Last updated: 2026-05-15
GMC vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
GMC
5 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing GMC and Tesla on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
GMC currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | GMC | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 69/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1162 | 2526 |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Tesla: The Verdict
If reliability is your priority, GMC makes a stronger case than Tesla by a wide margin. The overall picture: GMC scores 69/100 across 5 models, while Tesla comes in at 52/100 across 5 models — all data-driven, no bias.
Where GMC and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | GMC | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — GMC outscores by 26 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
GMC vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are GMC and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Tesla
GMC vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 56/100 | GMC |
| Trucks(2 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 59/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | GMC | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%34 | 25%2,734 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%372 | 13%1,412 |
| STEERING | 5%287 | 12%1,303 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%40 | 14%1,504 |
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 0%9 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 2%238 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%410 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%44 | 6%708 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%72 | 4%426 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
GMC vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints. GMC has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every GMC and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
GMC Models
GMC vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100, up from earlier years. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | GMC | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 64/100(5) | GMC |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 56/100(5) | GMC |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 47/100(4) | GMC |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 54/100(4) | GMC |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 43/100(4) | GMC |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 47/100(4) | GMC |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 50/100(3) | GMC |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 48/100(3) | GMC |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
GMC vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: GMC or Tesla?
If reliability is a top priority, GMC deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the GMC Canyon leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
GMC vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, GMC or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from GMC and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from GMC and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with GMC and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, GMC or Tesla?
How many GMC and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, GMC or Tesla?
Are GMC and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, GMC or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, GMC or Tesla?
Comparing GMC vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.