Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti QX30 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 QX30 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The QX30 averaged 20 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averaged about 823 per year over 10 years. The QX30 had 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports; the Silverado had 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX30 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30 is a compact luxury SUV that averaged 20 complaints per year over three years, with 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical glitches that cause the car to slip into neutral at speed, plus airbag and steering problems. Living with it means dealing with intermittent, sometimes frightening failures and recall repairs that can be hard to schedule.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. The most common complaints involve engine and powertrain failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems. For a buyer, this means a much higher volume of reported issues, though many are concentrated in certain model years and configurations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX30 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 60 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 QX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03STEERING11
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05POWER TRAIN8
Owners report the QX30 slipping into neutral at highway speeds with a vague 'Service required' message, which can leave you without power unexpectedly. This is a serious drivability and safety concern because it happens without warning.
Complaints include airbags failing to deploy in a crash, as well as warnings tied to the steering angle sensor. A non-deploying airbag in a collision is a critical safety issue that owners say they discovered only after an accident.
Owners link steering angle sensor or steering wheel problems to airbag warnings and difficulty getting recall repairs done. This can affect both steering feel and the proper function of safety systems.
Reports include a sagging headliner that blocks rear visibility, which is a distraction and a visibility hazard. Such issues may not show up in a quick test drive but can worsen over time.
“Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am not entirely sure what specific part of my car is causing this issue, but from the research I have done regarding other people with my make/model of the ca…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models have repeated soot accumulation events. An engine that quits in traffic is dangerous and can leave you stranded.
Complaints include the truck suddenly going into neutral at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, and transmission problems after very low mileage. This can cause loss of control and expensive repairs.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking and the engine shutting off while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety and control functions.
Owners report the brake pedal staying firm but braking effectiveness dropping sharply, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake failure is a top safety concern because it directly affects your ability to stop.
“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 QX30 — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The bolt securing the right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage may have been incorrectly installed during production. This can result in the lower seat belt anchorage detaching in a crash. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: If the lower seat belt anchorage detaches in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a new retaining plate and secure the seat belt anchorage with a new anchor bolt, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
The risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PG1CF.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
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 QX30 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX30 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. about 823 for the Silverado), but its issues often involve sudden loss of power or airbag non-deployment. The Silverado’s much higher complaint rate means you are more likely to encounter engine, transmission, or brake problems, though many are concentrated in specific years. In practice, the QX30 may have fewer total problems, but the ones reported are still serious.
Key differences
- The QX30 averages 20 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported issue volume.
- QX30 owners report sudden neutral engagement and airbag non-deployment; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports over 10 years; the QX30 has 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports over 3 years.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the QX30’s are often tied to drivability warnings, while the Silverado’s are linked to braking and engine shutdown.
- Check for any history of the car slipping into neutral or showing 'Service required' messages; test drive at highway speeds if possible.
- Verify that all airbag and steering recalls have been completed, and inspect the headliner for sagging that blocks rear visibility.
- Look for any record of engine shutdowns, transmission repairs, or brake problems, especially on newer models with low mileage.
- Test the brakes firmly and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' during a test drive, and ask about diesel soot issues if equipped.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, transmission, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the QX30, specifically test for sudden neutral engagement and check airbag/steering sensor function.
- For the Silverado, check for engine codes, transmission behavior, and brake performance under different conditions.
- Ask the seller for any service records related to the reported complaint areas and avoid vehicles with unresolved safety recalls.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Infiniti QX30 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 24 | 597 |
| 2017 | 33 | 1154 |
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 QX30 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti QX30 total complaints
- 60
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Infiniti QX30 total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Infiniti QX30 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX30
- Infiniti QX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE