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 has 77 complaints over 10 years (7.7/year) and 19 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. Silverado reports include 117 crash-related and 104 injuries; QX80 has 3 crash-related and 2 injuries. 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 volume: 77 over 10 years, or about 7.7 per year. Owners most often report electrical glitches, including infotainment and Apple CarPlay failures, and some forward collision avoidance issues like unintended braking. There are also air bag complaints, such as the passenger air bag disabling for lighter adults. With 19 recalls and 3 crash-related reports, it appears to have fewer reported problems overall, but the electrical and sensor issues can be persistent and annoying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 over 10 years, averaging about 510.5 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing serious issues like sudden loss of braking, engine pinging, and vehicles going into neutral. There are 100 recalls and 117 crash-related reports, plus 104 injuries and 1 death. This suggests that while many Silverados serve well, a notable number of owners experience significant mechanical and safety-related failures.
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 | 77 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 QX80
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03AIR BAGS10
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
Owners report infotainment and Apple CarPlay failures, including USB-C port problems, and one complaint describes the vehicle running in a factory debug mode that disabled airbags. These electrical glitches can affect daily usability and, in rare cases, safety systems.
Complaints include the passenger air bag disabling when a small adult or child sits in the seat, and another mentions airbags disabled due to electrical network issues. This matters because it could reduce protection in a crash for some passengers.
Owners describe unintended braking, especially over certain road surfaces, and failures of the front collision detection system. Such behavior can be startling and may increase crash risk if it activates unexpectedly.
Several complaints focus on the infotainment/navigation screen, including requests for safety investigations. These issues are often persistent and can be costly to diagnose and fix outside warranty.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and other transmission-related failures. This can leave a driver without power when they need it most.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine pinging followed by loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These are serious safety concerns that could lead to a crash.
Complaints mirror the electrical issues, with reports of severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip. Brake failure is a critical safety risk that demands immediate attention.
“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 QX80 — 19 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Rogue and 2025 INFINITI QX80 vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The in-vehicle infotainment software will be updated by an over-the-air (OTA) software update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with an Around View Monitor (AVM). A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze and display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requir…
The risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the AVM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R24B5 and R24C2.
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…
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 QX80 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX80 has far fewer complaints per year (about 7.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510.5). In practice, this means a QX80 buyer is less likely to encounter frequent repair visits, while a Silverado buyer faces a higher chance of serious engine, transmission, or brake problems. However, both vehicles have recalls and safety-related complaints, so neither is problem-free.
Key differences
- The Infiniti QX80 averages about 7.7 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 510.5 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- QX80 complaints often center on electrical and infotainment glitches, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine, power train, and brake failures that can be more severe.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries, compared to 3 crash-related and 2 injuries for the QX80, indicating a higher reported safety risk.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 recalls versus 19 for the QX80, suggesting more widespread or recurring issues.
- Check the infotainment system and Apple CarPlay connectivity, including USB-C ports, for failures or intermittent operation.
- Test the passenger air bag indicator with a lighter adult or child to ensure it does not improperly disable, and ask about any electrical network or airbag warning lights.
- Listen for engine pinging or unusual noises, and check for loss of power or transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and stopping power, and ask about any history of brake fluid warnings or loss of braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the QX80's back-over prevention and the Silverado's tailgate and brake recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the QX80's electrical system, infotainment, and air bag sensors, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During a test drive, specifically test the QX80's forward collision avoidance and the Silverado's braking and transmission behavior at low speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on any repeated electrical, engine, or brake repairs.
- Verify that all safety systems, including air bags and backup cameras, function correctly before purchase.
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 | 5 | 98 |
| 2025 | 8 | 150 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 7 | 934 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 | 20 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 9 | 591 |
| 2017 | 17 | 0 |
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
- 77
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Infiniti QX80 total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Infiniti QX80 avg complaints/year
- 7.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX80
- Infiniti QX80 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE