Head-to-head reliability
KIA Borrego vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Borrego 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
KIA Borrego vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Borrego averages 30 complaints per year with 7 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both show brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado also has many engine complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Borrego or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Borrego
The KIA Borrego is a body-on-frame SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 30 complaints per year over three years, with 7 recalls and 8 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe transmission shifting problems, electrical gremlins like the starter engaging on its own, and brake issues including warning lights and master cylinder failure. Seat belt complaints also appear, with one owner reporting belts unlatching while driving. This suggests a vehicle that may demand more attention and repair budget than average.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, averages about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Owners report engine problems such as rough running and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, plus transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement. Electrical and brake complaints include engine shutdowns while driving and sudden loss of braking. The volume of complaints reflects a much larger vehicle population, but the patterns point to potentially serious safety-related failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Borrego | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 90 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
KIA Borrego
- 01POWER TRAIN18
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 03SERVICE BRAKES16
- 04SEAT BELTS11
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
Owners report erratic transmission shifting, such as holding third gear and refusing to upshift or downshift properly, often linked to the ZF 6-speed transmission in V8 models. This can make acceleration unpredictable and may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the starter engaging on its own while the key is in the ignition, even in Park or Neutral, and persistent electrical faults that owners struggle to diagnose. These issues can drain the battery or cause unexpected starting.
Drivers report multiple warning lights (ABS, ESC, emergency brakes) coming on while driving, and in one case a complete loss of braking with no warning, traced to a master cylinder failure. Brake problems are a critical safety concern.
One owner stated that front seat belts unlatched independently while driving at 35 MPH, and the failure persisted even after re-latching. This directly affects occupant restraint in a crash.
“THIS PAST TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BECAME ERRATIC, IN PARTICULAR, AND AMONG OTHER ISSUES, HOLDING ON TO 3RD GEAR AND REFUSING TO UP SHIFT OR DOWN SHIFT PROPERLY. THERE WERE A FEW TIMES IN WHICH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STAND-STILL '…”
“I NOW FIND MYSELF DEALING WITH AN ISSUE THAT I NOW KNOW IS A WELL-KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE ZF 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION USED IN THIS PARTICULAR V8 MODEL. THIS PAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BECAME ERRATIC, IN PARTICULAR, AND AMONG OTHER ISSUES,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service at low mileage. These can leave you stranded or cause loss of power.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that may be related to engine shutdowns. This can cause a loss of acceleration in traffic.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-off while driving with screens going blank. Electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, and in one case the truck shut off completely while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Brake and shutdown issues are high-risk.
“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.
KIA Borrego — 7 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.
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
KIA Borrego or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA Borrego has far fewer complaints per year (30 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (7 vs. 101), but both vehicles show patterns of safety-related failures. In practice, the Borrego may be easier to manage for a buyer who can handle occasional transmission and electrical quirks, while the Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering serious engine, brake, or electrical problems.
Key differences
- The KIA Borrego averages 30 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Borrego owners frequently report transmission shifting problems and electrical starter issues, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation.
- Brake complaints on the Borrego include warning lights and master cylinder failure, while Silverado brake complaints include sudden loss of braking and engine shut-off while driving.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 7 for the Borrego, covering areas like fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Test the transmission for erratic shifting, especially holding gears or refusing to upshift/downshift, as owners report this with the ZF 6-speed in V8 models.
- Check for electrical issues like the starter engaging on its own when the key is in the ignition, and verify all brake warning lights function correctly.
- Listen for engine roughness or check for stored codes related to diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, especially on Duramax models.
- Test the brakes for any loss of stopping power and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' that indicate engine shutdown issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for brakes and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the Borrego and the engine/transmission for the Silverado, including a test drive at various speeds.
- Check for any active warning lights on the dashboard and scan for diagnostic trouble codes before purchase.
- For the Silverado, verify the diesel particulate filter system if equipped, and ask about any recent engine or brake repairs.
- For the Borrego, test all seat belts for proper latching and retraction, and check for any signs of electrical drain or starter issues.
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 KIA Borrego or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Borrego vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Borrego total complaints
- 90
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Borrego total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Borrego avg complaints/year
- 30.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Borrego
- KIA Borrego top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE