Head-to-head reliability
Subaru BAJA vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru BAJA 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 BAJA vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BAJA averages about 30 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year. The BAJA has 41 recalls and 9 injuries reported; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 160 injuries. Both have safety issues, but the Silverado's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru BAJA or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru BAJA
The Subaru BAJA is a small, car-based pickup that owners often keep for years, but it has an average of about 30 complaints per year over four years. The most common issues involve air bag recalls, brake fluid leaks, and fuel odors or leaks. Many complaints center on the Takata air bag inflator recall, which some owners say remains unrepaired after long waits. Overall, it's a niche vehicle with a handful of recurring, potentially serious problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger owner base, generating over 8,200 complaints in ten years—about 823 per year. The most frequent complaints involve engine and power train problems, often in newer models with low mileage. Electrical system and brake issues also appear, with some reports of sudden engine shutdown or brake loss. The volume and severity of complaints suggest a higher rate of problems per vehicle than the BAJA.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru BAJA | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 119 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 BAJA
- 01AIR BAGS17
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- 04FUEL SYSTEM14
- 05GASOLINE14
Owners report that the Takata air bag inflator recall has not been repaired, even after years of driving in humid areas. This matters because an unrepaired air bag can rupture and cause injury in a crash.
Complaints describe brake fluid leaking near the passenger rear wheel well, requiring repeated fluid top-offs. This can lead to reduced braking performance if not addressed.
Owners report strong gasoline smells after cold starts and fuel pooling on the engine manifold from slow leaks. This creates a fire risk and fumes inside the cabin.
Similar to the fuel/propulsion system, complaints mention gas leaks in the manifold area, often requiring hose and clamp replacements. The smell can be persistent and dangerous.
“TAKATA RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND LIVE IN A VERY HUMID REGION OF SOUTH EASTERN MAINE. HOW CAN IT BE ACCEPTABLE FOR SUBARU TO NOT HAVE TO SUPPLY ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FOR CUSTOMERS DURING…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED L…”
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 messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' This can happen at low speeds or in traffic, increasing crash risk.
Complaints include sudden loss of power or the vehicle going into neutral unexpectedly, even with very low mileage. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck doesn't stop effectively. Other electrical issues cause screens to go blank and the engine to shut off.
Some owners experience complete brake failure or the truck shutting off while braking in parking lots. These incidents are dangerous because they happen at low speeds but can still cause collisions.
“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 BAJA — 41 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columb…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru cust…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
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 BAJA or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru BAJA has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a BAJA owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, but the BAJA's issues—like fuel leaks and unrepaired air bags—can be serious. The Silverado's higher volume of complaints, especially for engine and brake problems, suggests a greater overall risk of unexpected failures.
Key differences
- The Subaru BAJA has about 30 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- BAJA complaints often involve fuel leaks and unrepaired Takata air bag recalls, which are safety-critical but less frequent.
- Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and brake loss, sometimes in vehicles with very low mileage.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233) and injuries (160) than the BAJA (10 crashes, 9 injuries), though these numbers are not adjusted for the number of vehicles on the road.
- Check for any open Takata air bag recall and confirm it has been repaired; if not, get it fixed immediately.
- Inspect for fuel leaks or strong gasoline smells, especially around the engine manifold and after cold starts.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdown or loss of power.
- Check for any signs of brake problems, such as a firm pedal with poor stopping, and ask about any electrical system repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially the Takata air bag recall on the BAJA.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for leaks and the brakes for fluid leaks or poor performance.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored error codes and test the transmission and engine for sudden shutdowns.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed, and ask for documentation.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot conditions to replicate complaint scenarios.
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 BAJA or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru BAJA vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru BAJA total complaints
- 119
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru BAJA total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru BAJA avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru BAJA
- Subaru BAJA top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE