Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet VOLT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chevrolet VOLT 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 VOLT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volt has 1,866 complaints over 9 years (about 207 per year) and 12 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. Both show safety-related issues, but the Silverado's higher rate suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet VOLT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet VOLT
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid that owners often rely on for daily driving, but NHTSA data shows 1,866 complaints over 9 years (about 207 per year) and 12 recalls. The most common complaints involve electrical system failures, such as charging problems and airbag issues, along with propulsion power loss that can reduce speed. These patterns suggest that while many Volts serve well, some owners face recurring electronic and hybrid-system faults that can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls, indicating a higher volume of reported issues. Owners frequently report engine problems, power train failures like sudden neutral engagement, and electrical glitches that can cause stalling or braking loss. These complaints often involve serious safety concerns, including crashes and injuries, making thorough pre-purchase checks essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet VOLT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,866 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 VOLT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM703
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM498
- 03POWER TRAIN430
- 04ENGINE367
- 05AIR BAGS310
Owners report charging failures with the supplied 120V cord, where the vehicle does not charge overnight, and airbag failures that may prevent deployment. These issues can leave you stranded or compromise safety in a crash.
Complaints include 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings that limit speed and acceleration, often after the battery depletes. This can make merging or highway driving hazardous until the system rebalances.
Drivers describe frequent 'Propulsion Power Reduced' messages and a 'Shift to Park' error that prevents turning off the vehicle. These problems affect drivability and can leave the car in an unusable state.
Some owners see 'Service High Voltage Charging System' warnings and reduced power, often linked to hybrid component failures. This can lead to unexpected repairs and limited performance.
“OUR VOLT WAS LEFT OVERNIGHT TO CHARGE USING THE SUPPLIED 120V LEVEL ONE CHARGE CORD THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (THEREFORE I CONSIDER IT PART OF THE VEHICLE.) IN THE MORNING THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CHARGED -- AT SOME POINT DURING THE NIGHT THE CHARGE FAILED AFTER…”
“THE CAR HAS PROCEEDED TO HAVE MULTIPLE ISSUES, WITH THE MOST PREDOMINANT AND LIFE THREATENING ISSUE BEING AN AIRBAG FAILURE...TWICE. OTHER ISSUES: RADIO, DOOR LOCKS, AND PARK ASSIST ENGAGE/DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN. BRAKES NOT CATCHING CAUSING CAR TO ROLL. POWER…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and electronic issues that prevent acceleration. This can happen at low speeds or in traffic, increasing crash risk.
Drivers describe severe braking loss with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety functions.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking and the truck shutting off completely during low-speed maneuvers. Such failures make stopping unpredictable and dangerous.
“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 VOLT — 12 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to rec…
The risk: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet custo…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly pre…
The risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet custom…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet VOLT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Volt has far fewer complaints per year (about 207) compared to the Silverado (about 823), but both have notable safety-related issues. In practice, the Volt may be less likely to leave you stranded, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent and varied problems, including serious engine and brake failures.
Key differences
- The Volt averages about 207 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the Silverado.
- Volt owners frequently report charging failures and 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 12 for the Volt, suggesting more widespread safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 233 versus 39 for the Volt, reflecting more reported incidents possibly due to higher sales volume or severity.
- Check for any history of airbag warning lights or non-deployment, as owners report airbag failures that may not be covered by recalls.
- Test the charging system thoroughly, including the 120V cord, and look for 'Service High Voltage Charging System' messages that indicate potential hybrid battery issues.
- Inspect for signs of engine stalling or messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' which owners report as sudden shutdowns while driving.
- Test the brakes carefully for any loss of normal braking or firm pedal with reduced stopping power, as this is a reported safety defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Volt's electrical and hybrid systems, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the Volt, test the charging process with both 120V and 240V cords if possible, and verify that all electrical accessories work.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored error codes related to engine, transmission, and brakes, and test-drive at various speeds to check for hesitation or stalling.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for hybrid battery service on the Volt and diesel particulate filter service on the Silverado.
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 | Chevrolet VOLT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 225 | 597 |
| 2017 | 699 | 1154 |
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 VOLT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet VOLT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet VOLT total complaints
- 1,866
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chevrolet VOLT total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chevrolet VOLT avg complaints/year
- 207.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet VOLT
- Chevrolet VOLT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE