Head-to-head reliability
KIA EV6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA EV6 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 EV6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EV6 has 543 complaints over 5 years (about 109 per year), while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (about 823 per year). The EV6 has 11 recalls and 20 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA EV6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA EV6
The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that has been on the road for about five years. In that time, owners have filed 543 complaints, with the electrical system being the most common trouble spot. Many complaints mention a recall for the charging unit and sudden warnings like 'Check Electric Vehicle System.' While the average of about 109 complaints per year is lower than some vehicles, the electric-specific issues can be concerning for first-time EV buyers.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has been sold for many years, and NHTSA has logged 8,227 complaints over the past decade. That's roughly 823 complaints per year, with engine and power train problems leading the list. Owners report serious issues like engines shutting off while driving and brake problems. The high number of recalls (101) and complaints suggests that this truck may require more frequent attention than some buyers expect.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA EV6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 543 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 108.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 EV6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM406
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM98
- 03POWER TRAIN96
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER68
- 05ENGINE40
Owners frequently report sudden 'Check Electric Vehicle System' warnings, often accompanied by a pop sound and multiple faults. These issues can appear after charging or while driving, and may clear on their own, but they indicate potential problems with the charging control unit or battery management.
Complaints in this area often relate to the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) recall. Owners describe repeated visits to the dealership for EV system issues, even after recall repairs, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Some owners experience drivetrain problems, including sudden loss of power or faults that require dealer attention. These can affect the car's ability to drive and may lead to unexpected repairs.
This category includes various electrical glitches and warning messages that don't fit elsewhere. While not always tied to a specific part, they add to the overall uncertainty about the vehicle's reliability.
“2024 Kia EV6 leased January 2025. Vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 24V-867 / Kia campaign SC327 for the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The recall remedy was performed at an authorized Kia dealer in July 2025 (software / operational logic update).…”
“Driving with my wife and [XXX] child, there was a pop sound from under the car, and the car suddenly showed multiple faults, including "Check electric vehicle system”, which cleared on their own. I parked and turned the car off and on again and the faults rea…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report serious engine problems, including engines shutting off while driving and diesel particulate filter issues requiring repeated dealer visits. These can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes at low speeds. These issues can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Electrical faults can cause a loss of braking assist and engine shutdowns, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. Such failures can be alarming and may compromise vehicle control.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop as expected. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed immediately.
“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 EV6 — 11 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024. Ow…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may co…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 and 2024 EV9 vehicles. The high voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes, which can lead to a fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge. Owner notification l…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Niro EV and 2023 EV6 vehicles. One of the drive shafts may have been improperly heat-treated, allowing it to break under load and resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the drive shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC295.
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 EV6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia EV6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 109) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means that, on average, EV6 owners report fewer problems annually. However, the types of issues differ: the EV6's problems are often electric-specific, while the Silverado's include engine and brake failures that can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Kia EV6 averages about 109 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints often involve engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are immediate safety risks; EV6 complaints more often involve electrical warnings and charging issues.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 11 recalls for the EV6 over 5 years, suggesting more frequent recall campaigns for the truck.
- EV6 owners report issues with the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) and 'Check Electric Vehicle System' messages, while Silverado owners report diesel particulate filter problems and sudden loss of braking.
- Check for any outstanding recalls, especially the ICCU recall (24V-867), and confirm that the remedy has been performed.
- Test drive and look for any warning messages like 'Check Electric Vehicle System' that may appear intermittently, and ask about the vehicle's charging history.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any signs of rough running or stalling, especially in the 6.2L or Duramax diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and look for any messages related to brake assist or 'Return to Neutral' that might indicate electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic experienced with the specific model (EV for Kia, diesel/gas for Silverado).
- For the EV6, ask for the battery health report and confirm the ICCU recall was addressed.
- For the Silverado, check for any signs of engine or transmission problems, and test all electrical systems.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all scheduled services have been completed.
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 EV6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 53 | 157 |
| 2024 | 76 | 527 |
| 2023 | 137 | 450 |
| 2022 | 277 | 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 EV6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA EV6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA EV6 total complaints
- 543
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA EV6 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA EV6 avg complaints/year
- 108.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA EV6
- KIA EV6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE