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 has about 99 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado has about 511 per year. Crosstrek owners often report glass cracks and electrical issues, whereas Silverado owners face engine 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 crossover known for its standard all-wheel drive and car-like handling. Over the past decade, owners have filed nearly 1,000 complaints, averaging about 99 per year, with the most frequent issues involving visibility and wipers, electrical gremlins, and engine concerns. Many complaints describe sudden glass cracks or shattering (windshield, sunroof) and unexpected electrical behavior, which can be alarming even if they don't always lead to crashes. The overall pattern suggests a vehicle that may have quality control issues with certain components, but the low number of crash-related complaints and no reported deaths indicate that these problems are often more of a nuisance than a direct safety threat.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that is a workhorse for many owners. However, it has a much higher complaint volume, with over 5,100 complaints in the same period (averaging 510 per year), and a higher rate of crash-related incidents and injuries. The dominant problem areas are the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, with owners frequently reporting sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and brake issues. These are serious reliability concerns that can leave owners stranded or in dangerous situations, especially when towing or hauling. The Silverado's higher complaint count and more severe failure modes suggest that it may be less dependable in the long run compared to the Crosstrek.
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 | 987 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 33 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 OTHER225
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM152
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners report sudden cracks in the windshield, sometimes from the inside, and even a sunroof that shattered while driving, sounding like an explosion. This suggests potential glass quality or installation issues that could impair visibility and startle drivers.
Complaints include the driver's seat heating up on its own even when turned off, and a loud roaring noise on startup. These electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and may affect comfort or indicate underlying wiring problems.
Some owners report sudden loss of acceleration, with warning lights flashing, even on nearly new vehicles. This could be related to the engine or its control systems, and it's a serious safety concern if it happens in traffic.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent complaints include catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing after just a few thousand miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging issues on the Duramax diesel. These can lead to expensive repairs and breakdowns, especially when towing.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and loss of motive power, which can be dangerous on the highway. Transmission problems appear to be a significant issue, potentially leading to unexpected loss of drive.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes, and it's often accompanied by warning messages.
“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. (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. 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 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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 99) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means Crosstrek owners are less likely to encounter major mechanical failures, while Silverado owners face a higher risk of serious engine, transmission, and brake problems. The Crosstrek's issues are more about comfort and visibility, whereas the Silverado's can be safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Crosstrek has a much lower complaint rate (99/yr) than the Silverado (511/yr), indicating fewer reported problems overall.
- Crosstrek owners frequently report glass cracks and electrical glitches, while Silverado owners report engine failures and transmission issues that can leave them stranded.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs 55) and injuries (104 vs 33), suggesting more severe consequences when failures occur.
- The Crosstrek's top issues are visibility and wipers, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain, which are more critical for vehicle operation.
- Inspect the windshield and sunroof for any signs of stress cracks or previous replacements, as these are common failure points.
- Test the heated seats and other electrical features to ensure they operate correctly and don't turn on unexpectedly.
- Check the engine for any signs of oil leaks, unusual noises, or warning lights, and ask for maintenance records, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax engines.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a hard stop from highway speed, to ensure they respond properly and don't have any warning messages.
Before you buy
- For the Crosstrek, ask about any windshield or sunroof replacements and check for proper sealing.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan to check for any stored trouble codes related to engine or transmission.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or shifting issues.
- Review the NHTSA recall lists for both models and confirm that any open recalls have been addressed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, especially for the Silverado's engine and brakes.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 43 | 150 |
| 2024 | 113 | 0 |
| 2023 | 34 | 0 |
| 2022 | 30 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 114 | 934 |
| 2020 | 68 | 0 |
| 2019 | 284 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 194 | 591 |
| 2017 | 97 | 0 |
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
- 987
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 98.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE