Head-to-head reliability
Subaru WRX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru WRX 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 WRX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The WRX averages 20.3 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has more crash-related reports (233 vs. 19). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru WRX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact car that sees about 20 complaints per year over a decade, with 9 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and electrical issues, including infotainment glitches and transmission binding. While crash-related complaints are relatively low at 19, the pattern suggests a vehicle that demands attention to engine health and electrical quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—over 800 per year—and 101 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine, power train, and brake problems, with some reports of sudden power loss and braking issues. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru WRX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 203 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 WRX
- 01ENGINE60
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05STEERING15
Owners report catastrophic engine failure, sometimes after purchasing used with existing oil issues or modified ECM. This can lead to sudden loss of power while driving, posing a safety risk.
Complaints include infotainment ads blocking the screen and incorrect data displays. These glitches can distract the driver and affect vehicle operation.
Transmission binding and loss of power during gear shifts are reported, with one owner hearing a pop and losing all power in third gear. This can leave you stranded or cause an accident.
With 15 complaints, steering issues are less frequent but still present. Any steering problem is serious and should be inspected immediately.
“I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to…”
“In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and catastrophic failures. These can happen at low mileage and leave you stranded.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with error messages. This can cause loss of control, especially at low speeds.
Reports of brake pedal firmness with reduced braking and engine shut-off while driving. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This is a severe safety concern.
“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 WRX — 9 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
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 WRX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru WRX has far fewer issues per year (20.3 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (9 vs. 101). In practice, this means a Silverado is much more likely to require repairs and experience safety-related problems, while the WRX, though not trouble-free, has a lower overall complaint rate.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8,000 complaints in 10 years, while the WRX has about 200, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the truck.
- Silverado owners report sudden brake loss and engine shutdowns, which are severe safety issues; WRX complaints more often involve infotainment glitches and transmission binding.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 9 for the WRX, meaning more frequent trips to the dealer for fixes.
- Both have engine and power train complaints, but the Silverado's issues appear more widespread and potentially more dangerous.
- Check for any signs of engine oil consumption or modifications to the ECM, as these can lead to catastrophic failure.
- Test the transmission for binding or hesitation during gear changes, especially from 2nd to 3rd gear.
- Inspect the brake system for any loss of braking effectiveness, and test the pedal feel.
- Check for engine shutdowns or error messages like 'Return to Neutral' during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the WRX, verify the infotainment system functions without ads or glitches.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes and ensure the engine doesn't stall during idle or driving.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any warranty work.
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 WRX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 13 | 527 |
| 2023 | 8 | 450 |
| 2022 | 25 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 13 | 961 |
| 2020 | 17 | 868 |
| 2019 | 30 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 42 | 597 |
| 2017 | 53 | 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 WRX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru WRX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru WRX total complaints
- 203
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru WRX total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru WRX avg complaints/year
- 20.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru WRX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE