Vehicle 1

Subaru Crosstrek

945 complaints · 16 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

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

Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Crosstrek averages 94.5 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 756.2. The Crosstrek has 16 recalls and 52 crash complaints; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 219 crash complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Crosstrek
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategorySubaru CrosstrekChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
945
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
16
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
52
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
94.5
✓ lower
756.2

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Crosstrek

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER286
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER219
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM143
4. ENGINE107
5. POWER TRAIN75

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 Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (94.5) than the Chevrolet Silverado (756.2), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Silverado's higher numbers partly reflect its larger sales volume and longer model history.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Crosstrek is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck for towing or hauling, the Silverado is the only option, but be prepared for more potential issues with the engine, powertrain, and brakes.

Key Differences
  • Crosstrek has 94.5 complaints/year vs Silverado's 756.2/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Crosstrek's 16.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2215 complaints) vs Crosstrek's top is VISIBILITY/WIPER (286).
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints vs Crosstrek's 52.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Crosstrek
  • Watch for wiper and visibility problems (286 complaints).
  • Electrical system issues (143 complaints) may cause intermittent failures.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine problems are very common (2215 complaints), including potential stalling or failure.
  • Powertrain issues (2140 complaints) could lead to costly transmission or driveline repairs.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
  • For Crosstrek: test wipers and visibility systems thoroughly.
  • For Silverado: inspect engine and transmission service records.
  • Request a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
  • Review owner forums for common issues specific to the model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru CrosstrekChevrolet Silverado
2026
3
51
2025
38
117
2024
103
471
2023
32
386
2022
28
1204
2021
107
865
2020
68
803
2019
276
1941
2018
193
576
2017
97
1148
Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado
Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
945
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
16
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
94.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability & Problems

945 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado?

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