Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NRR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Isuzu NRR 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 NRR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NRR has just 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510.5/yr). Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures, while the NRR's sole complaint is airbag-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NRR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NRR
The Isuzu NRR is a commercial-duty truck with a very low complaint rate—just one over a decade—but that single complaint is a serious crash involving airbag deployment. With 17 recalls, mostly for suspension and structural issues, it's a vehicle that has been proactively maintained by the manufacturer, but its sparse owner feedback makes it hard to gauge long-term reliability. For a buyer, this means a quiet history but a need to verify recall repairs were completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a hugely popular pickup with a high complaint volume—over 5,000 in ten years—reflecting its massive sales base. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including fuel system and transmission failures, often occurring at low mileage. Electrical and brake complaints also appear frequently, sometimes with alarming symptoms like sudden power loss. This pattern suggests a vehicle that can be troublesome in real-world use, especially for those who rely on it daily.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NRR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 NRR
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only owner complaint describes a severe frontal collision where the bumper rode under a tractor-trailer, and the impact was absorbed through the A-pillar. This suggests that in certain crash configurations, the airbag system may not deploy optimally, which is a critical safety concern for buyers.
“ISUZU NRR VS RIGHT REAR OF A TRACTOR OF A TRACTOR TRAILER COMBINATION. THE ISUZU'S BUMPER TRAVELED UNDER THE TRACTOR AND FULL IMPACT WAS THROUGH THE "A" PILLAR AREA OF THE ISUZU NRR CAB. *TT *JS”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that failed within 2,500 miles of purchase, and diesel particulate filter clogging on the Duramax, requiring repeated dealer visits. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs, especially for those who tow or drive long distances.
Transmission problems are common, with one owner experiencing a sudden shift into neutral while driving uphill, and another reporting a loss of motive power. These failures can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines, and often require major repairs.
Electrical issues are frequent, including a case where the vehicle lost power, and the brakes and steering became inoperable while driving at 70 mph. Such failures are unpredictable and pose a serious safety risk, as they can occur without warning.
Brake problems are reported, with one owner experiencing a sudden loss of braking effectiveness despite a firm pedal, and another losing brakes entirely during an electrical failure. These issues can lead to crashes and are a major 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 NRR — 17 recalls
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 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.
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Isuzu NPR, 2008 NPR HD and NPR-HD Gas, 2011-2018 NPR HD and NRR, 2015-2018 NPR XD, 2012-2018 NQR, 2012-2017 NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas, 2016-2017 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 HD, 3500 and 4500 and 2017-2018 Chevrolet Low C…
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Walter Kid…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2016 NPR, 2011-2017 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR, 2015-2017 NPR-XD, 2012-2016 Reach, NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas incomplete trucks. The left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
The risk: The loose bolts can allow the wheel assembly to move outward from the axle housing, affecting the control of the vehicle and reducing braking performance, thereby increasing a risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 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 NRR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NRR has far fewer complaints per year (0.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. However, the Silverado's high volume is partly due to its popularity, but the nature of the complaints—engine, transmission, and brake failures—suggests a higher likelihood of encountering serious problems. In practice, the NRR appears more reliable based on owner feedback, but its limited data and commercial nature mean buyers should weigh the trade-offs.
Key differences
- The Isuzu NRR has only 1 complaint in 10 years, while the Silverado has over 5,000, indicating a stark difference in reported issue frequency.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine and transmission failures, often at low mileage, whereas the NRR's single complaint is about airbag deployment in a crash.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls, including for brakes and tailgate latches, while the NRR has 17, mostly for suspension and frame issues.
- The NRR's complaint involves a severe crash, but the Silverado's complaints include sudden loss of power and braking, which are more directly tied to everyday driving safety.
- Check for any open recalls related to the rear leaf spring U-bolts and frame structure, as these have been subject to recalls and could affect safety.
- Inspect the airbag system and ensure it has not been tampered with, given the single crash complaint involving airbag deployment.
- Ask for service records related to engine and transmission repairs, especially if the vehicle has a 6.2L or Duramax engine, as these have known issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and check for any warning lights related to the brake system or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- For the Isuzu NRR, verify that all 17 recalls have been performed, especially the suspension and frame ones, by checking with a dealer.
- For the Silverado, obtain a vehicle history report and look for any engine or transmission replacements, and have a mechanic inspect the fuel system.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any transmission slipping or brake abnormalities.
- Check for any pending recalls on the Silverado, particularly for the tailgate latch and brake fluid sensor, and ensure they are fixed.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado to cover potential powertrain failures, given the 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 NRR | 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 | 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 NRR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NRR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Isuzu NRR total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Isuzu NRR total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Isuzu NRR avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NRR
- Isuzu NRR top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE