Head-to-head safety comparison of Chevrolet vs Gmc. Compare total recalls, complaints, reliability scores, and NHTSA safety ratings across all models.
Choosing between Chevrolet and Gmc is one of the most common decisions car buyers face. Both manufacturers have loyal followings, but their vehicles differ significantly in terms of safety track record, recall frequency, and long-term reliability. This comparison uses official NHTSA data — including consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, crash test safety ratings, and computed reliability scores — to give you an objective, data-driven look at how these two brands stack up. Whether you are cross-shopping specific models or evaluating brand-level reliability, the numbers below can help inform your decision.
Chevrolet vehicles have accumulated 22196 total consumer complaints and 372 recalls across 124 tracked models in the NHTSA database. Gmc, by comparison, has 7043 complaints and 160 recalls across 87 models. On a per-model basis, Chevrolet averages roughly 179 complaints per model while Gmc averages about 81 complaints per model. Raw complaint volume alone does not tell the whole story — a manufacturer that sells more vehicles will naturally receive more reports — but the ratio of complaints to models tracked provides a useful benchmark for brand-level reliability.
In NHTSA crash test ratings, Chevrolet vehicles average 4.7 out of 5 stars compared to Gmc's 4.4 stars. Our computed reliability score — which factors in complaint frequency, severity, and safety outcomes like crashes, fires, and injuries — gives Chevrolet an average of 53/100 versus Gmc's 55/100. These metrics help distinguish between brands that have many minor complaints and those with fewer but more serious safety concerns. Review the detailed table below for the full side-by-side metric breakdown, then explore individual model pages for the most specific data.
| Metric | Chevrolet | Gmc |
|---|---|---|
| Models Tracked | 124 | 87 |
| Total Complaints | 22196 | 7043 |
| Total Recalls | 372 | 160 |
| Avg Reliability | 53/100 | 55/100 |
| Avg Safety Rating | ★★★★½ | ★★★★☆ |
Gmc has fewer total safety issues (7203 combined) compared to Chevrolet (22568), suggesting better overall reliability.
Based on NHTSA data, Chevrolet has 22196 complaints and 372 recalls across 124 models, while Gmc has 7043 complaints and 160 recalls across 87 models. Gmc has fewer total safety issues. Review individual model pages for year-specific comparisons.
Chevrolet has 372 total recalls compared to Gmc's 160 recalls in the NHTSA database. However, recall counts alone do not determine overall safety — a proactive manufacturer may issue more recalls while addressing problems faster.
Our computed reliability score gives Chevrolet 53/100 versus Gmc's 55/100. Reliability varies significantly across models and years within both brands. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data.
This comparison uses official NHTSA data including consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, crash test safety ratings, and our computed reliability score. The reliability score factors in complaint frequency, severity, and safety outcomes like crashes, fires, and injuries reported to NHTSA.