Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Cirrus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler Cirrus 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
Chrysler Cirrus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cirrus averaged 53.5 complaints per year with 30 steering issues, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year with 2521 engine complaints. The Cirrus has 9 recalls; the Silverado has 101. Both show safety-related failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Cirrus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus is a compact sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent steering and brake problems. Over two years, it averaged 53.5 complaints per year, with 30 of 107 complaints about steering and 16 about brakes. Recalls for suspension and power steering hoses suggest safety-related defects. Buyers should expect to deal with aging hydraulic and electrical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—822.7 per year over ten years—but that reflects its huge popularity and many model years. The most common issues are engine and powertrain problems, often on newer trucks with low mileage. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, with some reports of sudden engine shutdown and brake loss. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tires, and driver-assist warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 107 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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.
Chrysler Cirrus
- 01STEERING30
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04HYDRAULIC15
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report power steering failure, sometimes accompanied by fire, and recall-related hose repairs that led to belt slipping. This can make steering suddenly heavy and is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include collapsed rear brake lines causing brakes to stay engaged, leading to repeated pad and caliper replacements. Brake failure has been linked to at least one crash.
Stalling at highway speeds and engine compartment fires while parked are reported. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or worse.
Brake line failures and hydraulic steering problems are common, with owners reporting total brake loss and difficulty finding parts due to backorders.
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM CHRYSLER. THE RECALL WAS FOR A HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SMITH CHRYSLER MADE THE REPAIR ON 07-06-06. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS WERE SLIPPING AND MAKING A STRANGE SOUND. LATER THA…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RAISED THE HOOD, AND A FIRE IGNITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND A REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO PICK UP HIS…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can happen at low mileage.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at very low miles. This can be dangerous in traffic or parking garages.
Reports of severe braking loss with a firm pedal and engine shut-off while driving, often linked to electrical faults. Screens going blank and inability to accelerate are also noted.
Sudden loss of normal braking and complete shutdown while driving are reported. These brake issues can occur without warning and increase crash risk.
“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.
Chrysler Cirrus — 9 recalls
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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
Chrysler Cirrus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Cirrus has far fewer complaints per year (53.5 vs. 822.7), but its issues are concentrated in critical safety systems like steering and brakes. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and many model years, but its problems often involve engine and transmission failures on newer trucks. In practice, the Cirrus may be simpler but riskier per mile, while the Silverado offers more capability but with more frequent, sometimes severe, complaints.
Key differences
- The Cirrus has 30 steering complaints out of 107, often involving power steering failure and fire, while the Silverado's top issue is engine (2521 complaints) with shutdowns and diesel filter problems.
- Cirrus complaints frequently mention brake line collapse and hydraulic failures, whereas Silverado brake complaints include sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and driver-assist warnings, while the Cirrus has 9 recalls mostly for suspension and power steering hoses.
- Cirrus averages 53.5 complaints per year over 2 years; Silverado averages 822.7 per year over 10 years, but the Silverado's larger sales volume means per-vehicle rates may be lower.
- Check for power steering hose recalls and signs of leaks or belt slipping; listen for strange noises when turning.
- Inspect rear brake lines for corrosion or collapse, and test brakes for dragging or staying engaged after driving.
- Test drive for any hesitation, sudden shutdown, or transmission slipping; check for stored codes related to fuel pump or engine control.
- Verify that all recalls, especially fuel pump and brake system, have been performed; ask for service records.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed for the specific VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Chrysler Cirrus for power steering leaks, brake line condition, and electrical grounds.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission fault codes and check for diesel particulate filter history if equipped.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and braking from high speed, to replicate complaint conditions.
- Budget for potential repairs: Cirrus may need steering/brake work; Silverado may need engine/powertrain diagnostics.
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 Chrysler Cirrus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Cirrus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler Cirrus total complaints
- 107
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler Cirrus total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler Cirrus avg complaints/year
- 53.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Cirrus
- Chrysler Cirrus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE