Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NPR HD vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Isuzu NPR HD 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 NPR HD vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Isuzu NPR HD has zero owner complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has over 5,100 complaints, including 117 crash-related incidents. The Silverado's engine and powertrain issues are frequent, with owners reporting sudden power loss and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NPR HD or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NPR HD
The Isuzu NPR HD is a commercial-grade truck with a remarkably clean complaint record—zero owner complaints over a decade. This suggests that in normal operation, owners rarely encounter issues that rise to the level of filing a complaint. However, it has had 21 recalls, mostly for chassis and electrical components, which means you should verify that all recall work has been done. Overall, it presents as a low-drama workhorse, but its commercial nature means you should expect a utilitarian ride and maintenance schedule.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 500 per year. The complaints are dominated by engine and powertrain issues, including serious failures like loss of motive power and transmission problems. Electrical system and brake complaints also appear frequently, some involving sudden loss of braking or steering. While the Silverado offers modern comfort and capability, its reliability record is concerning, with many owners reporting failures that could leave you stranded or compromise safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NPR HD | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 NPR HD
No component data available.
Recalls have targeted wiring issues, which could lead to electrical shorts or failures. Owners have not reported specific symptoms, but you should inspect for any signs of frayed wires or previous repairs.
Recalls on the rear leaf spring U-bolts indicate a risk of loose or broken fasteners, which could affect axle alignment and handling. Check for any clunking noises or uneven tire wear.
A recall on lug nuts/studs suggests they may loosen or fail, leading to wheel separation. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued properly and inspect for any signs of damage.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463). These can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs, especially in the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Other issues include hesitation and failure to engage, often occurring at low mileage.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of braking and steering assist, as reported by owners. These are critical safety concerns that may happen without warning.
Sudden loss of braking effectiveness is a recurring complaint, with the brake pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a serious safety issue that requires 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.
Isuzu NPR HD — 21 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5500XD, 4500XD, Isuzu NRR, NPR HD, NPR XD, 2025-2027 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 4500HD, and Isuzu NRR EV vehicles. The chassis and/or cab wire harnesses may chafe against metal components, leading to harness failur…
The risk: Harness failure may cause an engine stall or the brake lights and parking brake to fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Damaged wires may also melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will add additional fasteners, inspect and replace the harnesses as necessary, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include NRR EV vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2026 to NRR EV owners.…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2017-2020 NPR-HD, 2019-2020 NPR-XD, NQR, NRR, Chevrolet 4500HD, Chevrolet 5500HD and Chevrolet 5500XD, and 2020 Chevrolet 4500XD vehicles. The lug nuts on the rear outer wheels may not have been properly tightened when installed o…
The risk: If the lug nuts were not properly tightened, they can loosen, causing the to wheel separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outer wheel lug nuts and tightening or replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR trucks. During manufacturing, the stamping equipment may have created burrs on the frame crossmember that the transmission is mounted to. These burrs may cause the transmission mounting studs…
The risk: If the studs break, the transmission may not be properly supported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a metal shim to prevent stress on the mounting studs, free of charge. The recall on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
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 NPR HD or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NPR HD has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 500 complaints per year. This stark difference means the Isuzu is far less likely to leave you with unexpected repairs or safety scares. In practice, the Isuzu offers peace of mind for commercial use, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a higher risk of major failures.
Key differences
- The Isuzu NPR HD has no owner complaints, while the Silverado has over 5,000, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Silverado owners report dangerous failures like sudden loss of power, braking, and steering, whereas the Isuzu's recalls are mostly preventive and not linked to complaints.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain issues are frequent and severe, including transmission failures and engine stalling, while the Isuzu's main concerns are chassis and electrical recalls.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, highlighting safety risks, while the Isuzu has none.
- Check that all 21 recalls have been performed, especially those for leaf spring U-bolts and lug nuts, to avoid potential axle or wheel issues.
- Inspect the electrical wiring for any signs of chafing or corrosion, as recalls suggest a vulnerability to shorts.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises or warning lights, and check for any history of engine or transmission replacements, as these are common failure points.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at various speeds, and ask for service records related to brake or electrical system repairs, given the reports of sudden braking loss.
Before you buy
- For the Isuzu, verify recall completion by VIN on the NHTSA website and ask for proof of any recall work.
- For the Silverado, obtain a full service history and have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any transmission or brake anomalies.
- Check for any open recalls on the Silverado, especially those related to brakes and tailgate latches, and ensure they are fixed before purchase.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado to cover potential major repairs, given its high complaint rate.
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 NPR HD | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 NPR HD or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NPR HD vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Isuzu NPR HD total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Isuzu NPR HD total recalls
- 21
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Isuzu NPR HD avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NPR HD
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE