Vehicle 1

KIA Cadenza

210 complaints · 12 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA Cadenza vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cadenza has 30.0 complaints per year (210 total) and 12 recalls, while the Silverado has 687.8 per year (6878 total) and 98 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Cadenza's are engine and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
KIA Cadenza
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryKIA CadenzaChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
210
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
12
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
8
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
30.0
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Cadenza

1. ENGINE59
2. SERVICE BRAKES35
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
5. VISIBILITY25

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The KIA Cadenza has far fewer complaints per year (30.0) than the Chevrolet Silverado (687.8), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint frequency, the KIA Cadenza is the better choice. If you need a truck's utility and are willing to accept a higher risk of engine or powertrain issues, the Chevrolet Silverado may still suit you, but be prepared for more frequent repairs.

Key Differences
  • KIA Cadenza averages 30.0 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado's 687.8/year.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 98 recalls; KIA Cadenza has 12.
  • Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2056) and POWER TRAIN (1925); Cadenza's top is ENGINE (59).
  • Crash complaints: 8 for Cadenza, 206 for Silverado.
⚠ Watch on KIA Cadenza
  • Watch for engine problems (59 complaints) and service brake issues (35 complaints).
  • Visibility complaints (25) may indicate windshield or mirror concerns.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2056) and powertrain (1925) complaints are very high; check for transmission and engine failures.
  • Electrical system issues (1263) could cause intermittent problems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Review service history for engine or transmission repairs.
  • Test drive to feel for brake or transmission issues.
  • Research common problems for the specific model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA CadenzaChevrolet Silverado
2020
0
787
2019
2
1932
2018
6
0
2017
31
1148
KIA Cadenza vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Cadenza vs Chevrolet Silverado
KIA Cadenza total complaints
210
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
KIA Cadenza total recalls
12
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
KIA Cadenza avg complaints/year
30.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
KIA Cadenza
KIA Cadenza top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA CadenzaReliability & Problems

210 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific KIA Cadenza or Chevrolet Silverado?

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