Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Tesla Model Y 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 Y vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Model Y averages 1,010 complaints per year with 787 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 233 crash-related reports. Both have over 100 recalls. The Model Y's issues often involve software and brakes, while the Silverado's are more engine and powertrain related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that has been on the road for about 7 years, with an average of 1,010 NHTSA complaints per year. The most common complaints involve forward collision avoidance, brakes, and speed control, often describing sudden disengagement of safety systems or unintended acceleration. There are also many recalls, including for tires, backup prevention software, and windshield wiper linkages. For a used buyer, this means you should be aware of software-related safety quirks and check for open recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has been sold for about 10 years, averaging 823 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain problems, such as rough running, stalling, or transmission issues, as well as electrical glitches that can affect braking and engine shutdown. Recalls cover fuel pump control, tire pressure monitoring, and pedestrian alert systems. For a used buyer, this suggests a need to inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model Y | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 | 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 Y
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3,524
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1,063
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,034
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM961
Owners report that critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while driving, creating a crash hazard. Complaints also mention removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in Full Self-Driving, which can lead to unexpected speeding. Buyers should test these features and check for software updates.
Some owners describe sudden loss of braking or brake system failures during accidents, often in wet conditions. The brake pedal may feel firm but braking effectiveness is reduced. This is a serious safety concern that warrants a thorough brake inspection.
Complaints include uncommanded acceleration, such as a Model Y reversing at high speed into a bollard, and Full Self-Driving exceeding speed limits without driver ability to limit it. These issues can lead to loss of control. Buyers should verify software version and test speed control features.
Electrical problems are reported, though less frequently than the top three. They can affect various vehicle functions. A pre-purchase electrical system check is wise.
“SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, un…”
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise ma…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as excessive diesel soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdown while driving. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs. A used buyer should check for engine fault codes and service history.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with low mileage. This can happen at low speeds, like in a parking garage. Transmission and drivetrain inspections are critical.
Electrical issues can cause severe loss of braking, engine shutdown while driving, and blank screens. These are dangerous and may require dealer diagnosis. Check for recalls and software updates.
Some owners experience sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This can occur after dropping off a child or in parking lots. Brake system inspection is essential.
“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 Y — 100 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
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 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. 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 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104,…
The risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this r…
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 Y or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823) than the Tesla Model Y (about 1,010), but both have similar total recalls. In practice, the Silverado's issues often involve traditional mechanical systems like engine and transmission, while the Model Y's are more software and sensor-related. This means the Silverado may have more familiar repair paths, but the Model Y may require specialized service for its high-tech features.
Key differences
- The Tesla Model Y has a much higher rate of complaints about forward collision avoidance and speed control, often involving software disengagement or unintended acceleration, while the Chevrolet Silverado's top complaints are engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado has a lower average annual complaint rate (823 vs. 1,010) but a higher total number of complaints over a longer period (10 years vs. 7 years).
- The Model Y has more crash-related complaints (787) and injuries (629) reported, compared to the Silverado's 233 crashes and 160 injuries, though these numbers don't account for vehicle sales volume.
- Recalls for the Model Y include backup prevention software and windshield wiper linkages, while Silverado recalls include fuel pump control and pedestrian alert systems, indicating different areas of concern.
- Check for any open recalls, especially those related to backup prevention software and windshield wiper linkages, and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking systems during a test drive to see if they disengage unexpectedly or show warning lights.
- Inspect for engine issues such as excessive soot accumulation in diesel models or rough running in gas models, and check for stored fault codes.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly, including braking and infotainment, for sudden shutdowns or loss of braking assist, and verify all recalls are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the common problem areas for each model (e.g., brakes and software for Tesla, engine and transmission for Silverado).
- During a test drive, specifically test the safety features mentioned in complaints, such as forward collision avoidance, automatic braking, and speed control.
- Ask the seller for all service records and confirm that any software updates or recall repairs have been performed.
- Consider an extended warranty, especially for the Tesla's high-tech components or the Silverado's engine and transmission, as repairs can be costly.
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 Y | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 101 | 157 |
| 2024 | 356 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 450 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 961 |
| 2020 | 280 | 868 |
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 Y or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE