Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NPR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Isuzu NPR 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NPR has 5 complaints and 16 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 104 injuries and 1 death, versus none for the NPR. Both have serious issues, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NPR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NPR
The Isuzu NPR is a commercial cab-over truck, often used for delivery or box truck work, and its complaint pattern reflects that: only 5 complaints over 10 years, but 16 recalls. Owners report a mix of structural, tire, powertrain, and engine issues, with some unusual symptoms like a popping cab latch and unexpected acceleration. Living with an NPR means dealing with a low volume of complaints but a relatively high number of recall campaigns for its size.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for both personal and work duty, and it has a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls. The most common problem areas are the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of serious failures like sudden power loss and brake problems. For a buyer, this means a higher likelihood of encountering issues, though many are covered by recalls or warranties.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NPR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 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
- 01STRUCTURE1
- 02TIRES1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
- 05ENGINE1
One owner reported the cab latch popping while driving, which holds the cab in place. Although the cab stayed put, it was disconcerting and could indicate a latch that may need inspection.
A 2019 NPR owner found bubbles on the sidewall of a front tire, a potential blowout risk. This suggests checking tire condition and age carefully on any used NPR.
A 2009 NPR owner experienced sudden transmission failure without warning, requiring replacement. This highlights the importance of a transmission check and service history.
One owner reported the vehicle lurching forward and RPMs surging from 2500 to 4500 without warning. This could point to an accelerator or engine control issue that needs diagnosis.
“THE LATCH THAT HELPS HOLD THE CAB IN PLACE (THE CAB FLIPS TO GET TO THE ENGINE) HAS POPPED A COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE CAB STAYED IN PLACE BUT IT IS DISCONCERTING TO HEAR ABOUT ONE OF THE PIECES THAT HOLDS THE CAB IN PLACE POPPING.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax report engine problems, including excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can lead to repeated shop visits and downtime.
Reports include a 2026 Silverado suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and another with transmission failure. Such failures can leave you stranded and are costly to repair.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking and a loud pinging sound from the engine at 70 mph, followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These are severe safety concerns that demand immediate attention.
Complaints include a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, and brake failure along with loss of motive power. Brake problems are critical for safety and should be thoroughly inspected.
“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 — 16 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2020 Isuzu NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR and Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 5500XD and 2019 Isuzu NPR HD GAS, NPR GAS and Chevrolet 4500 and Chevrolet 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual mode belt locking mechanism seat belt as…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant is not properly restrained, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Chevrolet customer serv…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2019 NPR GAS, 2019 NPRHD GAS and 2019 Chevrolet 4500 vehicles. The brake line clips for the rear driver side brake line may have been incorrectly installed, potentially allowing the brake line to contact a grounding bolt, potentia…
The risk: If the rear driver side brake fails, the vehicle may experience reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers inspect and replace brake line assembly or reposition the brake line into the proper position, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at…
The defect: Unicell Body Company Inc. (Unicell) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna, 2018-2019 Hino 155, Ford Econoline and Transit and Isuzu NPR, and 2018 Ram ProMaster-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affe…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Unicell will work with ASA Electronics to notify owners and offer a remedy, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service 1-800-384-4400 or Unicell at 1-716-853-8628.
The defect: Diesel Modification Center LLC. (Diesel Modification Center) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Isuzu NQR ,NRR, and NPR vehicles modified to be equipped with dual steering. The keystock may become dislodged from the steering cross shaft and cause unexpected loss of right hand steering.
The risk: Unexpected loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Diesel Modification Center will notify owners, and dealers will verify the keystock is in place or replace it, as necessary. In addition, the set screw will be retorqued and a stamp will be drifted in the keyed slot to ensure the keystock…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NPR has far fewer complaints per year (0.5 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (16 vs. 100), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Silverado's much higher complaint volume means a used buyer is more likely to encounter problems, though many are covered by recalls. The NPR's lower volume doesn't guarantee reliability, as it still has notable structural and powertrain complaints.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 1,000 times more complaints per year than the NPR, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- The NPR's complaints include unusual structural and tire problems, while the Silverado's are more focused on engine, transmission, electrical, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 16 for the NPR, indicating more frequent safety campaigns.
- The Silverado has 104 injuries and 1 death reported, while the NPR has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, though this may reflect usage differences.
- Inspect the cab latch mechanism for proper engagement and any signs of popping or wear, as reported by an owner.
- Check tire sidewalls for bubbles or cracks, especially on 2019 models with Yokohama tires, and verify tire age.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises like pinging and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and effectiveness, and scan for any stored codes related to transmission or electrical faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on reported problem areas.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions, including braking and acceleration, to detect symptoms like lurching or power loss.
- For the Silverado, check for transmission software updates and brake system recalls; for the NPR, inspect cab mounts and tires.
- Verify the warranty status, especially for newer Silverado models that may still be under factory coverage.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NPR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Isuzu NPR total complaints
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Isuzu NPR total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Isuzu NPR avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NPR
- Isuzu NPR top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE