Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Impala Limited vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chevrolet Impala Limited 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
Chevrolet Impala Limited vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Impala has 1693 complaints over 3 years (564/yr) with no recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (511/yr) and 100 recalls. The Impala's issues are mostly electrical, but the Silverado has serious engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Impala Limited or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala Limited
The Chevrolet Impala Limited is a full-size sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a high rate of complaints concentrated in electrical and engine systems. Owners report intermittent failures of the infotainment, power steering assist, and stability control, often accompanied by warning lights. These issues can be unpredictable and sometimes affect drivability, making the car feel less dependable for daily use.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much longer complaint history, reflecting its widespread use. The most frequent issues involve the engine and powertrain, including severe problems like sudden loss of power and transmission failures, often at low mileage. Brake and electrical system complaints also appear, sometimes in conjunction with loss of motive power, which can be alarming for owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Impala Limited | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,693 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 564.3 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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.
Chevrolet Impala Limited
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM516
- 02ENGINE355
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER296
- 04STEERING217
- 05POWER TRAIN213
Owners report failures of the infotainment center, sunroof sunshade, and intermittent warning lights (StabiliTrak, parking brake). These electrical gremlins can be costly to fix and may affect convenience features.
Complaints include loud clanking noises, abnormal gasoline odor, and loss of power. Some owners also report the StabiliTrak light coming on, which can be linked to engine or sensor issues.
Intermittent power steering failures are reported, often accompanied by a 'Service Power Steering' message and StabiliTrak light. This can make the car harder to control, especially at speed.
“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof sunshade is the specific component that has malfunctioned. It is readily visible and accessible for inspection upon request. A mechanic or techni…”
“2015 Chevrolet Impala Lt Vin# [XXX] infotainment center & Steering went out 2 years ago Greg Chevrolet in savannah MO told me $800 for infotainment unit only car only had diag code B127E car only 3 years old at the time still does not work! Earlier this year…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Serious engine issues include sudden loss of power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter clogging (in diesel models). Some owners report complete engine failure at low mileage, which can be dangerous on the highway.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive while driving, especially at low speeds or uphill. This can leave drivers stranded or in unsafe situations.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to 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.
Chevrolet Impala Limited
No recalls on record.
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
Chevrolet Impala Limited or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Impala Limited has fewer complaints per year (564.3) compared to the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado's issues are more severe, including engine and brake failures. In practice, the Impala may have more electrical annoyances, but the Silverado poses higher safety risks.
Key differences
- The Impala has no recalls on record, while the Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating more widespread safety issues.
- The Impala's top issues are electrical and steering, often intermittent and annoying, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain, sometimes leading to sudden loss of power.
- The Silverado has reports of brake failure, which is a critical safety concern not seen in the Impala complaints.
- The Impala has a higher complaint rate per year (564.3) than the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado's complaints are more likely to be severe.
- Check for intermittent power steering failure and StabiliTrak warnings, as these are common and can affect control.
- Inspect the infotainment system and sunroof operation, as electrical failures are frequent.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises or loss of power, and check for any open recalls related to engine or brakes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure no loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including the infotainment and power steering, on the Impala.
- For the Silverado, check the transmission for smooth shifting and ask for service records related to engine or brake issues.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed on the Silverado, especially those related to brakes and steering.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and sudden stops to feel for any anomalies.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with these models.
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 Chevrolet Impala Limited or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Impala Limited vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total complaints
- 1,693
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Chevrolet Impala Limited avg complaints/year
- 564.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Impala Limited top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE