Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Cybertruck vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Tesla Cybertruck 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
Tesla Cybertruck vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cybertruck averages 69 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Cybertruck's issues often involve electrical and driver-assist systems, whereas the Silverado's are more mechanical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Cybertruck or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is a relatively new electric pickup with 206 complaints over 3 years, averaging about 69 per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, structural pieces detaching, and driver-assist systems failing unexpectedly. With 16 recalls and 27 crash-related complaints, it demands vigilance, especially regarding software and body integrity.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake systems, with many reports of stalling, loss of braking, and transmission issues. It has 101 recalls and a higher total of crash-related complaints, but far fewer deaths reported than the Cybertruck.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Cybertruck | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 206 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 68.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 3 Better |
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.
Tesla Cybertruck
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 02STRUCTURE40
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER35
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE26
- 05STEERING22
Owners describe loud pops from the front, alerts, and unexpected behavior while using Full Self-Driving, sometimes requiring manual override. These electrical faults can leave drivers uncertain about vehicle response, especially at highway speeds.
Reports include exterior trim pieces like the sail applique detaching and rear casting cracks after impact. Such failures affect both safety and durability, and repairs may be costly or compromise structural integrity.
Drivers report frequent error messages that Automatic Emergency Braking and adaptive ride control are unavailable, sometimes multiple times per month. This means key safety features may not work when needed, reducing confidence in the system.
Some owners note that steering input does not disengage Full Self-Driving as expected, leading to a lack of control. This can be dangerous if the driver assumes they have taken over but the vehicle does not respond normally.
“On XXX at approximately 5:15 AM, I was driving my 2024 Tesla Cybertruck (VIN [XXX], ~47,300 miles) on an interstate trip to [XXX] with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged. I heard a loud pop from the front of the vehicle, immediately followed by an alert s…”
“While driving on a highway with Full Self-Driving engaged, I approached an exit and applied steering input to take control. I expected the system to disengage and the Cybertruck to follow my steering input. The vehicle did not respond in the manner I expected…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. There are also cases of excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can strand drivers and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can cause unexpected rollaways or inability to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Owners report that the truck may completely shut off, screens go blank, and acceleration is lost, often requiring a restart. Braking effectiveness can also be severely reduced, making stopping unpredictable.
“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.
Tesla Cybertruck — 16 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Cybertruck vehicles. The light bar can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached light bar can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the cant rail assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-10-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehi…
The risk: Parking lights that are too bright can reduce visibility of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-008.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. The brake rotor stud holes may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub.
The risk: Wheel stud separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will replace the front and rear brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this reca…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehi…
The risk: Parking lights that are too bright can reduce visibility of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-008.
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
Tesla Cybertruck or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Tesla Cybertruck has far fewer complaints per year (about 69) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Cybertruck's issues often involve advanced driver-assist and structural concerns. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its longer production and greater sales, but its problems tend to be more traditional mechanical failures. In practice, the Cybertruck may have fewer reported incidents, but each could be more complex or costly to fix.
Key differences
- The Cybertruck's top complaint areas are electrical, structure, and forward collision avoidance, while the Silverado's are engine, powertrain, electrical, and brakes.
- Cybertruck owners report software and driver-assist glitches like unexpected FSD behavior and error messages; Silverado owners report mechanical failures like engine shutdowns and loss of braking.
- The Cybertruck has 16 recalls and 27 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, but the Cybertruck has more reported deaths (6 vs 3).
- Cybertruck complaints often involve unique components like the rear Giga Casting and sail applique; Silverado complaints involve conventional parts like fuel pumps and transmissions.
- Check for loose or detached exterior trim pieces, especially the sail applique, and inspect the rear casting for cracks.
- Test the Full Self-Driving system thoroughly, looking for unexpected disengagement or failure to respond to steering input, and verify that automatic emergency braking is functional.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any history of stalling or shutdowns, especially with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel engines.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping power, and check for any electrical issues that could cause sudden loss of braking or screen blackouts.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Cybertruck, have a Tesla specialist inspect the electrical system, software updates, and structural components.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine, transmission, and brake systems, including for any stored error codes.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway driving and parking maneuvers, to replicate reported failure conditions.
- Verify that all safety features, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warnings, are operational.
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 | Tesla Cybertruck | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 120 |
| 2025 | 24 | 157 |
| 2024 | 174 | 527 |
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 Tesla Cybertruck or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Cybertruck vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Tesla Cybertruck total complaints
- 206
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Tesla Cybertruck total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Tesla Cybertruck avg complaints/year
- 68.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Cybertruck
- Tesla Cybertruck top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE