Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX80 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Infiniti QX80 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 QX80 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The QX80 averages 7.3 complaints per year, mostly electrical, while the Silverado averages 134 complaints per year with powertrain and brake failures. The Silverado has 80 crash-related complaints versus 3 for the QX80. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX80 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV with a relatively low complaint rate of about 7.3 per year over the past decade. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, especially in the infotainment and collision-avoidance systems, and some have experienced airbag deactivation due to network faults. While not high-volume, the issues tend to be frustrating and safety-critical when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of 134 per year. The dominant problems involve the powertrain (transmission failures, engine knocking), service brakes (loss of braking power), and electrical system (battery faults, loss of control). Many complaints describe sudden, dangerous failures at low mileage, making it a higher-risk ownership proposition.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX80 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 73 Better | 1,340 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 80 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.3 Better | 134.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 33 |
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 QX80
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
- 03AIR BAGS10
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8
- 05SERVICE BRAKES6
Owners report infotainment/Apple CarPlay failures, USB-C port issues, and a 'Factory Debug Mode' that disables airbags due to an obsolete 2G TCU causing network jam. This can leave safety systems inoperative.
Complaints include airbags disabled by electrical network faults, and one crash where the driver's side airbags may not have deployed properly. The underlying cause is often the same electrical gremlin.
The ProPILOT Assist system reportedly delays braking, creating dangerous situations. Also, the front collision detection/crash sensor system has failed, potentially leaving the driver without automatic emergency braking.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Two components have failed: the infotainment/Apple CarPlay system, including the USB-C connectivity port, and the front collision detection/crash sensor system.…”
“Vehicle acting as a non conforming testing asset running in Factory Debug Mode (Unit ID: 01). This also shows and caused systemic U1000 Electrical Network Jam from an obsolete/unconfigured 2G TCU. Critical Failures: Airbags disabled showing current codes B002…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01POWER TRAIN339
- 02SERVICE BRAKES300
- 03ENGINE257
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER146
Transmission fluid line failures cause sudden fluid loss and loss of drive, often without warning. Engine knocking and complete engine replacement have been reported on low-mileage trucks.
Multiple complaints describe loss of braking power, including a high-voltage battery fault in the EV model that leads to loss of vehicle control. Some incidents occur immediately after starting.
Loud knocking noises, metal rattling, and sudden power loss at highway speeds are common. Some engines require full replacement with no prior warning lights.
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurr…”
“On XXX I was driving from [XXX] to my sister's house in [XXX]. I was relocating to [XXX] for a job. I was pulling a U-haul trailer (6x12) that contained significantly less weight than the truck can handle. About halfway there, on back roads, the truck suddenl…”
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 QX80 — 19 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, 2025-2026 Armada, and Infiniti QX80 vehicles. A software error may occur in the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is shifted into rever…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The IVI system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Additional letters will be sent on…
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 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Additional letters will be sent on…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer sat…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat…
The risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
The fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m…
The risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing own…
Buyer analysis
Infiniti QX80 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX80 has far fewer complaints per year (7.3 vs 134), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, its problems are still safety-critical. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume and severity of failures (transmission, brakes, engine) suggest a higher likelihood of encountering a serious defect.
Key differences
- Infiniti QX80 has 7.3 complaints per year vs Silverado's 134, a 18x difference in reported issue frequency.
- Silverado owners report sudden, dangerous failures like transmission fluid loss and brake failure; QX80 issues are more electrical and intermittent.
- Silverado has 80 crash-related complaints vs QX80's 3, indicating more incidents linked to mechanical failures.
- QX80's airbag deactivation stems from electrical network faults; Silverado's airbag recalls are separate but also present.
- Check the infotainment and USB ports for proper function, and ensure no 'Factory Debug Mode' codes are present.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system on a safe road to verify it alerts and brakes as expected.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks and check for any signs of fluid loss under the vehicle.
- Test brakes thoroughly at various speeds, and look for any warning lights related to the brake system or high-voltage battery (if EV).
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the QX80, have a mechanic scan for electrical fault codes, especially U1000 and B002.
- For the Silverado, request a transmission fluid pressure test and engine compression test.
- Test drive both vehicles on highways and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation or brake anomalies.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls on the specific model year you are considering.
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 QX80 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 70 |
| 2025 | 8 | 118 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 | 19 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17 | 1152 |
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 QX80 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX80 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Infiniti QX80 total complaints
- 73
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 1,340
- Infiniti QX80 total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti QX80 avg complaints/year
- 7.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX80
- Infiniti QX80 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN