Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 124 Spider vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FIAT 124 Spider 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
FIAT 124 Spider vs Chevrolet Silverado: The FIAT averages 16.3 complaints per year with 5 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related reports and 160 injuries, versus 1 crash-related and 0 injuries for the FIAT. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 124 Spider or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 124 Spider
The FIAT 124 Spider is a niche two-seat convertible with relatively low annual complaint volume—about 16 per year over four years. The most common owner-reported problem is airbag software, often tied to a recall where parts were unavailable, leaving owners waiting. Other recurring issues include seat belt retractors failing and electrical glitches like warning lights and rattling. Overall, it's a low-volume car with a handful of persistent, well-documented trouble spots.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive owner base and correspondingly high complaint volume—over 800 per year for a decade. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, with many reports of stalling, rough running, and transmission issues, sometimes on very new trucks. Electrical and brake complaints also appear frequently, including sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns while driving. The sheer number of recalls and crash-related reports suggests a complex vehicle with many potential failure points.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 124 Spider | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
FIAT 124 Spider
- 01AIR BAGS30
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 03SEAT BELTS8
- 04ENGINE7
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
Owners report airbag control module software issues, often linked to a recall where the fix wasn't available for months. This means the airbag system may not deploy correctly in a crash, and owners are stuck waiting for parts.
Multiple complaints describe seat belt retractors failing on both driver and passenger sides, sometimes within months of purchase. A retractor that doesn't retract can leave the belt loose, reducing protection in a crash.
Owners report abnormal rattling sounds, multiple warning lights (check engine, keyfob, TPMS) illuminating, and difficulty getting recalls repaired because only certain dealers can do the work. These electrical gremlins can be annoying and may indicate deeper wiring or sensor problems.
Some owners found excessive oil in the intake, a sign of blow-by that can lead to carbon buildup and reduced performance. One complaint noted a factory catch can on a 2019 model, suggesting the issue was known but not always addressed.
“I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the lack of transparency and communication surrounding the airbag recall for the Fiat 124, first issued in 2024. As of today, Fiat has not provided any meaningful updates, solutions, or…”
“The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel models experiencing repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These can leave you stranded and may require dealer service.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and engines stalling or losing power. This can happen at low speeds in parking lots or on the road, creating a risk of collision.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and engines shutting off. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness, often accompanied by other electrical issues. A brake pedal that feels firm but doesn't stop the truck is a serious 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.
FIAT 124 Spider — 5 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. The impeller inside the fuel pump may be deformed, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 6, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LL…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
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
FIAT 124 Spider or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The FIAT 124 Spider has far fewer complaints per year (about 16 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have notable safety-related issues. The Silverado's much higher volume means more individual owners experience problems, and its issues often involve stalling or braking loss, which can be more dangerous in a larger vehicle. The FIAT's problems are fewer but include airbag and seat belt defects that are also critical.
Key differences
- The FIAT 124 Spider averages about 16 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Airbag software and seat belt retractor failures are top owner complaints for the FIAT, whereas engine stalling and transmission issues dominate Silverado reports.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries reported, compared to 1 crash-related and 0 injuries for the FIAT, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Silverado owners frequently report sudden loss of braking or engine shutdown while driving, while FIAT owners more often report warning lights and recall part delays.
- Check for open airbag recalls and confirm the software fix has been applied; owners report long waits for parts.
- Test both seat belts to ensure they retract smoothly and lock properly; multiple complaints describe retractor failure.
- During a test drive, listen for engine stalling or hesitation, and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dash.
- Test the brakes at low speed and on a slight incline; owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness even with a firm pedal.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if any open recalls exist for either vehicle, especially the FIAT's airbag recall and the Silverado's fuel pump or brake-related recalls.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the FIAT's seat belts and electrical system, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the FIAT, check the intake for excessive oil residue, which could indicate blow-by issues.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially those related to the transmission, engine, or ABS system.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway merging, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers, to feel for stalling, hesitation, or brake problems.
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 | FIAT 124 Spider | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 868 |
| 2019 | 9 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 16 | 597 |
| 2017 | 32 | 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 FIAT 124 Spider or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 124 Spider vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FIAT 124 Spider total complaints
- 65
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FIAT 124 Spider total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FIAT 124 Spider avg complaints/year
- 16.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 124 Spider
- FIAT 124 Spider top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE