Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki V Strom 1050xt vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki V Strom 1050xt 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 V Strom 1050xt vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Suzuki averages 1 complaint per year over 3 years, with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year over 10 years, with 100 recalls and 117 crash-related incidents. The Suzuki's only issue is cruise control disengagement, whereas the Silverado faces serious engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki V Strom 1050xt or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki V Strom 1050xt
The Suzuki V Strom 1050xt is a niche adventure motorcycle with a very low complaint rate, averaging just one per year over three years. The only reported issue is with the electronic cruise control system, which owners say disengages randomly without any input. This is a convenience and safety concern for long-distance touring, but it's isolated and not accompanied by recalls or crash reports.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 500 per year over a decade. Owners report serious issues across the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, including sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and braking problems. With 100 recalls and multiple crash/injury reports, it shows a pattern of significant reliability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki V Strom 1050xt | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 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 V Strom 1050xt
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
Owners report that the cruise control cancels itself without pressing any cancel switch, which can be startling and potentially dangerous if the rider expects speed to be maintained. This issue occurs intermittently, with one owner noting over 20 separate occurrences in a few months.
“My Suzuki has a ride by wire throttle control system and electronic speed control. The problem is the cruise control cancels all by itself without any input from any of the cancel switches. Like the throttle grip, the front brake or rear brake, or the clutch…”
“On at least 20 separate occasions between July, 2021 and September, 2021, cruise control has disengaged without myself providing the input necessary to disengage cruise control. In other words, cruise control randomly disengaged by itself, and this problem ha…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are the most frequent, with owners reporting failures like sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by warning lights. Some mention specific issues like diesel particulate filter clogging in diesel models, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can leave you without power at critical moments. This is a serious safety concern, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical failures often lead to loss of braking or steering assist, as described in one complaint where the vehicle lost motive power and brakes became inoperable. This suggests a systemic electrical problem that can affect multiple safety systems.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety issue 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 V Strom 1050xt
No recalls on record.
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 V Strom 1050xt or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki V Strom 1050xt has far fewer issues per year (1.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). In practice, the Suzuki presents a minor electronic annoyance, while the Silverado shows a pattern of serious mechanical and electrical failures that could affect safety and reliability.
Key differences
- The Suzuki has only one type of issue (cruise control disengagement), while the Silverado has multiple major problem areas including engine, transmission, and brakes.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating widespread safety defects, whereas the Suzuki has none.
- The Silverado's complaints include crashes and injuries, while the Suzuki has none reported.
- The Suzuki's issue is a nuisance, but the Silverado's problems can lead to sudden loss of power or braking, posing immediate safety risks.
- Test the cruise control thoroughly on a test ride, including setting it at various speeds and seeing if it cancels unexpectedly.
- Check for any service bulletins or software updates related to the throttle-by-wire system.
- Ask for service records showing any engine or transmission repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax engines.
- Inspect the brake system and have a mechanic check for any electrical issues that could affect braking or steering.
Before you buy
- For the Suzuki: take a test ride and engage cruise control multiple times to ensure it holds speed.
- For the Silverado: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Check the Silverado's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review the Silverado's maintenance history for any repeated repairs.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado given its higher complaint rate.
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 V Strom 1050xt | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
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 V Strom 1050xt or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE