Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Uncharted vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru Uncharted 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 Uncharted vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Uncharted has 40 complaints in its first year, mostly headlight shaking and 12V battery drain, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, including engine and brake failures. The Silverado also has 100 recalls, versus none for the Uncharted. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Uncharted or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Uncharted
The Subaru Uncharted is a new electric model with a short ownership history, but the complaint data reveals two dominant issues: headlight instability and a parasitic 12-volt battery drain that can leave the vehicle inoperable. Owners describe the headlights shaking or oscillating over normal bumps, creating a distracting strobing effect at night, and the battery drain can occur after just a few days of inactivity, sometimes requiring a jump start. With 40 complaints in its first year and no recalls, it's a vehicle with a narrow but significant set of reliability concerns that could affect daily usability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, with a decade of data, shows a much broader and more serious reliability profile. Engine problems dominate, including reports of sudden power loss, and the powertrain and electrical systems also have high complaint counts. Owners describe dangerous situations like losing braking and steering while driving, and the vehicle has been subject to 100 recalls, including for steering and brake components. With over 5,000 complaints and 117 crash-related incidents, the Silverado's issues are more varied and potentially more severe, though its long production run means many are older models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Uncharted | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 40 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Uncharted
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING31
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report that the LED headlights shake or oscillate excessively when driving over normal road bumps, creating a distracting strobing effect. Some note the headlight housing is loose and can be moved by hand, indicating a mounting issue.
A parasitic drain on the 12-volt battery can leave the car completely inoperable after sitting for a few days. Owners report needing jumps and dealer visits, and the issue appears linked to connected services apps.
The headlight instability is partly attributed to poor mounting inside the bumper, which allows the housing to move. This structural concern contributes to the lighting problem and may require adjustment or reinforcement.
“While driving at night, the LED headlight beams on my 2026 Subaru Uncharted GT exhibit excessive vertical oscillation/shaking after normal road impacts and bumps. The movement is significant enough to create a distracting flickering/bouncing effect within the…”
“I am reporting a headlight stability issue on my 2026 Subaru Uncharted. While driving at night, the LED headlights produce a severe oscillating/strobing effect over normal road imperfections and bumps. The beam pattern rapidly shifts up and down, creating alt…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints are the most common, with owners reporting sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud noises. Specific issues include diesel particulate filter clogging on Duramax engines, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission and drivetrain problems are frequent, including instances where the vehicle suddenly shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. These issues often occur at low mileage.
Electrical failures can lead to a cascade of problems, including loss of braking and steering assist. Owners describe warning messages and a complete loss of vehicle control, which is a serious safety concern.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, even though the pedal feels firm. This can happen without warning, as described in one incident after dropping off a child at school.
“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 Uncharted
No recalls on record.
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 Uncharted or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru Uncharted has far fewer complaints per year (40) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Uncharted's problems, like battery drain and headlight shaking, can be very inconvenient, while the Silverado's issues are more varied and can be safety-critical. In practice, the Uncharted may offer a more trouble-free experience for many owners, but the Silverado's problems are more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Uncharted's main issues are headlight shaking and 12-volt battery drain, while the Silverado has a wide range of engine, transmission, and brake problems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including for steering and brakes, whereas the Uncharted has none on record.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the Uncharted has none, indicating a higher severity of issues.
- The Uncharted is an EV with a short track record, while the Silverado has a decade of data, so its reliability is better understood.
- Check the headlight housings for looseness and test drive over bumps at night to see if the beams shake.
- Ask about the 12-volt battery drain issue and whether any software updates or fixes have been applied; consider if you can drive it regularly.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and test acceleration to ensure no sudden power loss; check for any pending recalls.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and be alert for any warning lights; inspect the service history for brake-related repairs.
Before you buy
- For the Uncharted, verify that the headlight mounting is secure and ask if the dealer has addressed the battery drain with a software update.
- For the Silverado, check the NHTSA recall list and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for steering and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles over rough roads to feel for any headlight vibration (Uncharted) or transmission hesitation (Silverado).
- Ask for service records and look for repeated visits for the same issue, which may indicate an unresolved problem.
- Consider an independent pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with EVs (Uncharted) or trucks (Silverado).
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 Uncharted | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 40 | 98 |
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 Uncharted or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Uncharted vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru Uncharted total complaints
- 40
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Subaru Uncharted total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Subaru Uncharted avg complaints/year
- 40.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Uncharted
- Subaru Uncharted top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE