Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Gs500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki Gs500 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 Gs500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GS500 has 4 complaints over 9 years (0.4/year) and 4 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries; the GS500 has none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Gs500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Gs500
The Suzuki GS500 is a simple, lightweight motorcycle with very few reported problems over its production run. With only 4 complaints in 9 years, it appears to be a low-maintenance machine, but owners have reported issues like engine shutdown at highway speeds, unintended acceleration sensations, battery drain, and a lighting recall. These are infrequent but could be serious if they occur, so a thorough inspection is wise.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge number of complaints—over 5,000 in 10 years—and 100 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and brake failures, with some reports of crashes and injuries. This suggests that while many Silverados serve well, a significant number develop costly and sometimes dangerous faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Gs500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 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.
Suzuki Gs500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
One owner reported the motorcycle shutting off without warning above 60 mph and not responding to throttle. This could leave you stranded or cause a loss of power in traffic, so check for any history of stalling or rough running.
A 2002 GS500 owner felt the bike trying to accelerate on its own at speeds above 35 mph, though the dealer couldn't reproduce it. This kind of unintended acceleration is rare but unsettling, so test ride carefully and note any surging.
One owner had the battery drain repeatedly, requiring replacement twice. A weak charging system can leave you with a dead battery, so have the charging system tested before buying.
There was a recall for exterior lighting (NHTSA campaign 07V515000), and one owner worried the dealer would refuse to perform it. Make sure any open recall has been completed, as lighting issues affect visibility.
“AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE ONCE I WENT OVER 60 MPH IT SHUT OFF ON ME WITH NO WARNING ALL I NOTED THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH THROTTLE I GAVE IT THE BIKE DIDN'T WANT TO GO. *TR”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverados with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines reported sudden power loss, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include a 2026 Silverado suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another losing motive power at 70 mph. Transmission or drivetrain failures like these can leave you without power in traffic.
Reports describe severe braking loss with a firm pedal, and a 70 mph incident where the engine pinged, power was lost, and brakes and steering became inoperable. Electrical faults affecting critical systems are a major safety concern.
Owners reported sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. Brake failures are among the most dangerous issues, so any sign of brake trouble should be taken seriously.
“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 Gs500 — 4 recalls
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
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 Gs500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki GS500 has far fewer issues per year (0.4 vs. 510.5), meaning you're much less likely to encounter problems. However, the Silverado's issues are more numerous and include serious safety-related failures, so the GS500 is the simpler, lower-risk choice if you only compare complaint rates.
Key differences
- The GS500 has only 4 complaints in 9 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 in 10 years—over 1,000 times more complaints per year.
- Silverado complaints include 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death; the GS500 has none of these.
- GS500 issues are mostly minor or isolated (battery drain, lighting recall), while Silverado issues often involve engine, transmission, and brake failures that can disable the vehicle.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 4 for the GS500, indicating more widespread safety defects.
- Check for any history of the engine shutting off at highway speeds or surging—test ride at various speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the battery and charging system; ask if the battery has been replaced multiple times, which could indicate a charging fault.
- Look for signs of transmission problems, such as delayed engagement or sudden neutral—test drive at low speeds and on inclines.
- Check for brake issues: a firm pedal with poor stopping power could indicate a brake system fault; have a mechanic inspect the brakes and electrical system.
Before you buy
- For the GS500: Verify all recalls (especially exterior lighting) have been completed by a dealer.
- For the GS500: Test ride at highway speeds to check for stalling or surging, and test all lights and electrical accessories.
- For the Silverado: Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls (especially tailgate, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning).
- For the Silverado: Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For either vehicle: Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if they are missing or vague.
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 Gs500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Gs500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki Gs500 total complaints
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki Gs500 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki Gs500 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Gs500
- Suzuki Gs500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE