Vehicle 1

Mercedes BENZ S Class

169 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S-Class has 169 complaints over 10 years (16.9/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 7562 complaints (756.2/year) and 100 recalls. The S-Class shows fewer issues but electrical and collision avoidance problems are notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mercedes BENZ S Class
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryMercedes BENZ S ClassChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
169
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
6
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
16.9
✓ lower
756.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mercedes BENZ S Class

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE30
3. ENGINE23
4. SERVICE BRAKES23
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER22

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,215
2. POWER TRAIN2,140
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has far fewer complaints per year (16.9 vs 756.2) and zero recalls, suggesting a lower likelihood of major issues. However, its low volume may mask problems, while the Silverado's high complaint count indicates widespread concerns.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and a luxury experience, choose the S-Class but budget for potential electrical or collision avoidance repairs. If you need a work truck and can tolerate higher risk of engine or powertrain issues, the Silverado offers utility but demands thorough inspection.

Key Differences
  • Mercedes S-Class: 16.9 complaints/year vs Silverado: 756.2 complaints/year.
  • Mercedes S-Class: 0 recalls vs Silverado: 100 recalls.
  • Silverado has 2215 engine complaints vs S-Class's 23.
  • Silverado has 2140 powertrain complaints; S-Class has none listed.
⚠ Watch on Mercedes BENZ S Class
  • Electrical system issues (31 complaints) and forward collision avoidance problems (30 complaints) are the top concerns.
  • Crash complaints (6) are low but present.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2215) and powertrain (2140) complaints dominate, indicating chronic mechanical problems.
  • Electrical system (1395) and service brakes (1183) also have high complaint counts.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the Silverado using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Test drive the S-Class and verify forward collision avoidance system works.
  • Inspect Silverado's engine and transmission for signs of failure (e.g., leaks, noises).
  • Review service history for both vehicles, especially brake repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mercedes BENZ S ClassChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
51
2025
0
117
2024
6
471
2023
12
386
2022
45
1204
2021
33
865
2020
7
803
2019
15
1941
2018
29
576
2017
22
1148
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Mercedes BENZ S Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
Mercedes BENZ S Class total complaints
169
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
Mercedes BENZ S Class total recalls
0
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Mercedes BENZ S Class avg complaints/year
16.9
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
Mercedes BENZ S Class
Mercedes BENZ S Class top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mercedes BENZ S Class Reliability & Problems

169 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mercedes BENZ S Class or Chevrolet Silverado?

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