Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu I 280 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Isuzu I 280 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 I 280 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Isuzu I 280 averages 11 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Isuzu's issues often involve brake lights and electrical faults; the Silverado's include engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu I 280 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu I 280
The Isuzu I 280 is a compact pickup that appears to have a low complaint volume, averaging 11 complaints per year over one year of data. Owners most often report electrical and lighting problems, including brake light failures and fuse blowing, as well as anti-theft system issues that prevent starting. These issues can leave you without brake lights or stranded, so a thorough electrical inspection is wise.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume, averaging about 823 complaints per year over ten years. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that some model years may have recurring reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu I 280 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Isuzu I 280
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05AIR BAGS1
Owners report complete loss of brake lights and cruise control, often accompanied by repeatedly blowing fuses. This can make the truck unsafe to drive and may fail state inspections.
Complaints include anti-theft lock devices that prevent the vehicle from starting, sometimes requiring a 20-minute wait, and interior lights dimming. This can leave you stranded and points to underlying electrical gremlins.
A strong gasoline odor from the top of the fuel tank has been reported, which could indicate a leak. This is a fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.
Some owners report front wheel hub assembly failures that affect the drive shaft, ABS, and emergency brake, as well as unexplained clicking noises. These can be costly to diagnose and repair.
“COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS / CRUISE CONTROL / KEEPS BLOWING FUSES. LEARNED OF RECALL ID # 52989 DATED 7/29/2009 - SO I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ( COURTESY GMC - 205.836.2000 ) THEIR SERVICE MANAGER SENT ME AWAY - SAID TRUCK HAD RECALL #06030 PERFORMED ON 11/…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ISUZU I280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED FAULTY BRAKES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSED. THERE WAS A RE…”
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 messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' There are also reports of diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can be dangerous and expensive.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, and transmission problems. This can cause loss of power and potential accidents.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and engine shut-offs while driving. These electrical glitches can compromise safety.
Owners describe severe loss of braking ability, sometimes with a firm pedal, and instances where the truck shuts off and cannot accelerate. Brake failures are a critical safety concern.
“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 I 280 — 2 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE…
The risk: A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSI…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE…
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
Isuzu I 280 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Isuzu I 280 has far fewer complaints per year (11) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means you are less likely to encounter a reported problem with the Isuzu, but the Silverado's larger sales volume means more data. The Silverado also has many more recalls and crash-related reports, so it may require more diligence.
Key differences
- The Isuzu I 280 has 11 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Isuzu I 280 complaints center on electrical and lighting issues like brake light failure and anti-theft problems, whereas Silverado complaints often involve engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports, compared to 2 recalls and 0 crash-related reports for the Isuzu I 280.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints, but the Silverado's are more severe, including sudden loss of braking, while the Isuzu's are often linked to brake light switch failures.
- Check that all brake lights and cruise control work, and look for signs of blown fuses or a history of brake light switch replacement.
- Test the anti-theft system by starting the truck multiple times; if it hesitates or requires a long wait, it could indicate a failing lock device.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough shifting, or sudden loss of power that could indicate engine or transmission issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, and look for any warning lights related to brakes or electrical systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Isuzu's brake light switch and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including brake lights, fuses, and anti-theft device on the Isuzu, and engine/transmission diagnostics on the Silverado.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and conditions to check for transmission slipping or engine shutdowns.
- For the Isuzu, check for fuel odors around the tank and inspect the wheel hubs for noise or play.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for specific model years you are considering to see if patterns match your intended use.
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 I 280 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu I 280 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Isuzu I 280 total complaints
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Isuzu I 280 total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Isuzu I 280 avg complaints/year
- 11.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu I 280
- Isuzu I 280 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE