Vehicle 1

Tesla SEMI

3 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

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

Tesla SEMI vs Chevrolet Silverado: The SEMI has only 3 complaints (1.0/year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 6,878 complaints (687.8/year) and 98 recalls. The SEMI's top issue is structure; the Silverado's is engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Tesla SEMI
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryTesla SEMIChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
3
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
0
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
1.0
✓ lower
687.8

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Tesla SEMI

1. STRUCTURE2
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
3. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
4. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
5. STEERING1

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 Tesla SEMI has far fewer complaints per year (1.0) than the Chevrolet Silverado (687.8), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues. However, the SEMI has limited data (3 years) and specific structural concerns, while the Silverado's high complaint volume indicates widespread problems.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize low complaint rates and minimal recalls, the Tesla SEMI is the better choice. If you need a proven, widely available truck and can accept higher risk of engine or powertrain issues, the Chevrolet Silverado may suit you, but be prepared for potential repairs.

Key Differences
  • Tesla SEMI: 3 total complaints (1.0/year) vs Chevrolet Silverado: 6,878 complaints (687.8/year).
  • Tesla SEMI: 0 recalls vs Chevrolet Silverado: 98 recalls.
  • Tesla SEMI: 0 crash complaints vs Chevrolet Silverado: 206 crash complaints.
  • Tesla SEMI top issue: STRUCTURE (2) vs Silverado top issue: ENGINE (2,056).
⚠ Watch on Tesla SEMI
  • Watch for structural issues (2 complaints) and electrical system problems (1 complaint).
  • Vehicle speed control and steering complaints, though few, could indicate safety concerns.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2,056 complaints) and powertrain (1,925 complaints) are the most common issues.
  • Service brakes (1,077 complaints) and electrical system (1,263 complaints) are also frequent problems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall history for the specific model year.
  • For Tesla SEMI, inspect structural integrity and electrical components.
  • For Chevrolet Silverado, review engine and transmission service records.
  • Test drive to check for brake and steering responsiveness.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for any past crash or complaint records.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Tesla SEMIChevrolet Silverado
2025
0
115
2024
3
460
2023
0
375
Tesla SEMI vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Tesla SEMI vs Chevrolet Silverado
Tesla SEMI total complaints
3
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Tesla SEMI total recalls
0
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Tesla SEMI avg complaints/year
1.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Tesla SEMI
Tesla SEMI top complaint area
STRUCTURE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Tesla SEMIReliability & Problems

3 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Tesla SEMI or Chevrolet Silverado?

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