Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Aerio vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki Aerio 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
Suzuki Aerio vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Aerio averages 20.2 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Aerio has 7 recalls and 14 injuries; the Silverado has 100 recalls, 104 injuries, and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Aerio or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Aerio
The Suzuki Aerio is a compact car with a modest complaint volume: 121 complaints over 6 years, averaging about 20 per year. The most common trouble spots are brakes, power train, hydraulic system, suspension, and tires, with 11 crash-related reports and 14 injuries but no deaths. Owners describe recurring brake dust and heat, alignment that won't stay fixed, and a manual transmission that pops out of 5th gear. Recalls cover manual transmission and windshield issues, so check for open recall work.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint footprint: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year. The top areas are engine, power train, electrical system, brakes, and unknown issues, with 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death. Owners report severe problems like engine power loss, transmission suddenly going into neutral, and brake failure. Recalls include tailgate latches, steering, seat belt anchors, and brake fluid warning sensors.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Aerio | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 121 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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.
Suzuki Aerio
- 01SERVICE BRAKES20
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03HYDRAULIC17
- 04SUSPENSION16
- 05TIRES15
Owners report hot smells, heavy brake dust, and repeated brake fluid top-offs, with some saying the dealer dismissed the issue. This matters because brakes are a safety-critical system and early wear can mean costly repairs.
Complaints include a manual transmission that pops out of 5th gear into neutral and an engine that revs up and down with momentary power loss. These issues can leave you without power when you need it, especially on the highway.
The hydraulic complaints mirror the brake issues, often citing hot smells and brake dust around the rims. This suggests a possible brake fluid or caliper problem that could lead to reduced braking performance.
Owners report the car going out of alignment repeatedly, sometimes within days of a fix. This can cause uneven tire wear and handling problems, meaning you may face frequent alignment services.
“I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED AT ABOUT 9,000 MILES IN MAY. THERE WAS A HOT SMELL AND A LOT OF BRAKE DUST AROUND THE RIM AND TIRES. THE SUZUKI DEALER SERVICE DEPT. SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS JUST NEEDED BRAKE FLUID ADDED. AT THAT TIME THE PADS W…”
“I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON NOV 2, 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT SO I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO GET THAT RECTIFIED. EXACTLY 7 DAYS LATER IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM AND AFTER I EXPLAINED THE SI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine power loss, loud pinging, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can strand you and lead to expensive repairs, especially on the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission issues after engine problems. This can cause a loss of motive power, increasing crash risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and at 70 MPH the engine pinging, loss of power, and inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
“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.
Suzuki Aerio — 7 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STAND…
The risk: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 20…
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
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
Suzuki Aerio or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Aerio has far fewer issues per year (about 20 vs. 511 for the Silverado), but both have safety-related complaints. In practice, the Aerio's problems are more likely to be chronic annoyances like brake dust and alignment, while the Silverado's can involve sudden power loss or brake failure. The lower complaint rate doesn't guarantee fewer problems, but it suggests less frequent owner-reported trouble.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 25 times more complaints per year than the Aerio, but it's a different class of vehicle with more complex systems.
- Aerio owners report brake dust, alignment issues, and manual transmission popping out of gear; Silverado owners report engine power loss, transmission neutral drops, and brake failure.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls vs. 7 for the Aerio, covering critical items like steering and seat belts.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado's include injuries and one death, while the Aerio's include injuries but no deaths.
- Check for excessive brake dust on wheels and a hot smell after driving, which could indicate dragging brakes or fluid issues.
- Test drive a manual transmission model and ensure it doesn't pop out of 5th gear; also check for repeated alignment problems by reviewing service records.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for any loss of power during a test drive, especially on 6.2L or diesel models.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping ability, and ask about any electrical issues or transmission shifting problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's tailgate and steering recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and transmission, focusing on the specific complaints for each vehicle.
- For the Aerio, verify alignment is correct and check for uneven tire wear; for the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission error codes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss, transmission slipping, or brake issues.
- Review owner complaints for the specific model year you're considering to see if patterns apply.
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 Suzuki Aerio or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Aerio vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki Aerio total complaints
- 121
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki Aerio total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki Aerio avg complaints/year
- 20.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Aerio
- Suzuki Aerio top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE