Vehicle 1

FIAT 500

806 complaints · 26 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FIAT 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The FIAT 500 averages 100.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 756.2. The Silverado has 100 recalls and 219 crash complaints, compared to the FIAT's 26 recalls and 48 crash complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
FIAT 500
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryFIAT 500Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
806
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
26
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
48
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
100.8
✓ lower
756.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FIAT 500

1. POWER TRAIN388
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
3. ENGINE108
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
5. AIR BAGS52

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,215
2. POWER TRAIN2,140
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The FIAT 500 has far fewer complaints per year (100.8) than the Chevrolet Silverado (756.2), suggesting lower overall problem frequency. However, the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its popularity and longer production span.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported issues and lower complaint density, the FIAT 500 may be less risky. If you need a full-size truck and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Silverado offers more utility but requires careful inspection of engine and powertrain.

Key Differences
  • FIAT 500: 100.8 complaints/year vs Silverado: 756.2 complaints/year
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs FIAT's 26
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2215) vs FIAT's POWER TRAIN (388)
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints vs FIAT's 48
⚠ Watch on FIAT 500
  • Watch for powertrain issues (388 complaints) and electrical system problems (135).
  • Air bag complaints (52) are relatively high for a small car.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2215) and powertrain (2140) complaints are very common; check for transmission and engine performance.
  • Service brake issues (1183) are significant; inspect brake components thoroughly.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on both vehicles using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • For FIAT 500, test drive and listen for transmission noises or hesitation.
  • For Silverado, inspect engine for leaks, rough idle, and check brake pedal feel.
  • Review service history for any powertrain or electrical repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FIAT 500Chevrolet Silverado
2019
0
1941
2018
5
576
2017
13
1148
FIAT 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FIAT 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
FIAT 500 total complaints
806
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
FIAT 500 total recalls
26
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
FIAT 500 avg complaints/year
100.8
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
FIAT 500
FIAT 500 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FIAT 500 Reliability & Problems

806 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FIAT 500 or Chevrolet Silverado?

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