Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti M45 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti M45 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 M45 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M45 has 174 complaints over 7 years (about 25 per year) and no crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) with 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti M45 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti M45
The Infiniti M45 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 174 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 25 per year. The most common owner-reported issues involve the fuel system and fuel gauge, often leading to inaccurate readings or stalling. Engine stalling, sometimes linked to a faulty crankshaft position sensor, is also reported. There are no crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the fuel and stalling issues can leave a driver stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and brake concerns. The data includes 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some reported failures may have serious consequences. Recalls cover fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti M45 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 174 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 M45
- 01FUEL SYSTEM107
- 02GASOLINE89
- 03ENGINE30
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
Owners report the fuel gauge showing incorrect levels, such as reading nearly full when the tank is actually low. This can cause unexpected run-outs and stalling, and the fuel sending unit is a commonly replaced part.
Complaints describe sudden stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with the car needing to be restarted. A faulty crankshaft position sensor is often cited as the cause, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
The check engine light may come on due to fuel sending unit issues, and some owners report stalling at stops that cannot be replicated by dealers. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating to diagnose and repair.
This category overlaps with engine stalling complaints, often related to sensor failures or fuel delivery problems. Buyers should be aware that cooling system issues may also arise, though specific complaints are less detailed.
“PURCHASED MY 2004 INFINITI M45 AT WILLOW GROVE INFINITI IN THE SUBURBS OF PHILADELPHIA WITH 22,160 MILES. I PERFORMED A THOROUGH TEST DRIVE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT TO BE MY "WEEKEND" CAR SINCE I'M ALREADY SUPPLIED WITH A COMPANY…”
“THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A 2004 INFINITY M45. IN THE SPRING OF 2010, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING NEARLY A FULL TANK OF GAS, BUT IT HAD BEEN A LONG PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE I HAD PUT GAS IN THE TANK. WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK, I REALIZED THAT THE T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can lead to costly repairs and leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking garages, and transmission failures. This loss of power can be dangerous, especially in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can compromise control of the vehicle.
Reports include a severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failures are 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.
Infiniti M45 — 33 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 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and th…
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 front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan…
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 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2004, through October 5, 2010. Over time, the accelerator pedal sensor signal may deteriorate resulting in the output of an incorrect signal causing the engine to go int…
The risk: In this fail-safe mode, throttle valve deposits may cause the engine to stall when the vehicle is coming to a stop or at idle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly and reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Infiniti M45 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti M45 has far fewer issues per year (about 25 complaints annually) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints annually). In practice, this means M45 owners report fewer problems overall, while Silverado owners face a much higher likelihood of encountering engine, transmission, electrical, and brake issues. The Silverado also has crash-related complaints, injuries, and deaths in the data, whereas the M45 has none.
Key differences
- The Infiniti M45 averages about 25 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a more than 30-fold difference.
- M45 complaints center on fuel gauge inaccuracy and engine stalling, often due to a crankshaft position sensor, whereas Silverado complaints include severe engine failures, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado data includes 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the M45 data shows zero in all three categories.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, while the M45 has 33 recalls, mostly for airbag inflators and an accelerator pedal issue.
- Check the fuel gauge operation: fill the tank and see if the gauge reads accurately, as owners report false full readings that can lead to running out of gas.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for stalling or hesitation; ask if the crankshaft position sensor has been replaced, since sudden stalling is a reported issue.
- Inspect for transmission issues: during a test drive, feel for sudden neutral engagement or slipping, especially at low speeds or in parking lots.
- Check brake function: press the brake pedal firmly and ensure the truck stops normally; owners report a firm pedal with ineffective braking, which could indicate a serious fault.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially airbag inflator recalls on the M45 and fuel pump or tire recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and engine sensors on the M45, focusing on the fuel sending unit and crankshaft position sensor.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the transmission, engine (including diesel particulate filter on diesel models), and brake system for signs of the reported failures.
- During a test drive, replicate common scenarios: highway driving for the M45 to check for stalling, and low-speed parking maneuvers for the Silverado to check for sudden neutral engagement.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the complaints listed in the NHTSA data.
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 M45 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti M45 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti M45 total complaints
- 174
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Infiniti M45 total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Infiniti M45 avg complaints/year
- 24.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti M45
- Infiniti M45 top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE