Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti G35 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti G35 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 G35 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The G35 has 260.6 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5. The G35's top issues are electrical and airbag-related, while the Silverado's are engine and powertrain. The Silverado has 100 recalls, the G35 has 17. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti G35 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti G35
The Infiniti G35 is a sporty sedan that, in used form, shows a pattern of electrical gremlins and airbag sensor issues. Owners report intermittent stalling, warning lights, and hesitation, which can be unnerving and potentially dangerous. While not every car will have problems, the frequency of these complaints suggests a buyer should be prepared for possible electrical and airbag system repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, especially concerning the engine and powertrain. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and brake problems, some occurring at low mileage. The sheer number of recalls and complaints indicates that while many trucks are reliable, a significant subset has serious mechanical and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti G35 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,824 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 91 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 260.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 1 Better |
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 G35
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM392
- 02AIR BAGS264
- 03ENGINE239
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING202
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING194
Owners report stalling at low speeds, hesitation to start, and multiple warning lights illuminating before the engine shuts off. This can be a safety hazard if it happens in traffic.
The front passenger seat airbag sensor frequently fails, causing the airbag to be deactivated even when someone is seated. This means the airbag may not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, with RPMs spiking to redline without pressing the gas pedal. Others experience stalling while driving, which is terrifying and dangerous.
“PURCHASED CAR, USED, 6/2011. WAS TOLD IT WAS A OWNER BUY BACK DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. FINANCE MANAGER GUARANTEED PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. IN SEPTEMBER 2011 CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START-REQUIRING ME TO LET MY FOOT OFF BRAKE/CLUTCH. INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILL…”
“MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS COME UP (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SLIP LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT) AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. UPON PLACING THE CAR IN PARK, I AM ABLE TO RE-START IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE…”
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 fails completely. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission problems are common, including sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can leave you stranded or cause a loss of control. This is especially dangerous on highways.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to crashes, and in one case, the brakes and steering became inoperable at highway speed.
“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 G35 — 17 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 INFINITI G35 SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 29, 2004 THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2006 AND INFINITI G35 COUPES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2004 THROUGH MAY 30, 2007. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTING THE BELT TENSION SENSOR (BTS) AND THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE "VERTICAL GRADIENT" AND "HEADLAMP PHOTOMETRIC VALUES" REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.'
The risk: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE CRASHES, INJURIES AND DEATHS BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERST…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
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 G35 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti G35 has fewer complaints per year (260.6) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the G35's problems are still significant, particularly with electrical and airbag systems. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering major mechanical failures.
Key differences
- The G35 has more airbag-related complaints (264) than the Silverado, which has none in its top components, but the Silverado has far more engine complaints (1698 vs 239).
- The Silverado has a much higher rate of complaints per year (510.5) than the G35 (260.6), indicating a higher likelihood of problems.
- The G35's issues are often electrical and intermittent, while the Silverado's are more mechanical and can lead to sudden loss of power or braking.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls compared to the G35's 17, suggesting more widespread safety issues.
- Check for any history of airbag sensor warnings or replacements, as this is a common issue.
- Test drive at low speeds and watch for stalling or hesitation, which could indicate electrical problems.
- Ask about any engine or transmission repairs, especially if the truck has low miles but has already had issues.
- Inspect the brake system and ask if there have been any brake-related complaints or recalls.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review the maintenance history, especially for the engine and transmission.
- Test drive in various conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds.
- Ask for any warranty or extended service contract options.
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 G35 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti G35 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti G35 total complaints
- 1,824
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Infiniti G35 total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti G35 avg complaints/year
- 260.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti G35
- Infiniti G35 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE