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 complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, with 25 recalls compared to 100. Impreza owners report windshield cracks and lighting issues, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. 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 owners often rely on for daily commuting and family use. Over the past decade, it has generated 620 complaints, averaging 62 per year, with the most frequent issues centered on visibility and lighting. Owners report spontaneous windshield cracks that spread without impact, and exterior lighting problems that can affect safety. While not as numerous as some trucks, these issues can be annoying and potentially costly, but they don't indicate a pattern of catastrophic failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup known for heavy-duty work and towing, but it also serves as a daily driver for many. With 5,105 complaints over ten years (averaging 510.5 per year), it shows a much higher rate of reported problems, especially in the engine, powertrain, and brakes. Owners describe sudden loss of motive power, transmission slipping into neutral, and severe braking failures, which are serious safety concerns. The high complaint volume and 100 recalls suggest that the Silverado may have more frequent and severe reliability issues compared to the Impreza.
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 | 620 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER175
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Windshields crack spontaneously, often in an arch at the base, without any impact, and the cracks spread, obstructing the driver's view. This can happen even when parked, and replacements may be needed repeatedly.
Headlamp assemblies are prone to damage in minor collisions, and there are recalls for brake light switches. Owners also report steering looseness and side-to-side jerking, which may be related to lighting or other systems.
The Starlink head unit can randomly turn off and glitch, and there are issues with low tire pressure warnings that persist despite service. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and may require software updates or replacements.
While fewer complaints than other areas, some owners report fuel tank or performance concerns, and there are recalls for fuel pumps. These can lead to stalling or reduced power, though not as prevalent as in the Silverado.
“Windshield suddenly cracked on the freeway not due to rocks or anything, and has since spread dramatically. Visibility is affected as the sun will glisten throughout driving and all of the cracks almost to the point it’s shattered obstruct view and cause obje…”
“Windshield cracked spontaneously at the middle base of the windshield in a perfect arch. Crack appears to be on the inside of the glass. No impacts or anything hit the windshield, no reason for this to happen. My car is parked in a garage. Called Subaru, they…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe issues like sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded, especially when far from home.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, especially uphill, and there are driveline and driveshaft recalls. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic or on a grade.
There are reports of sudden loss of braking and steering while driving, along with other electrical failures. These are critical safety issues that can lead to loss of control.
Brakes can fail to stop the vehicle normally, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. This is a serious safety defect that has led to crashes and injuries.
“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 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…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
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 Impreza or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (62 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (25 vs. 100), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While the Impreza has its own problems like windshield cracks, they are less severe and less frequent than the Silverado's engine and brake failures. In practice, the Impreza is likely to be more reliable and safer in terms of avoiding major breakdowns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5/yr) compared to the Impreza (62/yr), indicating more frequent problems.
- Silverado owners report severe safety issues like sudden loss of braking and power, while Impreza issues are mostly visibility and electrical glitches.
- The Impreza's top problem is windshield cracking, which is annoying but not typically dangerous, whereas the Silverado's engine and brake failures can be life-threatening.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, four times the Impreza's 25, suggesting more widespread defects.
- Inspect the windshield for any existing cracks or signs of stress, and ask if it has been replaced before; spontaneous cracking is a known issue.
- Check the exterior lights, especially headlamps and brake lights, for proper function and any moisture or damage, as there are recalls for brake light switches.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of previous failures, and check for open recalls related to engine or powertrain.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and look for any warning lights or unusual pedal feel, as brake failure is a serious reported issue.
Before you buy
- For the Impreza: ask for service records on windshield replacements and any electrical system updates.
- For the Silverado: check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls are performed.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, paying attention to steering, braking, and any unusual noises.
- Have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Consider the cost of insurance and potential repairs; the Silverado may have higher costs due to its size and complexity.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 5 | 150 |
| 2024 | 31 | 0 |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | 12 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 14 | 934 |
| 2020 | 85 | 0 |
| 2019 | 194 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 149 | 591 |
| 2017 | 125 | 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 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
- 620
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE