Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Ascent 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
Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ascent averages 129 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Silverado averages 823 per year over 10 years. The Ascent has 25 recalls and 0 deaths; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row family SUV with about 129 complaints per year over eight years, which is low for the class. Owners most often report electrical gremlins, transmission slippage, and windshield or mirror problems. Recalls cover tires, suspension, and drivetrain parts, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on those areas.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with about 823 complaints per year over ten years, a much higher rate. Engine, transmission, electrical, and brake issues dominate owner reports, including sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it demands careful checking of safety systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Ascent | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,033 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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.
Subaru Ascent
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM292
- 02POWER TRAIN185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER152
- 05ENGINE104
Owners report batteries that drop below 11.5V and fail repeatedly, sometimes leaving the SUV immobilized on the street. Intermittent ignition-control glitches can also cause no-start or stalling events, which is a hassle and a safety risk.
Complaints describe transmission slippage without warning lights, followed by a flashing yellow transmission oil light and disabled front systems. One owner said the wheels suddenly stopped turning mid-intersection, which is a serious drivability concern.
Windshields crack easily from minor rock strikes, and some owners replaced OEM glass multiple times in a short period. Driver-side mirrors can vibrate so badly that the view is blurry, making lane changes harder day or night.
Engine-related complaints are less common than electrical or transmission issues but still appear. Buyers should listen for unusual noises and check for stored fault codes during a test drive.
“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehic…”
“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobiliz…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message. Diesel models have had repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifts into neutral at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, leaving the truck unable to accelerate. Transmission problems can strand a driver and are expensive to fix out of warranty.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engines shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can affect core safety functions.
Owners report brake pedal firmness with poor braking effect, and in one case the truck shut off entirely during low-speed maneuvering. Brake problems on a heavy pickup are a major safety concern.
“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.
Subaru Ascent — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letter…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
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
Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Ascent averages about 129 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year. That means the Ascent has far fewer reported issues per year, but both have recalls and safety-related complaints. In practice, a used Ascent may need fewer repair visits, while a used Silverado demands more scrutiny of engine, transmission, and brake history.
Key differences
- The Ascent averages about 129 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 823 per year, a six-fold difference.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, while Ascent owners more often report battery drain, transmission slippage, and cracked windshields.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported; the Ascent has 25 recalls and 0 deaths reported.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the Silverado's are more often tied to braking and stalling, which are higher-risk symptoms.
- Check the battery health and look for any history of repeated battery replacements or voltage drops below 11.5V.
- Test the transmission for slippage or delayed engagement, and scan for stored transmission codes even if no warning light is on.
- Ask for service records on the engine and transmission, especially for any stalling, neutral-drop, or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Test the brakes carefully for firm pedal with poor stopping, and check for any electrical faults that could cause screens or engine to shut off.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all recalls are closed, especially tires, suspension, and drivetrain for the Ascent and fuel pump or brake-related recalls for the Silverado.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, stop-and-go, and parking-lot maneuvers to feel for transmission slippage or sudden neutral shifts.
- Have a mechanic scan all computer modules for stored fault codes, even if no warning lights are on.
- Inspect the windshield and driver-side mirror on the Ascent for cracks or vibration, and check the Silverado's brake pedal feel and electrical functions.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a shop that knows Subaru or Chevrolet trucks, and request a written report.
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 | Subaru Ascent | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 15 | 157 |
| 2024 | 50 | 527 |
| 2023 | 45 | 450 |
| 2022 | 55 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 102 | 961 |
| 2020 | 322 | 868 |
| 2019 | 441 | 2003 |
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 Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Ascent total complaints
- 1,033
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru Ascent total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
- 129.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Ascent top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE