Head-to-head reliability
Porsche 911 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Porsche 911 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 911 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 911 averages 28.8 complaints per year with no crash-related incidents, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints and has 117 crashes. The 911's main issues are fuel system and electrical, whereas the Silverado suffers from engine and powertrain failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its fuel and electrical systems. Over a decade, owners have filed 288 complaints, averaging about 29 per year, with the majority centered on fuel/propulsion issues. Living with a 911 means being alert to check engine lights and potential stalling, as well as recurring problems with the rear camera and wheel bolts. While it has had 27 recalls, none are crash-related, and there have been no reported injuries or deaths.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that, in ownership terms, shows a much higher volume of reported issues. With 5,105 complaints over 10 years (averaging over 510 per year), it has significant problems in the engine, powertrain, and electrical systems. Owners report severe failures like sudden loss of motive power, braking, and steering, which have led to 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and one death. The 100 recalls cover a range of components, including tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Porsche 911 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 288 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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.
Porsche 911
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM152
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM73
- 03ENGINE47
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING21
Owners frequently report check engine lights, erratic idle, and stalling, often with a P0089 code, which can make the car feel unsafe to operate.
The rear camera has failed repeatedly even after a recall fix, indicating a persistent reliability issue with the backup camera system.
Engine-related complaints mirror the fuel system issues, with check engine lights and erratic idle being common, pointing to potential fuel pressure or control module problems.
Owners report that the center lock bolts tighten excessively on their own, reaching over 800 ft-lbs of torque, which could lead to difficulty in wheel removal or potential damage.
“Check engine lights, engine control module, erratic idle, P0089 check engine light code. Maybe unsafe to operate & stall?”
“Check engine lights, engine control module, erratic idle, P0089 check engine light code. Maybe unsafe to operate & stall?”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing with only 8,200 miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging events requiring dealer intervention.
Sudden loss of motive power, such as the vehicle shifting into neutral while driving uphill, is a dangerous failure that can leave drivers stranded or in hazardous situations.
Electrical problems can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering while driving at highway speeds, as reported by one owner, creating a critical safety risk.
Brake failures are reported, where the pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is lost, which can cause crashes and 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 911 — 27 recalls
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2024 911 vehicles. The front windshield and rear window may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: During air bag deployment, an unsecured windshield may not support the front air bags as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield and rear window as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 30, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for th…
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2025 Panamera, 2024 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 718 Spyder RS, and 2021-2024 911 vehicles. The center lock wheel bolt may fracture and cause the wheel to detach.
The risk: Wheel detachment can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners should not drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will check the center lock wheel fastening system and replace any incorrectly manufactured parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were m…
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to compl…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle…
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Cayman, Cayman T, Cayman S, Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Targa, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Car…
The risk: Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the affected suspension nuts and bolts. Dealers will also inspect surrounding components for damage, and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were…
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
Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Porsche 911 has far fewer issues per year (28.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of complaints. In practice, the 911's problems are less likely to lead to crashes or injuries, while the Silverado's failures have been linked to serious incidents. Buyers should weigh the higher volume and severity of Silverado issues against the 911's more manageable but still notable concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 17 times more complaints per year than the 911, and its failures often involve sudden loss of power, brakes, or steering, leading to crashes and injuries.
- The 911's most common issue is fuel system-related, causing check engine lights and stalling, but it has no crash or injury reports.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain problems are severe, with examples of complete engine failure and transmission issues at low mileage.
- The 911 has a recurring rear camera failure even after recall, while the Silverado has a recall for brake fluid sensors, indicating different reliability priorities.
- Check for any history of fuel system repairs or check engine light codes like P0089, and have the fuel pressure system inspected.
- Test the rear camera multiple times to ensure it works consistently, and verify that any recall fix was performed correctly.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission issues, such as unusual noises, hesitation, or warning lights, and check for any open recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and inspect the brake fluid level and sensor operation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the 911, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and electrical components, especially the rear camera.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic evaluate the engine, transmission, and brakes, and look for any signs of soot or DPF issues.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaint and recall information for the specific model year you are considering.
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 911 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 78 | 0 |
| 2022 | 210 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Porsche 911 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Porsche 911 total complaints
- 288
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Porsche 911 total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Porsche 911 avg complaints/year
- 28.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Porsche 911
- Porsche 911 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE