Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Uplander vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chevrolet Uplander 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 Uplander vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Uplander averaged 116.6 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. Both have serious safety complaints: Uplander for doors opening and brake lockups, Silverado for engine and power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Uplander or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Uplander
The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that averaged about 117 complaints per year over five years, with 11 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, structural problems like sliding doors opening while driving, and brake issues. With 24 crash-related complaints and 59 injuries, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with 100 recalls. Complaints are heavily concentrated in engine and powertrain, including sudden loss of power and transmission problems. With 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, it's a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Uplander | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 583 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Uplander
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02STRUCTURE126
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES82
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STEERING55
Owners report the alarm going off randomly and automatic sliding side doors opening unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds. This is a serious safety concern because it could lead to occupants or pets falling out.
Complaints include the rear suspension fracturing and falling to the ground while driving, as well as the sliding doors opening on their own. These structural failures can cause loss of control and increase crash risk.
Drivers describe intermittent ABS/traction control warnings and brakes locking up, sometimes with a 'Service Stability System' message. This can lead to sudden, unexpected braking and loss of control.
This area has 82 complaints, often related to door latches and linkages. While specific complaint text isn't provided, the high count suggests persistent issues with doors not staying closed or opening unexpectedly.
“SAFETY ISSUE: THE FIRST OCCURRENCE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE, AS I DO NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN THIS NIGHT: FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE ALARM BEGAN GOING OFF (OF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT). I WAS AWAKE. I LIVE IN A PRETTY SAFE PARK. AT A…”
“BOTH AUTOMATIC SLIDING SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN WITH NO WARNING TRAVELING 55 MPH, AFRAID MY TRIPLET GRAND CHILDREN OR MY 2 DOGS WOULD FALL OUT, THE DOGS DID GET OUT ONE DAY WHEN THE DOORS OPENED BY THEIR SELF, ONE OF MY DOGS RAN ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. AUTOMOBIL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission failures. This can cause a complete loss of drive power, especially dangerous in traffic or on hills.
Drivers describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and loss of steering and brakes at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures that could lead to a crash.
Similar to electrical complaints, owners report severe loss of braking ability, sometimes accompanied by engine pinging and loss of power. Brake failure is a top safety concern.
“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 Uplander — 11 recalls
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Uplander or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Uplander has far fewer complaints per year (about 117) compared to the Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Uplander's problems often involve doors opening and brake lockups, while the Silverado's involve engine and powertrain failures that can cause sudden loss of power. In practice, the Uplander may have fewer overall complaints, but the nature of its issues can be just as dangerous.
Key differences
- The Uplander has about 117 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 511 per year, but the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its popularity and longer production span.
- Uplander owners frequently report sliding doors opening unexpectedly and rear suspension fractures, while Silverado owners report engine power loss and transmission failures.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the Uplander's involve ABS warnings and lockups, while the Silverado's involve sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to 11 recalls for the Uplander over 5 years, indicating a broader range of potential safety fixes.
- Test the automatic sliding doors multiple times to ensure they do not open while driving or on their own; listen for unusual noises from the rear suspension and check for rust or cracks.
- Check for intermittent ABS or traction control warning lights and test brakes for any locking or unusual pedal feel.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking, and check for any loss of power or transmission slipping during a test drive; also verify diesel particulate filter history on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sudden loss of braking or firm pedal with poor stopping; check for electrical issues that might affect steering and brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the Uplander's sliding doors, rear suspension, and brake system, including ABS functionality.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check engine compression, transmission operation, and brake system, especially if it's a 2026 model with low miles.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in braking and steering feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and transmission services, and be wary if they are unavailable.
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 Uplander or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Uplander vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Uplander total complaints
- 583
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Chevrolet Uplander total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Chevrolet Uplander avg complaints/year
- 116.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Chevrolet Uplander top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE