Head-to-head reliability
KIA Forte vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Forte 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 Forte vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Forte averages 111 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Forte owners report engine and electrical stalling; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Forte or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Forte
The KIA Forte is a compact car that averages about 111 complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls. The most common complaint area is the engine, followed by electrical problems and power train issues. Owners report stalling, failure to start, and acceleration problems, which can be dangerous in traffic. While the Forte has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the engine and electrical issues are serious and should be carefully checked before buying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures, often on newer models with low mileage. These issues can be costly and dangerous, so a thorough inspection is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Forte | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,108 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 103 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 110.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 68 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 3 Better |
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 Forte
- 01ENGINE458
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER202
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM151
- 04POWER TRAIN120
- 05AIR BAGS89
Owners report engines that won't start or accelerate, and some find metal particles in the oil, indicating internal damage. This can lead to expensive repairs or engine replacement.
Complaints include cars stalling and shutting down while driving, sometimes due to fuel pump failure. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents in traffic.
Stalling upon acceleration and transmission issues are reported, which can make merging or crossing intersections risky.
Steering that loosens or tightens, alignment problems, and complete air conditioning failure are mentioned. These affect comfort and control.
“While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function…”
“In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and other engine failures. These can happen at low mileage and require dealer repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, which can be dangerous in traffic or on hills.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off with warning messages, and screen blackouts. These electrical glitches can compromise safety.
Owners report brake pedal firmness but reduced braking effect, and complete brake failure in some cases. This is a critical safety concern.
“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 Forte — 16 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
The risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia custo…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
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 Forte or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA Forte has far fewer complaints per year (about 111) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Forte owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report—like engine and electrical failures—can still be serious. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering problems, especially with the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Key differences
- The KIA Forte averages about 111 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, meaning the Silverado has roughly seven times more complaints annually.
- Forte owners most often report engine problems like failure to start or accelerate, and electrical issues causing stalling; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 16 for the Forte, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Both vehicles have reports of stalling and sudden shutdowns, but the Silverado's complaints also include brake loss and transmission issues, which can be more immediately dangerous.
- Check for engine oil condition and any signs of metal particles, as some owners found this indicating internal engine damage.
- Test drive and listen for stalling or hesitation during acceleration, and check if the car shuts down unexpectedly, especially after fueling.
- Look for any history of engine shutdowns or transmission problems, especially if the truck suddenly goes into neutral or loses power.
- Test the brakes carefully for firmness and stopping ability, as some owners reported sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the car has been in crashes or had repeated repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system for signs of failure.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website and ensure they have been fixed.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission work.
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 Forte | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | 527 |
| 2023 | 63 | 450 |
| 2022 | 27 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 68 | 961 |
| 2020 | 76 | 868 |
| 2019 | 147 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 136 | 597 |
| 2017 | 303 | 1154 |
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 Forte or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Forte vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Forte total complaints
- 1,108
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Forte total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Forte avg complaints/year
- 110.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Forte
- KIA Forte top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE