Head-to-head reliability
Rolls Royce Phantom vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Rolls Royce Phantom 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
Rolls Royce Phantom vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Phantom has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510 per year. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures, including sudden power loss. Phantom recalls are limited to cameras and lights. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rolls Royce Phantom or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Rolls Royce Phantom
The Rolls Royce Phantom is a low-volume, ultra-luxury vehicle where owners rarely file complaints—NHTSA shows zero over the past decade. This suggests either exceptional reliability or that issues are handled privately by dealers. The recall history focuses on safety systems like backup cameras and headlights, not mechanical failures, so buyers should expect a smooth ownership experience but verify recall repairs were completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume workhorse with a much larger complaint footprint—over 5,000 in ten years, averaging 510 per year. Owners report serious issues with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden power loss and brake failure. These are not just nuisances; they affect safety and reliability, so a used Silverado demands careful inspection and service history review.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rolls Royce Phantom | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Rolls Royce Phantom
No component data available.
Recalls address camera and display function failures, which can impair rear visibility. Owners may find the screen blank or distorted, increasing the risk of backing into obstacles.
A recall covers exterior lighting issues, potentially causing dim or misaligned headlights. This reduces nighttime visibility and could be a safety concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power and abnormal noises. Some mention diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requiring dealer service, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can leave you stranded or cause a loss of control. This is a critical safety hazard.
Electrical failures are linked to loss of braking and steering, as well as engine pinging. These can occur at highway speeds, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Brake problems are reported as sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which is terrifying and dangerous. This could be due to electrical or hydraulic issues.
“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.
Rolls Royce Phantom — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom vehicles. The headlights may not have received a metal coating application, which can result in the low beams not adequately illuminating road signs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: Improperly illuminated road signs may be difficult for the driver to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The affected vehicles are still at dealerships and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
The defect: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ltd. (Rolls-Royce) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom vehicles. The Central Information Display may not raise to the correct position, resulting in a rearview camera image that is partially blocked from view.
The risk: A partially blocked rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2021. Owners may contact Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
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
Rolls Royce Phantom or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Rolls Royce Phantom has zero complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, a stark difference. In practice, the Phantom is far less likely to leave you stranded or require unscheduled repairs, while the Silverado shows a pattern of serious failures that could compromise safety and reliability.
Key differences
- The Phantom has no owner complaints on record, while the Silverado has thousands, including reports of sudden power loss and brake failure.
- Silverado owners frequently cite engine and transmission problems, such as unexpected neutral shifts and DPF clogging, which are absent in Phantom data.
- Electrical issues in the Silverado can disable brakes and steering, a severe safety risk not seen in the Phantom's recall list.
- Phantom recalls are limited to convenience features like cameras and lights, whereas Silverado recalls include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors, indicating broader safety concerns.
- Check that all backup camera and display recalls have been performed, as a non-functioning camera can be a safety hazard.
- Verify headlight recall completion to ensure proper visibility at night.
- Inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of previous failures, such as unusual noises or shifting issues, and request service records for DPF cleaning or replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, to ensure no loss of braking power, and check for any electrical warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm all recalls have been addressed for both models.
- For the Silverado, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the Phantom, verify the backup camera and display function properly and that headlights are aligned.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and braking to feel for any anomalies.
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 | Rolls Royce Phantom | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 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 Rolls Royce Phantom or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rolls Royce Phantom vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Rolls Royce Phantom total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Rolls Royce Phantom total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Rolls Royce Phantom avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Rolls Royce Phantom
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE