Head-to-head reliability
ALFA Romeo Tonale vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the ALFA Romeo Tonale 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
ALFA Romeo Tonale vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Tonale has 1 complaint over 3 years (0.3/yr) and 10 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. The Tonale's sunroof shattering is a rare but serious issue, whereas the Silverado faces frequent engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the ALFA Romeo Tonale or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
ALFA Romeo Tonale
The ALFA Romeo Tonale is a compact luxury SUV with a very low complaint rate, averaging just 0.3 complaints per year over three years. The only reported issue is a spontaneous sunroof explosion, which is alarming but isolated. Recalls focus on electrical connections, pedestrian alert sounds, and seat belt retractors, suggesting potential quality control issues. Overall, it appears to be a low-risk vehicle in terms of owner-reported problems, but the sunroof incident highlights a possible safety concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year, reflecting its popularity and long production run. Owners report serious issues with the engine, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, as well as transmission problems and sudden loss of braking. Recalls cover tailgate latches, steering, seat belt anchors, and brake fluid sensors, indicating widespread reliability and safety concerns. This truck demands careful inspection and a robust warranty.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | ALFA Romeo Tonale | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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.
ALFA Romeo Tonale
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
The only complaint involves the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, which could pose a risk of injury from flying glass. This suggests a potential defect in the glass or its installation.
“My sunroof on my 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veroce spontaneously burst as I was driving about 40 mph. Nothing nearby or overhead. It was a loud cracking sound that was startling like a gunshot. Luckily, I had the mesh screen pulled shut so no glass fell on me. I…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including complete loss of power and loud noises, often in newer models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel engines. Diesel particulate filter clogging is also common, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are prevalent, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic or on hills.
Electrical problems can lead to sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine pinging and power loss, indicating potential failures in critical systems.
Brake failures are reported, where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances and potential crashes.
“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.
ALFA Romeo Tonale — 10 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fi…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and tighten the cable connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F…
The risk: Failure to alert pedestrians when backing up increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear pedestrian siren connection and, if necessary, secure and/or replace the connector or siren, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer se…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
The risk: A seat belt that does not retract may fail to restrain properly an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 24, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 84D.…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.
The risk: A seat belt that does not retract may fail to restrain properly an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 24, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 84D.…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
ALFA Romeo Tonale or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The ALFA Romeo Tonale has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported issues. However, the Tonale's sunroof issue is a safety concern, while the Silverado's problems are more frequent and severe, affecting engine, transmission, and brakes. In practice, the Tonale may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to lead to costly repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- The Tonale has a single complaint about a sunroof shattering, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints about engine, transmission, and brake failures.
- The Silverado's engine issues include complete failures and diesel particulate filter clogging, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs.
- The Silverado's electrical problems can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, a critical safety risk, whereas the Tonale's recalls focus on seat belt retractors and electrical connections.
- The Tonale's recall count (10) is much lower than the Silverado's (100), but the Tonale is a newer model with fewer years on the road.
- Inspect the sunroof for any signs of stress cracks or previous replacements, and ensure the recall for the sunroof is addressed.
- Check that all recalls, especially those for seat belt retractors and electrical connections, have been performed.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures are common.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and have the brake system inspected for any issues.
Before you buy
- For the Tonale, verify the sunroof operation and ask for service records showing any sunroof-related repairs.
- For the Silverado, obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for brakes and steering.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- For the Tonale, confirm that all recalls have been completed and ask about the sunroof issue specifically.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty for the Silverado to cover potential engine and transmission failures.
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 | ALFA Romeo Tonale | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 1 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
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 ALFA Romeo Tonale or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- ALFA Romeo Tonale vs Chevrolet Silverado
- ALFA Romeo Tonale total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- ALFA Romeo Tonale total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- ALFA Romeo Tonale avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- ALFA Romeo Tonale
- ALFA Romeo Tonale top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE