Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti QX4 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 QX4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The QX4 averages 41.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7, but the Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported. The QX4's main issues are rust and suspension, while the Silverado suffers engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX4
The Infiniti QX4 is a luxury SUV from the early 2000s that has developed a reputation for rust and suspension problems as it ages. Owners frequently report popping noises from the front end and severe vibration due to corroded structural components. With an average of about 42 complaints per year, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase. Recalls for airbag inflators and steering column issues add to the list of things to check.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available in many configurations, and it's one of the most common vehicles on the road. Its complaint volume is much higher, averaging over 800 per year, with major issues reported in the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes. Many of the sample complaints involve brand-new trucks with low mileage, suggesting that even recent models can have serious problems. 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 QX4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 167 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 QX4
- 01SUSPENSION44
- 02STRUCTURE36
- 03STEERING20
- 04EQUIPMENT20
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report popping or clunking sounds when turning, often traced to worn or corroded suspension parts. In severe cases, corrosion of the inner apron and frame rail can cause vibrations and structural weakness, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Rust forming on the frame rail and inner apron is a common complaint, especially in older models. This corrosion can compromise the vehicle's integrity and lead to costly repairs or even make it unsafe in a crash.
The steering column can develop squeaks and noises that persist even after repeated repairs. Owners report frustration with ongoing steering issues that may affect control and require expensive fixes.
Recalls for front airbag inflator modules indicate a risk of malfunction. Owners should verify that all recall work has been completed to ensure the airbags will deploy correctly in a crash.
“AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, I WAS TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 5-10MPH WHEN I HEARD A "POPPING" SOUND COME FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR AS I WAS TURNING. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE SOUND WOULD OCCUR WHEN TAKING A RIGHT…”
“WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 INFINITI QX4 ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A SEVERE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND TIRE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOOK OFF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SAW WHERE MY INNER APRON WAS SEVERELY CORRODED,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models can experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and are dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds. Some owners report these issues within the first few hundred miles, indicating potential defects in new vehicles.
Electrical glitches can cause a sudden loss of braking assistance, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop normally. The engine may also shut off while driving, and screens can go blank, creating hazardous situations.
Braking problems are reported, including reduced braking effectiveness and complete loss of normal braking. These issues are especially alarming because they can happen without warning and increase the risk of a crash.
“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 QX4 — 17 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: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK,…
The risk: THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RE…
The fix: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2…
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: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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 QX4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX4 has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800). However, the QX4's issues tend to be age-related corrosion and suspension problems, while the Silverado's complaints often involve serious safety defects in new trucks. In practice, the QX4 may be simpler to maintain but requires thorough rust inspection, whereas the Silverado offers modern features but may have costly and dangerous defects.
Key differences
- The Infiniti QX4 has about 42 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has over 800 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- QX4 complaints often involve rust and suspension noises, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 17 recalls for the QX4 over 4 years, suggesting more widespread safety-related issues for the Silverado.
- QX4 issues tend to appear as the vehicle ages, while many Silverado complaints come from owners of new trucks with low mileage, indicating potential defects even in recent models.
- Check the frame rails and inner aprons for rust, especially around the suspension mounting points, as corrosion can lead to structural failure.
- Listen for popping or clunking noises when turning the steering wheel, which could indicate worn suspension or steering components.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping, or unexpected engine shutdowns, as these are commonly reported.
- Check for any warning messages on the dashboard related to brakes, engine, or transmission, and ensure all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents, rust-related repairs, and recall completion.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Infiniti QX4 for rust on the frame and suspension, and test the steering for noises.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for any stored error codes and test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model to uncover hidden issues.
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 QX4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti QX4 total complaints
- 167
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Infiniti QX4 total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Infiniti QX4 avg complaints/year
- 41.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX4
- Infiniti QX4 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE