Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500L vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FIAT 500L 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 500L vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 500L has about 30 complaints per year, while the Silverado has over 500, but the Silverado's issues include severe engine and brake failures. Transmission problems are common in the 500L, whereas the Silverado faces more varied and critical safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500L or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500L
The FIAT 500L is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that, in ownership terms, has a modest complaint volume but a concentrated pattern of issues. Owners report recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including warning lights, shifting difficulties, and unexpected messages, which can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs. The engine and electrical system also show notable failure reports, often intertwined with transmission issues, suggesting a need for careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity and longer production run. Owners report significant engine problems, including failures of the 6.2L and Duramax diesel engines, as well as transmission issues that can cause sudden loss of power. Electrical system and brake complaints are also frequent, with some incidents involving loss of braking and steering, which are serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500L | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 209 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 500L
- 01POWER TRAIN130
- 02ENGINE32
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report the automatic transmission frequently displays warning lights and messages like 'Possible Ice' even in clear weather, and may fail to shift or get stuck in park. Diagnostic codes such as U0415 and P1CB1 are common, indicating communication and internal transmission errors.
Engine issues include white smoke emitting from the engine area during stop-and-go traffic, and in some cases, the engine may stall or refuse to start, leaving the vehicle immobile. These problems often occur suddenly and can be dangerous if they happen while driving.
Electrical failures are often linked to the transmission, with the car refusing to shift gears despite starting normally. Some owners report random acceleration, stalling, and jerking while driving, which are attributed to powertrain control module (PCM) issues that may have been previously recalled.
“The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running, the transmission warning light illuminated, and a "Possible Ice" message was displayed even though there was no inclement weather. The vehicle was t…”
“CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE SHIFTING GEAR ISSUE. WENT TO A MECHANIC WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT AND THE RESULTS ARE: Transmission Error Messages U0415 and P1CB1 and OBDII Codes ($03) shows the same error message as Transmission P1CB1 Manufacturer Specific. the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 6.2L motor failing at low mileage, and Duramax diesel engines experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation, requiring dealer intervention. These issues can lead to loss of motive power and are costly to repair.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, and loss of power. Some owners report the vehicle failing to accelerate or jerking, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues are linked to sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as abnormal engine noises and loss of motive power. These failures can occur at highway speeds, posing serious safety risks.
Brake complaints describe a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This can happen shortly after starting the vehicle and is a critical 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 500L — 5 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag may not deploy as des…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not inflate as designed, the front seat occupant is at an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Fiat customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
The risk: If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P…
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 500L or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500L has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume reflects its larger sales and longer history, but the nature of its problems—especially engine and brake failures—can be more severe. In practice, the 500L may have fewer incidents, but both vehicles have significant reliability concerns that warrant thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500L's complaints are heavily concentrated in the transmission, with owners reporting shifting issues and warning lights, while the Silverado has a broader spread across engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic failures like sudden loss of braking and steering at highway speeds, which are more severe than the 500L's typical transmission problems.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint volume, but it also has a longer production run and higher sales, so the per-year rate is still higher, indicating a higher likelihood of encountering issues.
- The 500L's engine issues often involve white smoke and stalling, while the Silverado's engine problems include major failures like DPF clogging and complete engine failure at low mileage.
- Inspect the transmission thoroughly: test drive at various speeds, check for warning lights, and have a diagnostic scan for codes like U0415 and P1CB1.
- Look for signs of engine trouble such as white smoke from the exhaust or under the hood, and check for any history of stalling or starting issues.
- Check the engine for any signs of major failure, especially if it's a 6.2L or Duramax diesel; ask for service records related to DPF cleaning or engine replacement.
- Test the brakes carefully, including a sudden stop from highway speed, and inspect the brake fluid level and warning system for any faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission for the 500L and the engine/brakes for the Silverado.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation, jerking, or loss of power.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any engine or brake repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
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 500L | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 500L or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500L vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FIAT 500L total complaints
- 209
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FIAT 500L total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FIAT 500L avg complaints/year
- 29.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500L
- FIAT 500L top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE