Vehicle 1

Subaru Ascent

993 complaints · 17 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ascent has 993 total complaints over 8 years (124.1/year) and 17 recalls, while the Silverado has 7562 complaints over 10 years (756.2/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Ascent
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategorySubaru AscentChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
993
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
17
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
31
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
124.1
✓ lower
756.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Ascent

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM286
2. POWER TRAIN171
3. VISIBILITY/WIPER152
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER147
5. ENGINE99

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,215
2. POWER TRAIN2,140
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has far more complaints per year (756.2) than the Subaru Ascent (124.1), suggesting the Ascent may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Silverado's higher volume could reflect its longer sales history and larger population on the road.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported complaints per year, the Subaru Ascent is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck and are willing to research specific model years with fewer issues, the Silverado might still work, but expect more potential problems with engine and powertrain.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Ascent averages 124.1 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado's 756.2/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Ascent's 17 recalls.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2215 complaints) while Ascent's top is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (286).
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints vs Ascent's 31.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Ascent
  • Watch for electrical system issues, which account for 286 complaints.
  • Visibility/wiper problems are also common with 152 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine problems are the most frequent, with 2215 complaints.
  • Powertrain issues are also prevalent, with 2140 complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle you're considering.
  • Review service history for any electrical or powertrain repairs.
  • Test all wiper and visibility features on the Ascent.
  • For the Silverado, inspect engine and transmission performance during a test drive.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru AscentChevrolet Silverado
2026
1
51
2025
10
117
2024
47
471
2023
39
386
2022
53
1204
2021
96
865
2020
316
803
2019
431
1941
Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Ascent vs Chevrolet Silverado
Subaru Ascent total complaints
993
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
Subaru Ascent total recalls
17
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
124.1
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Ascent Reliability & Problems

993 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Silverado?

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