Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model X vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Tesla Model X 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 X vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Model X averages 313 complaints per year with 111 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Model X has more crash-related complaints (383 vs. 233), but the Silverado has more total complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model X or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with complex electronics and advanced driver-assistance features. Over 10 years, owners filed 3,128 complaints, averaging about 313 per year, with 111 recalls. The most common trouble spots are suspension, electrical system, and steering, often involving sudden failures or software glitches. Crash-related complaints total 383, with 417 injuries and 260 deaths reported.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a wide range of engine and powertrain options. It has 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year, and 101 recalls. The top complaint areas are engine, power train, and electrical system, with reports of stalling, loss of braking, and transmission problems. Crash-related complaints number 233, with 160 injuries and 3 deaths.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,128 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 111 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 383 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 312.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 417 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 260 | 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 Model X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tire blowouts on the freeway without impact, often linked to faulty tire pressure monitoring. This can cause loss of control at speed, making it a critical safety concern.
Complaints include infotainment delays, unexpected shutdowns, and liquid spills causing console failures. These glitches can distract the driver or disable safety features unexpectedly.
Drivers describe simultaneous failures of ABS, stability control, and steering assist, plus Full Self-Driving taking wrong routes. Such failures can lead to loss of control or unintended steering.
There are 396 complaints about forward collision avoidance, though sample texts focus on other areas. Buyers should be aware that advanced driver aids may not always perform as expected.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and stalling. These issues can leave you stranded or cause a crash if the engine dies in traffic.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of power, and transmission failures. This can happen at low speeds or on inclines, increasing the risk of an accident.
Drivers experience sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off while braking. This can make stopping difficult and lead to collisions.
“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 X — 111 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
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 Model X or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model X has far fewer complaints per year (about 313) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the Model X's complaints often involve high-severity issues like suspension and steering failures, while the Silverado's are more numerous but spread across engine, powertrain, and brakes. In practice, the Silverado may require more frequent repairs, but the Model X's issues can be more dangerous when they occur.
Key differences
- Tesla Model X has about 313 complaints per year vs. Chevrolet Silverado's 823 per year, but the Model X has more crash-related complaints (383 vs. 233).
- Model X top issues are suspension, electrical, and steering; Silverado top issues are engine, power train, and electrical.
- Model X reports include tire blowouts and steering assist failures; Silverado reports include engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but the Model X has 111 vs. Silverado's 101, indicating similar recall frequency.
- Check tire condition and TPMS functionality, as owners report blowouts without warning.
- Test all electrical systems, including infotainment and driver-assist features, for delays or failures.
- Listen for engine noises and check for stalling or rough running, especially in 6.2L and diesel models.
- Test brakes thoroughly for firm pedal or reduced braking, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: suspension and electrical for Model X; engine, transmission, and brakes for Silverado.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate reported failure conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for software updates (Model X) or diesel particulate filter service (Silverado).
- Consider an extended warranty, as both vehicles have complex systems that can be costly to repair.
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 X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 120 |
| 2025 | 15 | 157 |
| 2024 | 26 | 527 |
| 2023 | 199 | 450 |
| 2022 | 127 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 123 | 961 |
| 2020 | 381 | 868 |
| 2019 | 365 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 700 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1185 | 1154 |
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 X or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model X vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE