Vehicle 1

Tesla Model S

4,231 complaints · 106 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Tesla Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Model S has 4231 complaints (423.1/year) and 106 recalls, while the Silverado has 6878 complaints (687.8/year) and 98 recalls. The Model S has more crash complaints (545 vs 206), but the Silverado leads in engine and powertrain issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

2
Tesla Model S
wins 2 of 4 categories
2
Chevrolet Silverado
wins 2 of 4 categories
CategoryTesla Model SChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
4,231
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
106
98
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
545
206
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
423.1
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Tesla Model S

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER984
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM969
3. SUSPENSION914
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE781
5. STEERING447

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has more total complaints (6878 vs 4231) and a higher annual average (687.8 vs 423.1), suggesting a higher likelihood of issues per year. However, the Tesla Model S has more recalls (106 vs 98) and a higher number of crash complaints (545 vs 206), which may indicate more severe safety-related concerns.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and fewer crash-related issues, the Tesla Model S may be preferable despite its higher recall count. If you are concerned about engine and powertrain reliability, avoid the Silverado; if electrical system and suspension problems worry you, steer clear of the Model S.

Key Differences
  • Silverado has 6878 total complaints vs Model S's 4231, but Model S has 106 recalls vs Silverado's 98.
  • Model S has 545 crash complaints (12.9% of total) vs Silverado's 206 (3.0% of total).
  • Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2056) and POWER TRAIN (1925); Model S's top issues are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (984) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (969).
  • Model S has 914 SUSPENSION complaints and 781 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints, which are absent from Silverado's top five.
⚠ Watch on Tesla Model S
  • High number of crash complaints (545) and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues (781) suggest potential safety system problems.
  • SUSPENSION complaints (914) may indicate costly repairs or handling concerns.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • ENGINE complaints (2056) and POWER TRAIN issues (1925) are very high, pointing to major mechanical reliability concerns.
  • SERVICE BRAKES complaints (1077) could indicate braking system problems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • For Model S, inspect the suspension and forward collision avoidance system thoroughly.
  • For Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes.
  • Review the vehicle's service records for any repeated repairs on top complaint areas.
  • Test drive to feel for any unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Tesla Model SChevrolet Silverado
2026
2
45
2025
6
115
2024
38
460
2023
105
375
2022
131
1172
2021
174
844
2020
80
787
2019
185
1932
2018
745
0
2017
2765
1148
Tesla Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Tesla Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado
Tesla Model S total complaints
4,231
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Tesla Model S total recalls
106
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
423.1
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Tesla Model SReliability & Problems

4,231 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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