Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Tesla Model S 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 Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Model S averages 57.9 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Model S owners report false collision warnings and steering issues, whereas Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a high-tech electric sedan that owners often praise for performance but report a range of electronic and driver-assistance glitches. Complaints over the past decade average about 58 per year, with many focused on forward collision avoidance systems that can trigger false alerts or sudden stops, and steering controls that some find unintuitive. Suspension and electrical issues also appear, including premature tire wear and software-related failures. While not as numerous as some trucks, the nature of these issues can be alarming, especially when they involve unexpected braking or loss of power.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, largely driven by engine and powertrain problems. Owners report serious issues like sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter clogging, often in newer models. Electrical system and brake complaints also feature prominently, with reports of braking assist failure and complete loss of control. These are major reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 579 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 106 | 100 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 60 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
Tesla Model S
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER160
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE115
- 03STEERING85
- 04SUSPENSION77
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM70
Owners report the system suddenly beeping and applying brakes even when the road is clear, causing panic and potential rear-end collisions. Some also mention that the system misreads speed limits, leading to unexpected deceleration.
The move to button-based turn signals is criticized for being hard to use in emergencies. Additionally, lane departure assist can override steering inputs incorrectly, even when turned off, causing the car to veer unexpectedly.
There are reports of vibrations from the front suspension half shafts or CV joints at low speeds during cold starts, and repeated rear tire wear issues that may be linked to alignment or suspension defects.
“On [XXX] at approximately 1230 pm my husband loaded my [XXX] child into the car. He shut the door then tried to open the driver site door. At that time the inside the car was 93 degrees. The car shut off. Telsa customer support was contacted multiple times. M…”
“2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignmen…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many complaints involve engine failure or loss of power, sometimes with loud noises, and in some cases the engine completely shuts down while driving. Diesel models also suffer from excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission problems are common, including sudden shifting into neutral and loss of drive power, which can be dangerous in traffic. Some owners report the vehicle failing to engage gears or jerking during acceleration.
There are reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This can lead to crashes, especially at low speeds or when stopping at intersections.
“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 Model S — 106 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope…
The risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there ma…
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
The risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehi…
The risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters wer…
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
Tesla Model S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Tesla Model S has far fewer complaints per year (about 58) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). This suggests that, on average, the Model S may have fewer reported issues, but the nature of its problems—such as unexpected braking—can be just as concerning. The Silverado's high complaint volume points to more frequent and potentially severe mechanical failures.
Key differences
- Tesla Model S complaints are dominated by electronic driver-assist issues, while Silverado complaints are mostly engine and transmission failures.
- Silverado has a much higher annual complaint rate (510.5) than the Model S (57.9), indicating a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
- Tesla owners report false activations of forward collision avoidance and steering assist, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and braking.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but Tesla's focus on software and steering contrasts with Silverado's recalls on latches, brakes, and seat belts.
- Test the forward collision warning and automatic braking in a safe area to see if it triggers falsely.
- Check for any vibrations from the front suspension during a cold start and inspect rear tires for uneven wear.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises and check for warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter if it's a diesel model.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure they respond properly.
Before you buy
- For the Tesla Model S, review the service history for any suspension or tire replacement records.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission repairs and check for open recalls.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to see if any warning lights appear.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Silverado's brakes and engine, and the Tesla's software and sensors.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recalls and complaints for the specific model year you're considering.
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 Model S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 98 |
| 2025 | 6 | 150 |
| 2024 | 38 | 0 |
| 2023 | 116 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 176 | 934 |
| 2020 | 80 | 0 |
| 2019 | 160 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Tesla Model S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Tesla Model S total complaints
- 579
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Tesla Model S total recalls
- 106
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
- 57.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model S top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE