Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500E vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FIAT 500E 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 500E vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 500E has 5 complaints over 3 years (1.7/year) and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. Silverado reports include 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the 500E has none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500E or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500E
The FIAT 500E is a small electric car with very few complaints filed—only 5 over 3 years, or about 1.7 per year. Owners report issues like charging failures that leave them stranded, windows that won't roll down, and a rear-view camera that freezes. There are also 3 recalls, including for air bags and headlights, and some owners struggle to find a dealership that can perform recall repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are also 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, plus 160 injuries and 3 deaths reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500E | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 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 500E
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
Owners report windows failing to roll down, abnormal brake sounds, and the need to press the push-to-start button multiple times. Another owner says the car won't fully charge and shuts off without warning, leaving them stranded. These electrical glitches can make the car unreliable for daily use.
One owner reports the car stalled twice while driving on a fully charged battery in 'Range' mode, causing the brakes to apply and the steering wheel to lock. This is a serious safety concern because it can leave you unable to steer or accelerate.
The same stalling complaint is also filed under fuel/propulsion, highlighting that the electric drivetrain can cut out unexpectedly. For a buyer, this means the car may suddenly lose power even when the battery shows a charge.
Although only one complaint is listed, it involves the rear-view camera freezing while backing up, which can happen several times a week. A frozen camera image makes it hard to see behind you and could lead to a backup accident.
“The contact leased a 2024 Fiat 500E. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll down and the brakes made an abnormal sound while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle required the Push to Start button to be pressed three t…”
“Vehicle is unable to fully charge. It stops without notice and has left us stranded. The car has been at the dealership for seven months. The dealership duplicated the problem, but has been unable to repair it. There are now six (6) other 2024 500e’s at Larry…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. Others report diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These engine problems can leave you stranded or cause dangerous loss of power.
Complaints include a brand-new truck suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and another where the engine shut off and screens went blank. These transmission and drivetrain failures can happen at low speeds and may prevent acceleration.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. Electrical glitches like these can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports include a truck that completely shut off in a parking lot, with all screens going blank and no ability to accelerate, and another with sudden brake loss. Brake and electrical failures together make the truck hard to control in emergencies.
“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 500E — 3 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Fiat 500e Battery Electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended, which can result in improperly adjusted headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install headlight adjustment plugs. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A4C. Vehicle Identification Numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Fiat 500e Battery Electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended, which can result in improperly adjusted headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install headlight adjustment plugs. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A4C. Vehicle Identification Numbe…
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 500E or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500E has far fewer issues per year—about 1.7 complaints annually versus roughly 823 for the Silverado. In practice, that means a 500E owner is much less likely to file a complaint, but the Silverado's huge volume reflects its popularity and the wide range of serious problems reported, including stalling and brake loss.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500E has only 5 complaints over 3 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado owners report serious safety issues like sudden brake loss and engine shutdowns while driving, whereas 500E complaints focus on charging failures, window problems, and a freezing rear-view camera.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, plus 160 injuries and 3 deaths; the 500E has 3 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths.
- FIAT 500E owners sometimes struggle to find a dealership for recall repairs, while Silverado recalls cover many systems including fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Test the charging system thoroughly: plug in and confirm it reaches full charge without stopping, and ask if the car has ever left the owner stranded.
- Check the rear-view camera for freezing by putting the car in reverse several times, and test all windows and the push-to-start button for delays.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to any hesitation, stalling, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'—these are reported by owners.
- Test the brakes at low speed and in a parking lot; a firm pedal with poor stopping or a sudden loss of braking is a known complaint.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the 500E's air bags and headlights and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake-related recalls.
- For the 500E, ask the seller to demonstrate a full charge cycle and check that the car can be serviced at a local dealership.
- For the Silverado, take a long test drive including highway and parking-lot maneuvers, and listen for engine noises or warning chimes.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific systems mentioned in complaints: electrical and charging for the 500E; engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical for the Silverado.
- Search the NHTSA database by VIN for any open recalls or investigations before you buy.
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 500E | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 5 | 527 |
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 500E or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500E vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FIAT 500E total complaints
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FIAT 500E total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FIAT 500E avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500E
- FIAT 500E top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE