Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki DR Z400s vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki DR Z400s 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 DR Z400s vs Chevrolet Silverado: The DR Z400s has 0 complaints and 2 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. The Silverado also has 160 injuries and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki DR Z400s or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki DR Z400s
The Suzuki DR Z400s is a dual-sport motorcycle with a remarkably clean complaint record: zero owner complaints filed over ten years. That suggests owners either experience very few problems or don't report them to NHTSA. However, two recalls exist for critical fasteners in the hydraulic brake system and the brake light switch, so safety-related issues have been identified. For a buyer, this means low reported complaint volume but still important recall checks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners report serious issues including engine shutdowns, transmission failures, brake problems, and electrical glitches. There are also 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This points to a wide range of potential problems that a used buyer should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki DR Z400s | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Suzuki DR Z400s
No component data available.
With zero complaints and only two recalls, the DR Z400s appears to have a low reported failure rate. However, the recalls involve safety-critical systems, so a pre-purchase recall check is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and instances where the truck shut off and couldn't accelerate. Brake failures are a major 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.
Suzuki DR Z400s — 2 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles. During assembly the resin that fills the rear brake stop lamp switch may have adhered to the internal contacts, which can prevent the brake lamp from illuminating.
The risk: If the brake lights do not illuminate, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will install a new stop lamp switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 16, 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A84.
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2025-2026 DR-Z400S and 2025 DR-Z400SM motorcycles. The reservoir tank cap fixing screws may have been incorrectly tightened, allowing brake fluid to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability, increasing the distance required to stop and the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2026. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became sea…
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
Suzuki DR Z400s or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki DR Z400s has far fewer issues per year (0 complaints vs. 822.7 for the Silverado). In practice, the DR Z400s is likely to need less frequent repairs, but its two recalls still require attention. The Silverado's high complaint volume means a used buyer should expect more potential problems and should budget for repairs.
Key differences
- The Suzuki DR Z400s has 0 complaints over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported issues.
- Silverado owners report serious safety issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures; the DR Z400s has no such complaint pattern.
- The DR Z400s has 2 recalls for brake-related components; the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and collision avoidance.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the DR Z400s has none reported.
- Check for open recalls on the hydraulic brake fasteners and brake light switch; if not fixed, insist on repair before purchase.
- Inspect brake function and brake light operation, as these are the only reported safety issues.
- Test drive for sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, or electrical glitches like blank screens.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any loss of braking assist; also verify diesel particulate filter health on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical repairs.
- For the DR Z400s, confirm the brake-related recalls were completed and inspect brake lines and switches.
- Take a long test drive in the Silverado, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling or shifting issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Silverado's engine, transmission, and electrical systems before buying.
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 | Suzuki DR Z400s | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Suzuki DR Z400s or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki DR Z400s vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki DR Z400s total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Suzuki DR Z400s total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Suzuki DR Z400s avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki DR Z400s
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE