Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti M56 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti M56 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 M56 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The M56 has 24 complaints over 3 years (8 per year) and 8 recalls, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths. The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823 per year), 101 recalls, 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti M56 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti M56
The Infiniti M56 is a low-volume luxury sedan with only 24 complaints over three years, averaging 8 per year. Owners report drivetrain hesitation, engine solenoid and oil issues, and electrical sensor faults. With 8 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to have fewer reported safety incidents, though some repairs may be delayed by parts availability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, brake loss, and electrical glitches, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The sheer number of complaints and recalls (101) suggests a wide range of potential issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti M56 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 24 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.0 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 M56
- 01POWER TRAIN10
- 02ENGINE6
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05AIR BAGS3
Owners report severe hesitation when accelerating after slowing or stopping, and some mention waiting for recall parts for driveshaft issues. This can make merging or pulling out feel unpredictable.
Complaints include a failed solenoid switch causing a squealing noise, and low oil leading to a destroyed fusible link to prevent seizing. These can lead to costly repairs and potential breakdowns.
A defective passenger occupancy sensor can keep the seat belt light on even when no one is sitting there. This is a minor but annoying fault that may fail inspections.
Some owners report low oil and a destroyed fusible link, similar to a recall issue, which can endanger the engine. This overlaps with engine problems and may indicate a systemic flaw.
“WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGH INFINITI SERVICE CENTER SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR 10 MONTHS AGO WITH ONLY 28K MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SLOWING OR STOPPING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti M56. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V755000 (Power Train) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that w…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models have repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that can leave the vehicle unresponsive. This is a serious safety concern.
Reports of sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-off while driving with screens going blank. These electrical faults can affect critical systems.
Owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes after dropping off a child, and instances where the truck shut off and couldn't accelerate. Brake problems are a major safety risk.
“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 M56 — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
The fix: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fu…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
The fix: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
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 M56 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti M56 has far fewer issues per year (8 vs. 823) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has many more complaints and serious safety outcomes. In practice, the M56 may be less likely to leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation, but it still has its own repair needs.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years versus 24 for the M56 over 3 years, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the M56 has none of these in its data.
- M56 owners report hesitation, solenoid failure, and sensor issues; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls compared to 8 for the M56, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Check for transmission hesitation or delayed acceleration during a test drive, especially after stopping.
- Ask about recall status for driveshaft and fuel system issues, and confirm parts are available before purchase.
- Test the brakes for any loss of stopping power or unusual pedal feel, and check for electrical glitches like screens blanking.
- Listen for engine noises or warning messages about neutral or start, and verify if the diesel particulate filter has had repeated soot issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the M56's driveshaft and the Silverado's fuel pump.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the specific issues reported, such as hesitation or shutdowns.
- For the Silverado, test drive at low speeds and uphill to check for sudden neutral engagement.
- For the M56, check the passenger seat belt light and occupancy sensor function.
- Verify that any open recalls are addressed before purchase, as parts may be unavailable.
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 M56 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti M56 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti M56 total complaints
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Infiniti M56 total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Infiniti M56 avg complaints/year
- 8.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti M56
- Infiniti M56 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE