Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 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
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Eclipse Cross has 59 complaints over 9 years (6.6/yr) and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Silverado owners report severe engine and brake failures, whereas Eclipse Cross issues are mostly electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover that, based on owner complaints, tends to have electrical gremlins that can cause sudden shutdowns, warning-light cascades, and even unintended braking or acceleration events. Airbag and seatbelt warnings can be triggered by placing items on the passenger seat, and the infotainment touchscreen may develop unresponsive areas. While the total complaint count is low, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting safety systems—can be unsettling for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and years of production. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, including severe issues like sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical problems can lead to braking and steering failures, and there are numerous recalls addressing tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings. The sheer number of issues suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, but many are addressed through recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 59 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 03AIR BAGS11
- 04SERVICE BRAKES10
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, followed by dashboard warning lights and limp mode. Faulty fuel gauge readings can leave drivers unaware of fuel level, risking stalling.
The passenger airbag and seatbelt warning can activate when a phone is placed on the seat, indicating a sensor sensitivity issue. Some vehicles may have tampered airbags from prior rental use.
Braking can feel abnormal, with reports of the engine revving and brakes not responding properly, leading to near-misses. Unusual cracking or clicking noises from the rear when reversing may indicate stuck brake components.
Engine issues include sudden loss of power and unusual high/low pitched sounds, sometimes accompanied by warning lights, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous.
“WHILE DRIVING THE ABOVE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR SHUT DOWN. I PULLED OVER SAFELY TO THE SIDE. SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY AND THEN RESTARTED IT.THE DASH WAS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE CAR STARTED AND WAS TO DRIVE HOME IN A LIMP MODE IN. CA…”
“THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO ANYONE ON THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF SAID VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN IN AN OUT OF THE SHOP FOR A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES. IT HAS AN ISSUE THAT CANNOT BE FIXED OF A FAULTY GAS READING CAUSING A PERSON TO NEVER KNO…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including sudden loss of power, loud pinging noises, and stalling. Diesel models suffer from frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can leave you stranded or cause accidents. Some vehicles experience complete power loss.
Electrical issues can cause severe braking loss, steering failure, and engine power loss simultaneously, often accompanied by warning messages. These are critical safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This can occur suddenly, posing a high crash risk.
“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.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — 3 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electron…
The risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Contro…
The risk: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electron…
The risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall…
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
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has far fewer complaints per year (6.6 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (3 vs 100), indicating a lower likelihood of encountering major problems. However, the Silverado's issues are more severe and frequent, but many are addressed through recalls. In practice, the Eclipse Cross may offer more peace of mind for typical daily driving.
Key differences
- The Eclipse Cross has 59 complaints over 9 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years—a dramatic difference in frequency.
- Silverado engine and powertrain failures are common and can be catastrophic, whereas Eclipse Cross issues are more electrical and less likely to leave you stranded.
- Silverado has 100 recalls, including for steering and brakes, while Eclipse Cross has only 3, all related to software.
- Both have airbag and brake concerns, but Silverado's are more severe, with reports of complete brake loss.
- Check for any history of electrical shutdowns or warning light issues; ask for service records.
- Test the passenger airbag sensor by placing objects on the seat to ensure it doesn't falsely activate.
- Inspect for any engine or transmission warning lights, and ask about any prior repairs for power loss or shifting issues.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those for brakes and steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission.
- Check the Eclipse Cross's infotainment screen for dead zones and the Silverado's tailgate latch operation.
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 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 4 | 150 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 19 | 591 |
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross total complaints
- 59
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross avg complaints/year
- 6.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE