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 averages 83.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Carnival owners report sliding door injuries and fuel leaks; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. 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 report having trouble with its power sliding doors and electrical system. Complaints describe doors that close with excessive force, fail to sense obstructions, or open unexpectedly, which can be a safety concern for children. There are also reports of engine issues, including fuel odors and stalling, and structural problems like windows shattering. While the number of complaints is relatively low, the nature of the issues—especially those involving doors and potential fire hazards—suggests that buyers should be vigilant about recalls and repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a high volume of complaints, particularly about the engine and powertrain. Owners report sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and severe braking issues, sometimes at highway speeds. The frequency of these complaints, along with a high number of recalls, indicates that the Silverado may have significant reliability and safety concerns. Buyers should be prepared for potential major repairs and should thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history.
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 | 419 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 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.
KIA Carnival
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER112
- 03STRUCTURE57
- 04ENGINE48
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
Owners report power sliding doors that malfunction, either closing with excessive force or failing to reopen when obstructed, posing a risk of injury. Some also mention doors opening unexpectedly while driving.
There are reports of sliding door windows shattering without warning, and doors that apply excessive force before the safety mechanism engages, which can trap fingers or limbs.
Some owners report a strong gasoline odor due to a swollen fuel tank, and others describe the vehicle stalling or shaking uncontrollably, with the check engine light not illuminating.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud noises, and issues with diesel particulate filters clogging, requiring dealer intervention. Some engines may fail completely.
Transmission problems are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. Some owners report the vehicle losing power and not responding to the accelerator.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This can lead to crashes, especially in emergency situations.
“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 — 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
KIA Carnival or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA Carnival has significantly fewer complaints per year (83.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Carnival's problems, particularly with doors and potential fire hazards, are serious. The Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent and severe mechanical failures, especially in the engine and transmission, which could lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
Key differences
- The Carnival has far fewer complaints per year (83.8) than the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported problems.
- Carnival owners frequently report power sliding door malfunctions, including excessive force and failure to detect obstructions, which can injure children.
- Silverado owners report serious engine and transmission failures, such as sudden loss of power and transmission slipping into neutral, which can be dangerous at highway speeds.
- The Carnival has recalls related to trailer hitches, doors, roof pillars, and fuel system hoses, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid sensors.
- Inspect the power sliding doors for smooth operation and proper obstruction detection; test them with an object to ensure they reopen.
- Check for any signs of fuel leaks or odors, and verify that all recalls, especially those related to the fuel system and doors, have been performed.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and test the transmission for smooth shifting; be wary of any hesitation or sudden neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds, including highway, to check for power loss or unusual behavior.
- For the Carnival, test the sliding doors multiple times, including with an obstruction, to ensure they function safely.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records, especially for any engine or transmission repairs, and check the condition of the diesel particulate filter if applicable.
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 | 44 | 98 |
| 2025 | 122 | 150 |
| 2024 | 70 | 0 |
| 2023 | 50 | 0 |
| 2022 | 133 | 1340 |
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
- 419
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA Carnival total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA Carnival avg complaints/year
- 83.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Carnival
- KIA Carnival top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE