Head-to-head reliability
Subaru XV Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Subaru XV Crosstrek 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 XV Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Crosstrek has 303 complaints over 4 years (about 76 per year), while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (about 823 per year). The Crosstrek also has fewer crash-related reports (21 vs 233) and injuries (12 vs 160). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru XV Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru XV Crosstrek
The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a compact SUV that owners often buy for its size and all-wheel drive. Over four years, it has 303 complaints, averaging about 76 per year, with 21 crash-related reports and 12 injuries. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and electrical system, including stalling, oil consumption, and key removal problems. These patterns suggest that while the Crosstrek may be less troublesome overall than some larger vehicles, buyers should still be aware of potential engine and electrical quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much larger owner base and a higher complaint volume. Over ten years, it has 8,227 complaints, averaging about 823 per year, with 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The most frequent problems are engine, power train, electrical, and brake issues, including sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. This suggests that Silverado ownership may involve more frequent and potentially serious repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru XV Crosstrek | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 303 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 XV Crosstrek
- 01POWER TRAIN66
- 02ENGINE66
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 05SERVICE BRAKES29
Owners report slow starting, excessive oil use, and engine bogging or near-stalling, especially when the air conditioning is on. These issues can lead to costly repairs and reduced reliability.
Complaints include sudden power loss while driving, such as on cruise control going uphill, which can be dangerous. This suggests potential engine management or mechanical faults that need attention.
Owners describe the blower fan failing, causing windows to fog up, and instances where the entire electrical system shut down while driving at highway speeds. These failures can impair visibility and control.
Reports include inability to remove the key from the ignition when in park, linked to a park-range switch issue. This is a known problem across several Subaru models and may require a service bulletin fix.
“I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we…”
“SLOW STARTING WHEN TURNING OVER FROM STOP/PARK/COLD/HOT. EXCESSIVE OIL USE AFTER EACH 3,000 MILES. NO LIGHT WARNING FOR LOW OIL DISPLAYS. ENGINE BOGS OR ALMOST STALLS WHEN GIVING GAS. USUALLY WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING. THIS STARTED TO OCCUR AFTER I HAD…”
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 other issues that can leave the truck stranded. These problems often require dealer service and can be costly.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can cause loss of control and is a significant safety concern.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effectiveness, and instances where the truck shuts off and cannot accelerate. Brake issues are particularly dangerous and should be inspected.
“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 XV Crosstrek — 3 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota ow…
The defect: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RE…
The risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there i…
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufac…
The risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
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 XV Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Subaru XV Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 76) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means the Crosstrek is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but the Silverado's higher volume also reflects its larger sales. In practice, a used Crosstrek may be less risky for a buyer seeking lower maintenance, while the Silverado may require more frequent attention.
Key differences
- The Subaru XV Crosstrek averages about 76 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Subaru XV Crosstrek owners frequently report engine stalling and oil consumption, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Electrical issues in the Crosstrek often involve the blower fan and key removal, while Silverado electrical complaints include loss of braking assist and sudden engine shut-off.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 3 recalls for the Crosstrek over 4 years, suggesting more widespread safety-related fixes for the truck.
- Check for excessive oil consumption and slow starting, as these are common power train complaints. Test drive the vehicle and listen for engine bogging, especially with the air conditioning on.
- Inspect the ignition switch and park-range switch, as owners report difficulty removing the key when in park. Ensure the key can be easily removed and that the switch functions properly.
- Test the braking system thoroughly, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness. Look for a firm brake pedal and ensure the vehicle stops normally.
- Check for engine shutdowns and electrical glitches, such as messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights or unusual behavior.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and previous repairs, especially for the Subaru's park-range switch and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake issues.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles.
- For the Subaru XV Crosstrek, specifically check oil levels and look for signs of oil consumption, and test the key removal from the ignition.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test the brakes and electrical system, and check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to engine or transmission.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by the manufacturer, as both vehicles have recall histories that could affect safety.
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 XV Crosstrek or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru XV Crosstrek vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Subaru XV Crosstrek total complaints
- 303
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Subaru XV Crosstrek total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Subaru XV Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 75.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Subaru XV Crosstrek top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE