Head-to-head reliability
Daewoo Nubira vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Daewoo Nubira 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
Daewoo Nubira vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Nubira has 436 complaints over 3 years (145/year) and 9 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Nubira reports engine fires and brake loss; the Silverado reports engine shutdowns and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Daewoo Nubira or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Daewoo Nubira
The Daewoo Nubira is a compact car from a brand that left the U.S. market, so parts and dealer support are scarce. Over three years, owners filed 436 complaints, with engine and brake problems dominating. The pattern shows a car that can suffer serious failures like engine fires and brake loss, often with no factory recall remedy available. Buyers should expect high maintenance risk and limited repair options.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base and many complaints—8,227 over ten years—but also 101 recalls, showing active safety campaigns. Issues cluster around the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, with some reports of sudden power loss or braking problems. Because it's a high-volume vehicle, parts and service are easy to find, but buyers should still check for open recalls and known defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Daewoo Nubira | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 436 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 145.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Daewoo Nubira
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING281
- 02SERVICE BRAKES101
- 03HYDRAULIC97
- 04SUSPENSION33
- 05AIR BAGS12
Owners report engine fires and camshaft position sensor failures that trigger check engine lights. One owner said their 2002 Nubira caught fire despite regular oil changes. These failures can lead to total loss or expensive repairs with no dealer network.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor while driving, with the vehicle continuing to accelerate. Drivers had to use the emergency brake to stop. This is a critical safety issue that could cause a crash.
The same brake failure complaints are also filed under hydraulic components, often involving hoses and lines. Owners report no warning before losing braking power. This reinforces that brake system integrity is a major concern.
Owners report front lower control arm bushings going bad, causing unstable steering and jerking to the sides at low speeds. Some say this could lead to steering failure. A recall exists in Australia but not in the U.S., leaving owners to pay for repairs.
“UNTIL 1:30 P.M. TODAY (JUNE 3, 2004), I THOUGHT MY 2002 DAEWOO NUBIRA WAS A GOD-SENT BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT GAS ECONOMY (~30 MPG). THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THIS AFTERNOON AND NOW IT'S A PIECE OF JUNK. I HAVE BEEN DOING MY OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES AND SO…”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN DIAGNOSED IT WAS RELATED TO A DEFECT IN THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I CAME TO KNOW ABOUT A RECALL REGARDING MY VEHICLE MODEL ON THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CAR W…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can happen with very low mileage. It's dangerous because you lose acceleration without warning.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking even though the brake pedal feels firm, and engine shut-offs while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions. They often require dealer diagnosis and may recur.
Some complaints describe the truck shutting off completely, with screens going blank and no ability to accelerate. Braking effectiveness can also be reduced. These events are unpredictable and frightening for drivers.
“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.
Daewoo Nubira — 9 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, OPTION 6, OR FIND A LOCAL DEALER THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.DAEWOOU…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO PUERTO RICO AT 1-877-362-1234 OPTION 6.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE(S).
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND LOSS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW REDESIGNED FRONT BRAKE HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, OPTION 6, OR FIND A LOCAL DEALER THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.DAEWOOU…
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
Daewoo Nubira or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Daewoo Nubira averages about 145 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year. But the Nubira's complaints are concentrated in severe, often unfixable areas like engine fires and brake loss, with no dealer support. The Silverado has more complaints overall but also many recalls and readily available parts, making repairs more feasible.
Key differences
- The Nubira has 436 complaints over 3 years, with engine and brake failures that can be catastrophic; the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, but many are addressed by 101 recalls.
- Nubira owners report brake pedal going to the floor and engine fires; Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Nubira has no U.S. dealer network, so recalls may go unrepaired; the Silverado has widespread dealer support and active recall campaigns.
- Suspension control arm bushing failures are a known Nubira issue with no U.S. recall, while Silverado issues like fuel pump and forward collision warnings have recall remedies.
- Check for any signs of engine fire damage or a history of camshaft sensor replacement; a check engine light could indicate an unresolved defect.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: press the pedal firmly and hold it—if it sinks to the floor or feels spongy, walk away. Also inspect front lower control arm bushings for cracks or play.
- During a test drive, watch for any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, or dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral.' These may indicate power train or electrical faults.
- Check for open recalls on the fuel pump and forward collision warning; also test the brakes for firmness and stopping power, as some owners report reduced braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, but note that Daewoo recalls may be impossible to complete due to lack of dealers.
- For the Nubira, have a mechanic inspect the engine for leaks or fire damage, test the brakes for pedal feel, and check suspension bushings.
- For the Silverado, test drive at low speeds in a parking lot to feel for transmission jerks or unexpected neutral shifts, and verify all electrical functions work.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any brake or engine repairs, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
- Budget for potential repairs: Nubira parts are scarce and may be expensive; Silverado repairs are more common but can still be costly for engine or transmission work.
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 Daewoo Nubira or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Daewoo Nubira vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Daewoo Nubira total complaints
- 436
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Daewoo Nubira total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Daewoo Nubira avg complaints/year
- 145.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Daewoo Nubira
- Daewoo Nubira top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE