Head-to-head reliability
KIA Carnival vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Carnival 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 Carnival vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Carnival has 436 complaints over 5 years (87/year) and 15 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. Both show safety-related issues, but the Silverado's rate is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Carnival or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a minivan that owners often buy for family hauling, but NHTSA data shows 436 complaints over 5 years, with electrical and door-related issues dominating. Owners report sliding doors that reopen, close with excessive force, or fail to chime, plus occasional engine stalling and fuel odors. Recalls cover door structure, roof pillars, and fuel lines, suggesting ongoing safety fixes. Overall, it's a vehicle with a moderate complaint rate but recurring safety-themed problems that can affect daily use.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, averaging 823 per year. Engine and powertrain complaints are most common, including sudden shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel soot issues. Brake and electrical problems also appear, with some reports of braking loss and screens going blank. Recalls address fuel pumps, tires, and driver alerts, indicating a broad range of safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Carnival | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 436 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 87.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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 Carnival
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM148
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
- 03STRUCTURE60
- 04ENGINE49
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM36
Owners report sliding doors that reopen after starting, doors that hit resistance and reverse, and warning lights that flicker over bumps. These glitches can be frustrating and may affect child safety if doors don't latch or chime properly.
Complaints include sliding door windows shattering at speed and door automation applying excessive force before safety reversal. This poses a risk of injury, especially to children's hands or fingers.
Some owners describe stalling in traffic, shaking, and a strong gasoline odor from a swollen fuel tank. These issues can leave you stranded and may indicate fuel system defects.
Reports of fuel odors and tank swelling suggest potential leaks or delivery problems. This matters because fuel issues can lead to fire risk or breakdowns.
“Purchased in Aug 2022 brand new I express concern very early on that the back door would reopen after starting the car I express concern about shifting/breaking being automatic/ice light coming on when you hit bumps coming in parking lots and the doors not un…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that during freezing weather, the button was depressed to open the driver's side rear sliding door, and the door automatically opened; however, the motor reached a point of resistance and attempted to c…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and rough running. These can strand you and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and transmission failures at low mileage. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic.
Some drivers experience a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and others report the truck shutting off with blank screens. Brake problems are a serious safety concern.
Reports of engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages and screen failures. Electrical glitches can disable critical functions and confuse the driver.
“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 Carnival — 15 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical s…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped,…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling all 2022 and certain 2023 Carnival vehicles. The auto-reverse feature for the power sliding doors (PSD) may not activate in all situations.
The risk: A power sliding door that does not auto-reverse can close on an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the power sliding door control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC266.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
The risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC368.…
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 Carnival or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Carnival has far fewer complaints per year (about 87) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Carnival's issues often involve safety-related doors and electrical faults. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems overall, including serious engine, brake, and transmission failures. In practice, the Carnival may have fewer total incidents, but both vehicles have notable safety complaints.
Key differences
- The Carnival averages 87 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 823 per year, a nearly 10-fold difference.
- Carnival complaints center on electrical and door issues, while Silverado complaints focus on engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years versus 15 for the Carnival over 5 years, indicating broader safety fix campaigns.
- Carnival owners report door-related injuries; Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- Test the sliding doors multiple times: open, close, and check for proper chime and reversal when obstructed.
- Check for fuel odors around the tank and under the hood, and ask if the fuel tank or lines have been replaced under recall.
- During a test drive, listen for engine stumbling and watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and ensure all screens and electrical functions work.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were repaired.
- Ask for a complete service history, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- For the Carnival, test all doors, windows, and electrical accessories, especially the sliding doors and warning chimes.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation, engine shutdowns, and brake performance.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes.
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 | KIA Carnival | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 48 | 120 |
| 2025 | 126 | 157 |
| 2024 | 75 | 527 |
| 2023 | 51 | 450 |
| 2022 | 136 | 1390 |
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 Carnival or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Carnival vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Carnival total complaints
- 436
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Carnival total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Carnival avg complaints/year
- 87.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Carnival
- KIA Carnival top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE