noticed a small fire beneath the driver's seat. The fire was extinguish…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing within 2,500 miles of purchase, and diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requiring repeated dealer regeneration. These can leave you stranded far from home.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving uphill, and there are reports of loss of motive power. These issues can be dangerous in traffic or when towing.
Sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness is reported, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. Also, at 70 MPH, a loud pinging sound can precede loss of power, brakes, and steering, indicating a serious electrical or mechanical failure.
Brake failure is a recurring theme, with reports of the vehicle not stopping normally at stop signs and complete loss of braking at speed. This is a critical safety issue that demands 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 S 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 S Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz S Class has far fewer complaints per year (17.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the S Class's problems are still serious, including fire risks and unexpected braking. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume and recall count suggest a higher likelihood of encountering major failures, making the S Class appear more reliable by comparison, though both have significant concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 30 times more complaints per year than the S Class, and 100 recalls versus none for the S Class.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic engine failures and transmission neutrals, while S Class owners face electrical gremlins and false collision warnings.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but Silverado's brake issues are more severe, including complete loss of braking at highway speeds.
- The S Class has a fire risk from electrical issues, while the Silverado has diesel particulate filter clogging and engine failures.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smells or smoke, especially under the driver's seat, and have the electrical system thoroughly inspected.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control on a test drive to see if the car decelerates unexpectedly or misreads speed signs.
- Ask for service records to see if the engine or transmission has been replaced or repaired, and check for any pending recalls.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, including a hard stop, to ensure they respond normally and don't lose effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system and brakes for the S Class, and engine and transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions similar to your daily use, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that any software updates or recalls have been performed.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: luxury parts for the S Class and major engine work for the Silverado can be expensive.
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 S Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 | 46 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 34 | 934 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 29 | 591 |
| 2017 | 22 | 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 S Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ S Class total complaints
- 172
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercedes BENZ S Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercedes BENZ S Class avg complaints/year
- 17.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ S Class
- Mercedes BENZ S Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE