Vehicle 1

Subaru Forester

2,366 complaints · 13 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,578 complaints · 74 recalls

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

Subaru Forester vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Forester averages 236.6 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Silverado averages 757.8 complaints per year with 74 recalls. The Forester's top issue is visibility/wiper (734), and the Silverado's is engine (2225). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Forester
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategorySubaru ForesterChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,366
✓ lower
7,578
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
13
✓ lower
74
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
143
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
236.6
✓ lower
757.8

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Forester

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER734
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER426
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM365
4. AIR BAGS284
5. ENGINE232

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,225
2. POWER TRAIN2,144
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,398
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Forester has far fewer complaints per year (236.6 vs 757.8) and fewer recalls (13 vs 74), suggesting a lower likelihood of encountering issues. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall risk, the Forester is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck and can accept higher complaint rates, the Silverado may suit you, but be prepared to check for engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Forester averages 236.6 complaints/year vs Silverado's 757.8/year.
  • Silverado has 74 recalls; Forester has 13.
  • Forester's top issue is visibility/wiper (734 complaints); Silverado's top is engine (2225).
  • Silverado has more crash complaints (219 vs 143) despite higher sales volume.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Forester
  • Check for visibility/wiper problems (734 complaints) – ensure wipers and defrosters work properly.
  • Air bag issues (284 complaints) – verify no open recalls and that air bag warning light functions.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine problems are the top complaint (2225) – listen for unusual noises, check oil consumption, and verify maintenance records.
  • Powertrain issues (2144 complaints) – test transmission shifting and look for any driveline vibrations.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For Forester: test wipers, defrosters, and air bag warning light.
  • For Silverado: perform a thorough engine inspection and test drive for transmission smoothness.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for previous crash or complaint-related repairs.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific vehicle before purchase.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru ForesterChevrolet Silverado
2026
10
54
2025
74
117
2024
28
472
2023
69
389
2022
92
1205
2021
204
869
2020
0
804
2019
831
1943
2018
484
577
2017
574
1148
Subaru Forester vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Forester vs Chevrolet Silverado
Subaru Forester total complaints
2,366
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,578
Subaru Forester total recalls
13
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
74
Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
236.6
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
757.8
More reliable overall
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Forester Reliability & Problems

2,366 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,578 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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