Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Solterra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Solterra 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 Solterra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Solterra has 60 complaints over 4 years (15/yr) and 9 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Solterra issues include power loss and false collision warnings; Silverado reports engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Solterra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra is a compact electric SUV that has been on sale for only a few years. Owner complaints center on electrical gremlins, including sudden power loss in cold weather and issues with the forward collision avoidance system. There are also reports of wheel well liners coming loose in heavy rain. While the complaint volume is relatively low, the nature of the issues—especially power loss—could be concerning for daily drivers.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long production history and a much higher volume of complaints. Owners report serious engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, as well as transmission issues that can cause sudden loss of drive. Electrical problems can lead to loss of braking and steering, making these failures particularly alarming. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests a pattern of significant reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Solterra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 60 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Solterra
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report progressive loss of power while driving, especially in low temperatures, which can leave you stranded. The issue appears related to the battery or power management system.
The system may activate unexpectedly or fail to detect obstacles, as seen in a report of hitting a stationary deer. Some owners also mention the system behaving erratically after a phone hack, though that link is unclear.
Sudden loss of power while driving is a recurring theme, with one owner describing the vehicle slowing down on the highway. This can be dangerous in traffic.
Brake-related complaints are fewer but include instances where the rear safety warning activated and the car stopped unexpectedly, which could be jarring or cause a rear-end collision.
“Subject: Safety Concerns with Subaru Solterra - Urgent Attention Required I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the safety issues I am experiencing with my newly purchased Subaru Solterra 2023 Touring. Despi…”
“On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Serious engine failures are reported, including a 6.2L motor failing within 2,500 miles of ownership, and diesel particulate filter clogging on the Duramax diesel. These can lead to costly repairs and breakdowns.
Transmission issues are common, with one owner reporting the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill, losing drive power. This can be a safety hazard, especially in traffic.
Electrical problems can cause a cascade of failures, including loss of motive power, brakes, and steering while driving at highway speeds. This is a critical safety concern.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This can lead to crashes and is especially dangerous in stop-and-go traffic.
“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 Solterra — 9 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may conta…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may conta…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
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 Solterra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Solterra has far fewer complaints per year (15.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While the Solterra's issues are serious, they are less frequent and less varied. The Silverado's high complaint volume and multiple safety-related failures suggest a higher risk of major problems.
Key differences
- The Solterra has 60 complaints over 4 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years—a much higher rate.
- Solterra issues are mostly electrical and software-related, such as power loss and false collision warnings.
- Silverado problems include catastrophic engine failures and transmission failures that can leave you stranded.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus the Solterra's 9, indicating more widespread safety issues.
- Check for any open recalls related to the forward recognition camera or defroster, and ask if the software updates have been performed.
- Inspect the wheel well liners and undercarriage covers for signs of looseness or damage, especially if the vehicle has been driven in heavy rain.
- Ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs, and check for any open recalls on the tailgate latch or brake fluid sensor.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a hard stop from highway speed, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls on the specific VIN and confirm they have been fixed.
- For the Solterra, ask about the battery's health and any cold-weather performance issues.
- For the Silverado, ask about the engine type and whether any DPF or transmission repairs have been done.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and sudden braking to feel for any anomalies.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with EVs or trucks, respectively.
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 Solterra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 98 |
| 2025 | 4 | 150 |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 |
| 2023 | 25 | 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 Solterra or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Solterra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Solterra total complaints
- 60
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Subaru Solterra total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Subaru Solterra avg complaints/year
- 15.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Solterra
- Subaru Solterra top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE