Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Gsx250r vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki Gsx250r 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 Gsx250r vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Gsx250r has zero complaints over 9 years, while the Silverado averages 510 complaints per year, including engine and brake failures. The Gsx250r has 3 recalls, all lighting; the Silverado has 100 recalls. For reliability, the Gsx250r is far superior. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Gsx250r or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Gsx250r
The Suzuki Gsx250r is a lightweight sportbike with a remarkably clean reliability record, showing zero owner complaints over nine years. This suggests that owners rarely encounter mechanical or electrical issues that prompt them to file reports. The only concerns are three recalls, all related to exterior lighting (brake and headlights), which are relatively minor and easily addressed by a dealer. For a first-time buyer, this points to a low-maintenance motorcycle with few known trouble spots.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, has a high volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year, with significant issues reported in the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe serious failures such as sudden loss of motive power, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake failure, some occurring at highway speeds. These are not just nuisances; they can be safety hazards. The Silverado also has 100 recalls, including for steering and brake fluid sensors, adding to the reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Gsx250r | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 Gsx250r
No component data available.
The only reported issues are recalls for brake lights and headlights, which could fail to illuminate properly, reducing visibility to other drivers. These are typically fixed quickly at a dealer.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing with low mileage, and diesel particulate filter clogging on the Duramax, requiring repeated dealer visits. These can lead to loss of power and costly repairs.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially on inclines or in traffic. This suggests a lack of reliability in the drivetrain.
Electrical failures are linked to loss of braking and steering, as described in complaints where the vehicle lost motive power and controls became inoperable. This points to critical system integration problems.
Brake failure is a recurring theme, with owners experiencing sudden loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to crashes.
“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 Gsx250r — 3 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GSX250R motorcycles. Water intrusion may corrode the rear brake light switch causing the rear brake light to fail to illuminate or remain illuminated continuously when the brake is not applied.
The risk: A failure of the brake light to illuminate, or continued illumination when the brakes are not being applied, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake stop light switch, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A90.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2018 GSX250R and GSX250RZ motorcycles. The low and/or high beam headlight may fail.
The risk: The sudden loss of low and/or high beams can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight bulb and install a bulb retention spring clip, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-844-352-4921.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GSX250R motorcycles. Water intrusion may corrode the rear brake light switch causing the rear brake light to fail to illuminate or remain illuminated continuously when the brake is not applied.
The risk: A failure of the brake light to illuminate, or continued illumination when the brakes are not being applied, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake stop light switch, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A90.
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 Gsx250r or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Gsx250r has far fewer issues per year, with zero complaints compared to the Silverado's 510 per year. This difference is stark: the Gsx250r is likely to be much more reliable and cheaper to maintain, while the Silverado carries a high risk of major repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- The Gsx250r has zero owner complaints, while the Silverado has thousands, indicating a vast difference in real-world reliability.
- Silverado owners report dangerous failures like sudden loss of power and braking, whereas Gsx250r owners report no such issues.
- The Silverado's engine and transmission problems are frequent and severe, often requiring multiple dealer visits, while the Gsx250r's only issues are minor lighting recalls.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including for steering and brakes, while the Gsx250r has only 3 lighting recalls.
- Check that all brake and headlight recalls have been performed, as these are the only known issues.
- Inspect the condition of the lighting system, as any failure could be a safety risk.
- Be alert for engine issues, especially if the vehicle has a 6.2L or Duramax diesel; ask for service records related to DPF or engine failures.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, including slow-speed maneuvers, to ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- For the Gsx250r: verify all recalls are completed and the lighting works properly.
- For the Silverado: obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls.
- For the Silverado: have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the Silverado: ask for maintenance records, especially for any engine or transmission repairs.
- For both: take a test drive under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any issues.
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 Gsx250r | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
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 Gsx250r or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Gsx250r vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki Gsx250r total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki Gsx250r total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki Gsx250r avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Gsx250r
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE