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 averages 8 complaints per year with no crashes, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year and has 117 crash-related complaints. M56 owners report hesitation and engine oil issues; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. 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 a modest complaint count, averaging about 8 per year over three years. Owners report issues concentrated in the powertrain and engine, including hesitation on acceleration, solenoid failures, and oil-related problems that can lead to engine damage. Electrical glitches like a faulty passenger occupancy sensor also appear. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the nature of the powertrain issues suggests potential drivability and reliability concerns for a used buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with a much larger complaint history, averaging over 500 per year across a decade. Complaints are dominated by engine and powertrain problems, including severe engine failures, transmission issues, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical and brake problems are also frequent, with some reports of sudden loss of braking or power. The high number of crash-related complaints and injuries underscores the potential safety impact of these failures.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.0 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 M56
- 01POWER TRAIN10
- 02ENGINE6
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report severe hesitation when accelerating after slowing or stopping, which can be dangerous in traffic. Some also mention recall repairs for the propeller shaft that were delayed due to parts unavailability.
Solenoid switch failures cause squealing noises and require replacement. More seriously, some owners report low oil levels and a destroyed fusible link that prevented engine seizure, indicating a risk of engine damage.
A defective passenger occupancy sensor keeps the seat belt light on even when the seat is empty, forcing owners to buckle the belt to silence the warning.
Issues overlap with engine problems, including low oil and fusible link damage. Additionally, some dealers refused to perform a recall repair for the propeller shaft due to lack of parts or procedure.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing within a few thousand miles, and diesel engines experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter clogging events requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can leave the vehicle without power. Some engine failures also lead to loss of motive power.
Electrical problems can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as reported in one incident at highway speed. Other electrical issues may trigger warning lights or affect vehicle systems.
Brake failures are reported, including a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which is particularly dangerous. This may be linked to electrical issues.
“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 — 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 M56 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti M56 has far fewer complaints per year (8 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Silverado has a much higher rate of serious incidents. In practice, the M56 may present fewer immediate safety risks, but its powertrain issues still warrant careful inspection. The Silverado's higher complaint volume and crash involvement suggest a higher likelihood of encountering major problems.
Key differences
- The M56 has a fraction of the complaints per year (8 vs 510.5) and no reported crashes, while the Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries.
- M56 owners report hesitation and engine oil issues, while Silverado owners report catastrophic engine failures and transmission problems.
- Silverado has frequent brake and electrical failures that can lead to loss of braking or steering, a safety concern not seen in M56 complaints.
- M56 recalls focus on driveshaft and fuel system, while Silverado recalls include tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid sensors.
- Test acceleration from a stop to check for hesitation or stumbling, which could indicate a powertrain issue.
- Check for engine oil level and any signs of oil consumption or leaks, as low oil can lead to engine damage.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures can occur suddenly.
- Test brakes at various speeds to ensure they respond normally, and watch for any loss of power or steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all recalls have been performed, especially for the M56's driveshaft and the Silverado's brake system.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the M56, check the oil level and condition, and ask about any prior solenoid or hesitation repairs.
- For the Silverado, ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if it's a diesel, and test the brakes thoroughly.
- Consider an extended warranty to cover potential major repairs, given the reported failure patterns.
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
- 5,105
- Infiniti M56 total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti M56 avg complaints/year
- 8.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti M56
- Infiniti M56 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE