Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu FTR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Isuzu FTR 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
Isuzu FTR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The FTR has 3 complaints and 0 crashes over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 117 crashes, and 104 injuries. The FTR's issues are mainly bright headlights and loose steering; the Silverado suffers engine, transmission, electrical, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu FTR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu FTR
The Isuzu FTR is a commercial truck, often used as a rental or fleet vehicle, not typically a personal daily driver. Over 10 years, it has only 3 complaints, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported. The few complaints focus on overly bright headlights that blind other drivers and loose steering that makes the truck wander at highway speeds. With 42 recalls, it's important to check that recall work has been done, but overall owner-reported problems are rare.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup used for both personal and work duties. It has a massive 5,105 complaints over 10 years, including 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners describing serious issues like sudden power loss, brake failure, and transmission problems. With 100 recalls, it's clear this truck has a long history of safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu FTR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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.
Isuzu FTR
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 02STEERING1
Owners report that the headlights are too bright, causing other drivers to flash their high beams and even leading to near-crashes when oncoming drivers are blinded. This is a safety concern because it can provoke dangerous reactions from other motorists.
One owner described the steering as extremely loose, with the truck wandering in its lane above 45 mph, even after alignment and balancing. This makes highway driving feel unstable and requires constant correction, which is tiring and risky.
“This is a long term rental truck, 2024 Isuzu FTR, and not owned by me. The headlights are too bright. Other drivers flash me thinking I have the brights on but they are the regular headlights. My wife was driving in front of me in a car and almost crashed bec…”
“This was a rental truck and I am not the owner, just the operator. The headlights are too bright and I have almost been crashed onto when other drivers were blinded by the headlights. I am not sure but believe this is the first year this model truck has these…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel that repeatedly clogged its diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer repairs. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive fixes.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and a 6.2L engine failure that also affected the power train. Such failures can cause loss of control and are a major reliability red flag.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of braking and a loud pinging sound from the engine at 70 mph, followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports include a brake pedal that remained firm but braking effectiveness was lost, and another where brakes became inoperable after an engine pinging sound. Brake failure is extremely dangerous and should be a top concern for any buyer.
“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.
Isuzu FTR — 42 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Isuzu FTR and 2018-2021 Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. A bolt on the left front steering knuckle may come loose, resulting in an increased turning radius and difficulty steering to the left.
The risk: An unexpected change in turning radius and difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both right and left side stopper bolt jam nuts and clean or replace the extensions, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2022. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service a…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2021 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The ground cable connecting the starter motor to the vehicle frame may break at the starter-side eyelet, resulting in an engine no-crank or slow-crank condition, causing the vehicle not…
The risk: If the cable is broken and repeated attempts are made to start the vehicle, the starter may ground through the steel braiding of the power steering hose, allowing it to heat up and possibly rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Isuzu and Chevrolet will notify their respective owners and dealers to replace the ground cable and to inspect and replace the power steering hose is damage exists, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2020. Isuzu owners may contact…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2020 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The jam nut for the steering stopper bolt on the left front knuckle may loosen and allow the bolt to back away from the steering knuckle, increasing the turning radius of the vehicle in…
The risk: If the vehicle's turning radius is increased, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing left and right jam nuts with a Grade 8 jam nut, torque the nut to a new torque specification and apply Loctite to the nut and bolt, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2020 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The chassis wire harness outside the relay box may have been improperly routed, potentially allowing the harness to contact the suspension's leaf spring hanger bracket, allowing the har…
The risk: Depending on which wires get damaged, the vehicle can experience stalling and/or reduced functionality of the ABS, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the existing wire harness, as necessary, and install additional clamps to ensure the wire harness is secured away from the hanger bracket, free of charge. The recall began May 15…
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
Isuzu FTR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Isuzu FTR has far fewer issues per year (0.3 vs. 510.5) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Chevrolet Silverado has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the FTR is a commercial truck with rare but specific steering and lighting complaints, whereas the Silverado is a high-volume pickup with widespread, often severe safety defects. If you need a personal truck, the Silverado's complaint volume suggests a much higher risk of serious problems.
Key differences
- The Isuzu FTR has 3 complaints over 10 years with 0 crashes, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death.
- Isuzu FTR complaints focus on bright headlights and loose steering; Silverado complaints center on engine failures, transmission problems, electrical faults, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including brake fluid warning and seat belt anchorage issues; the FTR has 42 recalls, including steering and electrical system items.
- Owner reports for the Silverado include sudden power loss, unintended neutral, and brake failure, while FTR reports describe highway wandering and blinding other drivers.
- Check the headlight aim and brightness; owners report they are too bright and blind other drivers, which could lead to accidents.
- Test drive at highway speeds above 45 mph to feel for loose steering that wanders in the lane, even after alignment.
- Listen for abnormal engine pinging or knocking, and check for loss of power, brakes, or steering, as owners reported these sudden failures.
- Test the brakes carefully for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and ask about any diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax.
Before you buy
- Verify that all recalls for the specific vehicle have been completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- For the Isuzu FTR, test drive on a highway and check headlight glare from the perspective of other drivers if possible.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes for signs of the reported failures.
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the complaint areas listed.
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 | Isuzu FTR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Isuzu FTR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu FTR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Isuzu FTR total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Isuzu FTR total recalls
- 42
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Isuzu FTR avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu FTR
- Isuzu FTR top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE