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 174 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The S-Class averages 17.4 complaints per year, the Silverado 822.7. 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 sedan with 174 complaints over 10 years, averaging 17.4 per year. Owners report electrical glitches like cruise control decelerating unexpectedly and digital displays cutting out, plus engine misfires and brake pedal interference. With no recalls on record, it has fewer reported issues overall, but the complaints involve complex systems that can be costly to fix.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners describe serious problems like engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures, with 101 recalls. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests frequent reliability and safety concerns.
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 | 174 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 S Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE31
- 03ENGINE23
- 04SERVICE BRAKES23
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report that adaptive cruise control can decelerate without input and misread speed limit signs, causing sudden speed changes. Also, the digital instrument cluster may temporarily go blank due to control unit resets, which can distract the driver.
Complaints include the vehicle shutting off at stop lights in eco mode, followed by warning signals and a 20-30 second restart delay. This can leave the driver stranded briefly in traffic.
Some owners experience engine misfires, power loss, and check engine lights, such as in a 2018 S560 that felt sluggish and unresponsive. These issues can affect acceleration and passing ability.
Reports include the brake pedal entangling with the driver's foot during actuation, and after tire pressure sensor recalibration, the vehicle may pull or behave oddly upon acceleration. This could hinder emergency braking.
“While driving on highways using cruise control and adaptive cruise control the vehicle decelerates without driver input. The system also misreads or fails to update speed limit signs causing incorrect cruise speeds and sudden speed changes. This behavior has…”
“The control unit in my 2024 Mercedes 2580e triggers an increased number of system resets as part of fallback behavior. The increased number of resets resulted in the digital instrument cluster's display temporarily cutting out, and I had an entirely blank clu…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded or cause dangerous loss of power.
Complaints include a 2026 Silverado suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another with engine shutdowns. This can cause loss of control and unexpected stops.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-offs with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions.
Reports include complete loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off with blank screens, requiring a restart. This is a severe safety risk, especially in traffic.
“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 — 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 S Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has far fewer issues per year (17.4 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and many more complaints. In practice, the S-Class may have less frequent problems, but its complex systems can be expensive to repair; the Silverado's high complaint volume suggests more widespread reliability and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years versus 174 for the S-Class, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls, while the S-Class has none, meaning the Silverado has more known safety defects requiring manufacturer fixes.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures, which can be immediately dangerous.
- S-Class complaints focus on electrical glitches, adaptive cruise control errors, and engine misfires, which are serious but less likely to cause sudden loss of control.
- Check for any history of adaptive cruise control or forward collision avoidance malfunctions, such as unexpected deceleration or shutdowns at stop lights.
- Inspect the digital instrument cluster for signs of flickering or blanking out, and ask if any control unit resets have been performed.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine misfires or hesitation, and check for any messages about reduced power or 'Return to Neutral'.
- Verify that the brakes engage properly and that there is no sudden loss of braking; also check for any recalls related to fuel pump or forward collision warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Silverado.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including adaptive cruise control and instrument cluster, on the S-Class.
- For the Silverado, test the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any engine shutdown issues during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and engine repairs.
- Search NHTSA.gov for the specific model year and VIN to see all complaints and recalls.
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 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 6 | 527 |
| 2023 | 12 | 450 |
| 2022 | 48 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 34 | 961 |
| 2020 | 7 | 868 |
| 2019 | 16 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 29 | 597 |
| 2017 | 22 | 1154 |
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
- 174
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ S Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ S Class avg complaints/year
- 17.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ S Class
- Mercedes BENZ S Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE