Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Impreza vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Impreza averages 62.4 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints versus 28 for the Impreza. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Impreza or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that averages about 62 complaints per year over the past decade, with 25 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve visibility and wiper problems, exterior lighting, and electrical system glitches. While the overall complaint volume is relatively low, the pattern suggests that windshield and lighting problems can be recurring annoyances. Buyers should expect a car that is generally manageable but may need attention to these specific areas.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—and has 101 recalls over the same period. The dominant issues are engine and power train problems, followed by electrical and brake complaints. Many reports describe serious failures like sudden engine shutdowns or loss of braking, which can be dangerous. This suggests that owning a Silverado may require more frequent repairs and a higher tolerance for potential safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Impreza | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 624 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners report spontaneous windshield cracking, often starting from the defroster area and forming a 'J' shape. Some also mention power loss and stalling when making turns, which was reported under this component. These issues can impair visibility and driving confidence.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, reducing the driver's ability to see the road. Others describe steering that feels loose or causes the car to jerk side to side, which was oddly categorized under lighting. Poor lighting and steering vagueness are safety concerns.
Reports include the entire dashboard going out, with warning messages to stop driving, and at least one instance of a vehicle fire caused by a defective battery. These electrical faults can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Some owners report the vehicle losing power and stalling, especially when making turns. This can happen at low speeds and may be hard for dealers to reproduce, leading to frustration. Stalling in traffic is a serious safety risk.
“JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEV…”
“Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalib…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had a major failure shortly after purchase, and a diesel model with repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another with less than 300 miles that went into neutral in a parking garage. Such failures can cause loss of control and are alarming for a new vehicle.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engines shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Owners report severe loss of braking, where the vehicle would not stop normally at a stop sign. Another instance involved the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, with all screens going blank. Brake failure is a critical safety hazard.
“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 Impreza — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
The risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position with…
The risk: An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at…
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 Impreza or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (62.4 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (25 vs. 101), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, this means a used Impreza is likely to spend less time in the shop for major repairs, while a Silverado may demand more attention and carry a higher risk of serious safety defects.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 13 times more complaints per year than the Impreza, with engine and power train problems dominating.
- Impreza complaints often center on visibility (windshield cracking) and lighting, while Silverado complaints frequently involve sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 25 for the Impreza, suggesting more widespread defect campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Silverado (233 vs. 28), and injuries reported are also higher (160 vs. 20).
- Inspect the windshield for cracks, especially near the defroster area, as owners report spontaneous 'J'-shaped cracks.
- Test the headlights at night to ensure they provide adequate illumination, and check for any steering looseness or jerking while driving.
- Listen for engine noises or check for rough running, and ask about any history of excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation if equipped with the Duramax.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and check for any messages about 'Return to Neutral' or sudden engine shutdowns during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's fuel pump and brake-related recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Impreza's windshield and electrical system, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or unusual transmission behavior in both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, verify that all software updates and recall remedies have been performed, particularly for the fuel pump control module.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on oil changes and any repairs related to the top complaint areas.
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 Impreza | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 5 | 157 |
| 2024 | 32 | 527 |
| 2023 | 4 | 450 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 14 | 961 |
| 2020 | 85 | 868 |
| 2019 | 194 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 151 | 597 |
| 2017 | 125 | 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 Impreza or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Impreza vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE