Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FIAT 500 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 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The FIAT 500 has fewer complaints per year (100.8) than the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado's issues are more severe, including sudden power loss and brake failures. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has more (100 vs 26). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500
The FIAT 500 is a compact city car that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of powertrain and electrical gremlins that can affect daily drivability. Owners report issues with transmission response, brake hesitation, and electrical glitches like headlight failures and warning lights. While not every car will have problems, the frequency of these complaints suggests a need for careful inspection and maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, in ownership terms, shows a more serious reliability picture with a high volume of complaints, particularly around engine and powertrain failures. Owners report sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and brake problems that can be safety-critical. The higher complaint rate and severity of issues make it a riskier used purchase without thorough checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 806 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 500
- 01POWER TRAIN388
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
- 03ENGINE108
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 05AIR BAGS52
Owners report transmission hesitation and failure to respond during downshifts, as well as brake pedal slow response when stopping. These issues can affect acceleration and stopping, making the car unpredictable in traffic.
Complaints include headlamp failures and warning lights illuminating without clear cause. Electrical gremlins can lead to inconvenient and potentially unsafe situations, such as lights going out while driving.
Some owners report the engine refusing to start, with no explanation from the dealer. This can leave you stranded and points to potential fuel or ignition system issues.
A notable complaint is the sunroof exploding while driving, causing glass to shatter and startling the driver. This is a safety hazard and indicates a possible defect in the glass or frame.
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that after driving at low speeds, upon parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond while stopping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken…”
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to downshift, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while the RPM continued to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear s…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud noises, and in some cases, the engine stalling completely. This can happen at highway speeds, creating a serious safety risk.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can leave you without power and control. This is particularly dangerous in traffic or on inclines.
Electrical failures have been linked to loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights and messages. These can occur without warning and compromise vehicle control.
Brake problems are reported as sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes.
“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 500 — 26 recalls
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
FIAT 500 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the FIAT 500 has fewer complaints per year (about 100.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510.5). In practice, this means the FIAT may have fewer reported issues, but the Silverado's problems are more severe and safety-critical. A used FIAT might be less risky in terms of frequency, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5 per year) than the FIAT (100.8 per year), indicating a higher likelihood of problems.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and braking, which are immediate safety hazards, while FIAT issues are more about drivability and convenience.
- The FIAT's most common issues are in the powertrain and electrical systems, while the Silverado's are in the engine and brakes.
- The Silverado has had more recalls (100) compared to the FIAT (26), suggesting more widespread defects.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting, especially during downshifts, and test the brakes for any delay in response.
- Inspect the electrical system, including headlights and warning lights, for proper operation and any signs of intermittent failures.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and test the vehicle for any loss of power during acceleration or at highway speeds.
- Check the brakes thoroughly, including a test stop from higher speeds, to ensure there is no loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or past complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and ensure they all go off after starting.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about any engine or transmission repairs and get service records.
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 500 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 5 | 591 |
| 2017 | 13 | 0 |
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 500 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FIAT 500 total complaints
- 806
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FIAT 500 total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FIAT 500 avg complaints/year
- 100.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500
- FIAT 500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE