Head-to-head reliability
Porsche 718 Boxster vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Porsche 718 Boxster 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
Porsche 718 Boxster vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Boxster has 7 complaints over 9 years (0.8/year) and 9 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. Silverado reports include engine stalls, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss; Boxster reports include a PDK starting in second gear and a shattered mirror. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Porsche 718 Boxster or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a low-volume sports car, averaging less than one complaint per year over nine years. Owners report a handful of serious-sounding issues, such as brake problems, a transmission that sometimes starts in second gear, and a side mirror that shattered. With only 7 complaints total, the overall pattern is sparse, but the few reports that exist involve safety-relevant systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with over 8,000 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 800 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes, with many owners describing stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission shifting into neutral. The sheer number of reports and the presence of 160 injuries and 3 deaths in the data suggest these are not isolated incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Porsche 718 Boxster | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Porsche 718 Boxster
- 01SERVICE BRAKES2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 04WHEELS1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Two owners reported brake-related issues. One described an engine shut-off while driving that prevented restart, and another detailed a brake problem on a new car. For a buyer, any brake complaint on a sports car is worth taking seriously because braking is critical to control.
One owner reported that the PDK automatic transmission started in second gear on three occasions, making acceleration into traffic dangerously slow. This suggests a potential software or sensor glitch that could affect low-speed maneuvering.
An owner reported a loud bang and a destroyed passenger-side mirror while driving at night. This points to a possible weakness in the mirror assembly or its mounting, which could impair visibility if it fails.
An owner reported rear tires becoming completely bald after only 5,000 miles, even though alignment was checked and found fine. This could indicate a suspension geometry issue or premature tire wear that would be costly to manage.
“I was traveling North on the 127 expressway in Michigan on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in my brand new Porsche Boxster. It is a manual transmission. There was not a lot of traffic. It was maybe around 4:00 pm and the weather was fine. In the distance I could see…”
“Engine shuts off while the car is being driven and will not restart.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Over 2,500 engine complaints include reports of engines shutting off while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and rough running. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause a loss of power in traffic.
More than 2,300 power train complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission problems on new trucks. This can cause a complete loss of motive power, which is dangerous in any driving situation.
Over 1,500 electrical complaints include a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engines shutting off with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Electrical glitches that affect braking or engine operation are serious safety concerns.
More than 1,200 brake complaints include a severe loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and a truck that shut off completely in a parking lot. Brake failures at low speed can still lead to collisions or injuries.
“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.
Porsche 718 Boxster — 9 recalls
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2019 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles and 2018-2019 718 Boxster GTS and 2018-2019 718 Cayman GTS vehicles. In the event of a crash, a crossmember may detach from the luggage compartment bracket, pos…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will secure the crossmember with additional rivets, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is…
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S + GTS, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman,…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install improved fastening screws, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH01.
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. The seat mou…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the side air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG10.
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Targa S, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 718 Boxter and 718 Boxter S vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rebond the windshield, free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for the recall is AH04.
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
Porsche 718 Boxster or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Porsche 718 Boxster has far fewer issues per year (0.8 complaints per year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 per year). In practice, this means a Boxster owner is much less likely to experience a reported problem, but the Silverado's huge complaint volume reflects its much larger sales base and a wider range of reported failures.
Key differences
- The Porsche 718 Boxster has 7 total complaints over 9 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine shutdowns, transmission shifting into neutral, and sudden brake loss, whereas Boxster complaints are fewer and include a transmission starting in second gear and a shattered side mirror.
- The Silverado data includes 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Boxster data includes 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries or deaths.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 recall subjects versus 9 for the Boxster, covering areas like fuel pumps, air bags, and forward collision warnings.
- Check the PDK transmission for any history of starting in second gear or delayed engagement, especially when cold or in sport mode.
- Inspect the side mirrors for cracks or loose mounting, and test the brakes for any unusual noise or pedal feel.
- Test drive the truck at low speeds and in parking lots to see if it ever shifts into neutral or stalls; also check for any stored engine or transmission codes.
- Pay close attention to the brakes during the test drive—look for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power or any warning messages about brake assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and ask for all recall repair documentation, especially for fuel system and air bag recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- For the Silverado, scan for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, or brakes, and test the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- For the Boxster, verify tire wear is even and check the rear tires for premature balding, and confirm the PDK transmission shifts smoothly through all gears.
- Ask the seller if any complaints have been filed or if the vehicle has been repurchased under lemon law, and review NHTSA complaints for the exact model year.
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 | Porsche 718 Boxster | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 2 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 Porsche 718 Boxster or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Porsche 718 Boxster vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Porsche 718 Boxster total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Porsche 718 Boxster total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Porsche 718 Boxster avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Porsche 718 Boxster
- Porsche 718 Boxster top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE