Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti FX45 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti FX45 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
Infiniti FX45 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The FX45 has 27 complaints over 6 years (4.5/year) and 0 injuries, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 104 injuries. The Silverado’s higher rate and injury count suggest more frequent serious issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti FX45 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti FX45
The Infiniti FX45 is a luxury SUV with a low complaint rate—27 over six years, about 4.5 per year. Owners mainly report headlights aimed too low or fogging up, airbags deploying unexpectedly in minor impacts, and driveshafts falling out. There are also 40 recalls, many for airbag inflators, so check that recall work was done.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate—5,105 over ten years, about 510 per year. Owners report serious issues like engine failures, sudden loss of braking, and transmissions going into neutral. There are 100 recalls and 104 injuries reported, so this truck needs careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti FX45 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 27 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Infiniti FX45
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
- 02AIR BAGS5
- 03POWER TRAIN4
- 04STRUCTURE4
- 05FUEL SYSTEM3
Owners complain that headlights are aimed too low, limiting visibility to about two car lengths, and that lights fog up or fail in bad weather. This makes night driving risky, especially on unlit roads.
Reports describe side airbags and even a seat airbag deploying during a minor graze, which can startle or injure occupants. Multiple recalls for passenger-side inflators mean you must confirm the fix was applied.
Several owners had the driveshaft fall out while driving at 35–50 mph, causing a loud noise and leaving the vehicle disabled. This is a sudden, dangerous failure that can happen without warning.
Complaints include dashboard cracks near the airbag and a steering wheel that peels and becomes sticky. These are mostly cosmetic but can signal age-related interior deterioration.
“I RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW INFINITY FX45. IT NOW HAS ABOUT 600 MILES ON IT. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED TOO LOW TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AHEAD. VISIBILITY IS SEVERELY LIMITED TO ABOUT 2+ CAR LENGTHS AHEAD. I CANNOT MAINTAIN MINIMAL SPEED ON AN UNLIT HIGHWAY…”
“ALL THE LIGHTS ARE SWEATING, POOR VISIBILITY. ACCORDING TO: NUMBER OF REVIEWS ON HTSA: 06V-328 REVIEW DATE: ABRYCT 3 2006 NUMBER REVOCATION MANUFACTURER: R0608 SUMMARY DURING CANADIAN COMPLIANCE TESTING SOME SPECIAL VEHICLES SPORTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL ST…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some 6.2L engines failed early, leaving families stranded far from home.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and complete loss of motive power. These failures can happen at low speeds or on the highway, increasing crash risk.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and at 70 mph the engine pinging, loss of power, and inoperable brakes and steering. These are severe safety issues that demand immediate attention.
Owners experienced a severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective. This can lead to an inability to stop at intersections or stop signs.
“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.
Infiniti FX45 — 40 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles ar…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 o…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missis…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer s…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may caus…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2003-2005 FX35 and FX45, and 2006 M35 and M45 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registere…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂ’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-70…
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
Infiniti FX45 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti FX45 has far fewer complaints per year (4.5 vs. 510.5) and no reported injuries or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has 104 injuries and 1 death. In practice, the FX45’s issues are more likely to be annoying or inconvenient, whereas the Silverado’s complaints often involve sudden loss of power, braking, or steering that can put you at risk.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 113 times more complaints per year than the FX45 (510.5 vs. 4.5), with many reports of engine, brake, and transmission failures.
- The FX45’s top complaints are headlights aimed too low, airbags deploying in minor impacts, and driveshafts falling out; the Silverado’s are engine failures, sudden brake loss, and transmissions going into neutral.
- The Silverado has 104 injuries and 1 death in the data, while the FX45 has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, though both have crash-related complaints.
- Both have many recalls (40 for FX45, 100 for Silverado), but the Silverado’s recalls include steering and brake fluid warning sensors, while the FX45’s are mostly airbag inflators.
- Check that all airbag recalls, especially passenger-side inflator modules, have been completed—unfixed recalls can mean the airbag may not work correctly.
- Inspect the driveshaft and undercarriage for signs of looseness or prior replacement, and test-drive at highway speeds to listen for loud noises when accelerating.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any firm-pedal-but-no-stop feeling; also scan for stored codes related to brake fluid warning sensor or ABS.
- During a test drive, accelerate gently and at highway speed to feel for transmission slipping or sudden neutral; listen for engine pinging and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights.
Before you buy
- Ask for a written recall history from a dealer and confirm all open recalls are fixed before purchase.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: driveshaft and airbags for the FX45; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- Run a vehicle history report to see if the car was ever in a crash, especially for the Silverado given its 117 crash-related complaints.
- Test-drive in conditions that match your daily use—night driving for the FX45 to check headlights, and highway plus stop-and-go for the Silverado to check power and brakes.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for trouble codes, especially on the Silverado where electrical and engine faults are common.
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 Infiniti FX45 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti FX45 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti FX45 total complaints
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Infiniti FX45 total recalls
- 40
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti FX45 avg complaints/year
- 4.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti FX45
- Infiniti FX45 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE