Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Crosstrek averages about 100 complaints per year with 16 recalls and no deaths, while the Silverado averages over 800 complaints per year with 101 recalls and 3 deaths. The Silverado also has more reports of engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that averages about 100 complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls and no reported deaths in that period. The most common owner complaints involve windshield cracks and wiper issues, along with electrical glitches like heated seats turning on by themselves. While the Crosstrek has a relatively low complaint volume, the pattern suggests a mix of minor annoyances and some safety-related concerns like windshield integrity.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—over 800 per year on average—with 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported in the same timeframe. Owners frequently report serious engine and transmission problems, including sudden loss of power and braking issues. The high complaint rate and severity of reported failures indicate that living with a Silverado may require more frequent repairs and attention to safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Crosstrek | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 997 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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 Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners report windshields cracking spontaneously, sometimes on the inside, even on new vehicles with low mileage. This matters because a compromised windshield can impair visibility and may indicate weak glass or body flex issues.
Complaints include heated seats activating without being turned on and getting dangerously hot, as well as loud roaring noises on startup. These electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and may lead to discomfort or fire risk if not addressed.
Some owners describe a loud roaring sound when starting the engine, and others note that the auto start/stop feature can shut off the engine unexpectedly when the door is opened or seatbelt unbuckled. This could cause confusion or unsafe situations in traffic.
A few reports mention a high-frequency ringing or whining tone at highway speeds, suggesting potential drivetrain noise. While not necessarily a failure, persistent noises can signal wear and lead to costly repairs.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report severe engine issues, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These failures can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This is a serious safety concern as it can happen without warning, increasing crash risk.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. Brake failures are critical safety issues that demand immediate attention.
Reports describe the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can cause loss of control and are alarming for any driver.
“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 Crosstrek — 16 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. 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 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
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 Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer issues per year (about 100 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800 complaints), and the Silverado also has more recalls and reported deaths. In practice, this means a used Crosstrek is likely to have fewer serious problems, while a Silverado may require more frequent repairs and carry higher safety risks.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8 times as many complaints per year as the Crosstrek, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Crosstrek complaints often involve windshields cracking and electrical quirks, while Silverado complaints include sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 16 for the Crosstrek, and 3 reported deaths compared to none for the Crosstrek.
- Silverado owners report serious safety failures like unintended neutral shifts and brake failure, whereas Crosstrek issues are generally less catastrophic.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks or chips, especially on the inside, as spontaneous cracking is a common complaint.
- Test the heated seats to ensure they do not activate without being turned on, and listen for any unusual roaring noises on startup.
- Check for any signs of engine misfires or rough running, and ask about diesel particulate filter service history on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and be alert for any delayed stopping or unusual pedal feel, as brake loss has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints for each model.
- For the Crosstrek, specifically check the windshield, heated seats, and listen for drivetrain noises at highway speeds.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission slipping, engine stalling, and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission services.
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 Crosstrek | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 120 |
| 2025 | 44 | 157 |
| 2024 | 119 | 527 |
| 2023 | 34 | 450 |
| 2022 | 31 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 115 | 961 |
| 2020 | 69 | 868 |
| 2019 | 284 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 194 | 597 |
| 2017 | 97 | 1154 |
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 Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE