Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti I30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti I30 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 I30 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The I30 has 132 complaints over 2 years (66/year) and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510/year) and 100 recalls. Both show brake and acceleration issues, but the Silverado's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti I30 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti I30
The Infiniti I30 is a luxury sedan that, in used form, shows a modest complaint volume of 132 over two years (about 66 per year). Owners most often report suspension and electrical issues, with some complaints about unintended acceleration and structural rust. The pattern suggests that while the car may be comfortable, buyers should expect to address aging components like brakes, sensors, and frame integrity.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint count: 5,105 over ten years (about 510 per year). The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with reports of sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. The data indicates that Silverado ownership may involve more frequent and potentially serious repairs, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti I30 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 132 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 66.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 I30
- 01SUSPENSION29
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
- 04STRUCTURE16
- 05SERVICE BRAKES16
Owners report issues such as warped rotors causing vibration at highway speeds and repeated resurfacing or replacement. This can lead to uncomfortable driving and costly brake work.
Complaints include the service engine soon light illuminating due to sensor problems, like a rear O2 sensor with excessive voltage. These issues can be frustrating and may require diagnostic time to resolve.
Some owners describe unintended acceleration, such as the car accelerating after shifting into drive or while stopping downhill. This is a serious safety concern that warrants immediate attention.
Reports of rust in the lower radiator support and front cross frame, leading to sagging and potential structural weakness. This is critical for older vehicles in rust-prone areas.
“TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 INFINITI I30. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT A SENSOR OR A COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIRS. THERE WAS ANOTHER OCCURRENCE APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER.…”
“CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE 2000 INFINITI I30 ROTORS RESURFACED. *MR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 39,868. AT 62K MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AT 55 MPH. OTHER PROBLEMS: THE TRANSMISSION STAYED IN THE LOW GE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report issues like excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine pinging with loss of power. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving and transmission problems. This can cause loss of control and dangerous situations.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and loss of motive power with inoperable steering. These are severe safety issues that demand immediate attention.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle would not stop as expected. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed before purchase.
“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 I30 — 3 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 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: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE…
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 I30 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti I30 has far fewer complaints per year (66 vs. 510 for the Silverado), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and longer production span, but the severity of reported issues like brake loss and unintended acceleration in both vehicles means buyers should prioritize thorough inspections.
Key differences
- The Infiniti I30 has 132 complaints over 2 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, indicating a much higher annual rate for the Silverado.
- Infiniti I30 complaints often involve suspension and electrical issues, while Silverado complaints frequently cite engine and power train problems.
- Both vehicles have reports of unintended acceleration or loss of braking, but the Silverado also has numerous recalls for tailgate latches and seat belt anchors.
- The Infiniti I30 has 3 recalls, compared to 100 for the Silverado, suggesting the Silverado has had more widespread safety-related defects.
- Check for rust in the lower radiator support and front cross frame, as owners report sagging and structural weakness.
- Test drive at highway speeds to detect vibration from warped rotors, and listen for transmission issues like staying in low gear.
- Inspect brake system thoroughly for any signs of sudden loss of braking, and check for recalls related to brake fluid warning sensors.
- Listen for engine pinging and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with Duramax, as owners report soot accumulation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Infiniti I30 for frame rust and suspension wear, and the Silverado for brake and engine problems.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for transmission or brake anomalies.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission services, and the Infiniti's brake and sensor repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed, particularly for air bags on the Infiniti and tailgate latches on the Silverado.
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 I30 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti I30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti I30 total complaints
- 132
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Infiniti I30 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti I30 avg complaints/year
- 66.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti I30
- Infiniti I30 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE