Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500X vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FIAT 500X 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 500X vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 500X averages 23.4 complaints per year with 10 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both show serious engine and transmission issues, but the Silverado also has brake and steering complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500X or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500X
The FIAT 500X is a small SUV that averages about 23 complaints per year over eight years, with engine, electrical, and power train issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe sudden stalling, transmission slipping into neutral, and water leaks that cause electrical shorts. Recalls include brake caliper and air bag problems, and there have been four crash-related reports and four injuries. For a first-time buyer, this suggests a vehicle that may need frequent attention, especially as it ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 510 complaints per year over ten years, with engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems being the most common. Owners report severe issues like sudden loss of braking, engine failure, and transmission shifting into neutral even at low miles. There are 100 recalls, 117 crash-related reports, and one death. While many Silverados are on the road, the volume of complaints means buyers should carefully check for these patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 187 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 500X
- 01ENGINE65
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 03POWER TRAIN56
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER36
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
Owners report the engine shutting off abruptly while driving, sometimes after a turn, leaving electrical functions on but the car unable to move. This can be dangerous in traffic and may require a dealer visit to diagnose.
Complaints include dashboard lights flashing, transmission locking up, and water leaks into the body frame that cause electrical shorts. These issues can strand a driver and are often tied to recalls or expensive repairs.
The transmission may unintentionally shift from drive to neutral, causing the engine to rev without accelerating. Owners also report transmission lock-up, which can leave the vehicle undrivable.
Several complaints mention emissions recall repairs that left the vehicle in worse condition, with parts on back order for long periods. This means buyers should verify that any open recalls have been completed correctly.
“I am writing to you in regard to my 2016 FIAT 500X about multiple concerns. 1. There has been an open recall on the Emissions system since 2022. I immediately followed up and was put on a waitlist as I was told that the parts were on back order. I was told I…”
“MY VEHICLE HAS ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF ON MY TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME, I HAD JUST MADE A TURN FROM A BUSY INTERSECTION NEAR MY HOME WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THOUGH THE CAR STOPPED MOVING, NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OF WOULD SHUT OFF. I HAD TO DISCONN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failure, including a 6.2L motor losing power and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. These can require major repairs and leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, even at low speeds in parking garages, and losing motive power. This can cause loss of control and is a serious safety concern.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and at highway speed, a loud pinging sound followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can be life-threatening.
Owners describe brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced, leading to longer stopping distances. This pattern appears in multiple complaints and is a critical area to inspect.
“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 500X — 10 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. The right rear brake caliper could have been fractured during the casting process.
The risk: A cracked right rear brake caliper can fail, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's nu…
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 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 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.
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 500X or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500X has far fewer complaints per year (about 23) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), but both show serious patterns. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported failures, including severe brake and engine issues, while the 500X's lower volume still includes stalling and transmission problems. In practice, the 500X may be easier to manage for a light driver, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and potentially more dangerous.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500X averages about 23 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 510 per year, meaning the Silverado has far more reported issues annually.
- FIAT 500X owners frequently report engine stalling and transmission shifting into neutral, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and engine failure at low miles.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related reports, compared to 10 recalls and 4 crash-related reports for the 500X.
- Both vehicles have electrical system complaints, but the 500X often involves water leaks causing shorts, while the Silverado involves brake and steering loss.
- Check for any signs of water leaks in the body frame or footwells, as owners report leaks causing electrical shorts and transmission lock-up.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine stalling or transmission slipping, especially when shifting from drive to neutral.
- Inspect the brake system carefully for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as owners report sudden loss of braking.
- Listen for loud pinging from the engine and check for loss of power, brakes, and steering at highway speeds, which owners have experienced.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's recall history and confirm that all open recalls, especially emissions and brake recalls, have been completed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who specializes in the brand, focusing on transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- Test drive the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic, on the highway, and in parking garages to replicate conditions where owners report failures.
- Check for water leaks or dampness in the interior and under the hood, which can indicate electrical issues.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year to see if recent complaints match your test drive experience.
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 500X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 11 | 591 |
| 2017 | 15 | 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 500X or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500X vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FIAT 500X total complaints
- 187
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FIAT 500X total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FIAT 500X avg complaints/year
- 23.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500X
- FIAT 500X top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE