Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Legacy vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Legacy averages 72 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado owners report more engine and brake issues, including sudden shutdowns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Legacy or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that averages about 72 complaints per year over the past decade, with 24 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve visibility and wiper issues, electrical system glitches, and unknown problems, with fewer engine and steering reports. This suggests that while major mechanical failures are less frequent, annoyances like sun visor positioning and infotainment malfunctions are common. Overall, it appears to be a vehicle with moderate complaint volume, but buyers should be aware of these recurring minor issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. Owner reports heavily focus on engine and power train problems, along with electrical and brake issues, often involving sudden loss of power or braking. These patterns indicate a higher frequency of serious safety-related complaints compared to the Legacy. Buyers should expect more frequent trips to the dealer for repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Legacy | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 724 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 72.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Legacy
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER207
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER161
- 04ENGINE39
- 05STEERING35
Owners report that the sun visor is too short and narrow, making it hard to block glare even with the seat raised. Some also mention windshields cracking from small debris impacts more easily than expected. These issues can affect driver comfort and safety, especially in sunny conditions.
Complaints include infotainment systems muting phone calls, requiring driver interaction with screens, and warning lights for EyeSight and transmission oil. These glitches can distract the driver and may indicate software or hardware problems that are frustrating to live with.
Reports describe windows rolling down on their own when the vehicle is off, and unusual noises or events. Such unpredictable behavior can be a security risk and may be hard to diagnose, leading to repeated dealer visits.
A few owners report unintended acceleration and premature engine failure requiring replacement. While less common, these are serious and costly if they occur outside warranty.
“Safety Hazard: Subaru Sun Visor I own a 2022 Subaru Legacy, the first new car I've ever owned. The visor (to protect eyes from the sun) is too short and not wide enough. The seat is raised as high as it will go. I CAN'T position myself to protect my eyes from…”
“In 2022, a piece of small gravel fell off the back of a dump truck, bounced off the road, and struck the windshield of my 2022 Subaru Legacy. Based on past experience with other vehicles, this should have resulted in a round or star-shaped crack to the glass…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave drivers stranded and may require dealer service, posing safety risks.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving and transmission issues. This can cause loss of power and control, especially at low speeds or in parking situations.
Reports of sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-off while driving, and display messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Owners describe brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration. Brake problems are critical for safety and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Legacy — 24 recalls
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. 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. 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 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
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 Legacy or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Legacy has far fewer complaints per year (about 72) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (24 vs 101). In practice, this means Legacy owners report fewer serious safety issues, while Silverado owners face more frequent and potentially severe problems like engine shutdowns and brake loss. However, both vehicles have their own recurring annoyances that buyers should consider.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Legacy, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Legacy complaints often involve minor annoyances like sun visor and infotainment glitches, while Silverado complaints include sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the Legacy, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Crash-related complaints and injuries are much higher for the Silverado (233 crashes, 160 injuries) compared to the Legacy (36 crashes, 14 injuries).
- Check the sun visor functionality and windshield for cracks or chips, as owners report poor glare blocking and easy cracking.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly for phone connectivity and warning lights, and ensure windows do not roll down unexpectedly when the car is off.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden neutral engagement, or engine shutdowns, especially at low speeds.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and responsiveness, and check for any warning messages related to brakes or engine on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: for Legacy, focus on electrical and visibility; for Silverado, focus on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, to replicate conditions where issues are reported.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services on the Silverado.
- Verify that any previous recalls have been addressed and ask about warranty coverage remaining.
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 Legacy | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 157 |
| 2024 | 17 | 527 |
| 2023 | 10 | 450 |
| 2022 | 33 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 31 | 961 |
| 2020 | 121 | 868 |
| 2019 | 123 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 117 | 597 |
| 2017 | 119 | 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 Legacy or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Legacy vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Legacy total complaints
- 724
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru Legacy total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
- 72.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Legacy top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE