Head-to-head reliability
KIA K900 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA K900 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 K900 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The K900 averages 11.3 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 over 10 years. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 1 crash and 0 deaths for the K900. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA K900 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA K900
The Kia K900 is a low-volume luxury sedan, averaging about 11 complaints per year over six years. Owners most often report exterior lighting that flickers or fails, air bag and seat belt warnings, and electrical gremlins that can cause no-start conditions. Brake and engine issues also appear, including a recall for an engine fire risk and ABS control module problems. Overall, the K900 has fewer reported complaints per year, but the issues that do appear can be safety-related and frustrating.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base, averaging about 823 complaints per year over ten years. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with many reports of stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are also 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported. This volume of complaints suggests that while many Silverados are fine, a significant number experience serious reliability and safety problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA K900 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 68 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 K900
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING21
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 04SERVICE BRAKES10
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report automatic headlights that flash on and off with small changes in ambient light, which can distract oncoming drivers and reduce the driver's own view. Some also describe interrupted illumination or loss of headlights at night, a serious safety concern.
Complaints include the passenger front air bag being blocked from opening correctly in a crash, and seat belt warning lights that stay on even when the passenger is belted. These issues could affect occupant protection and are worth checking for open recalls.
Owners report engine fires (linked to a recall for melted engine compartment components) and no-start conditions with a 'Check Brake Fuse' warning. These electrical faults can leave the car undrivable and may be expensive to diagnose.
Reports include ABS and check engine lights, and an electronic parking brake that fails to release, preventing the car from moving. A recall for the ABS control module exists, but parts may not always be available.
“The PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG will be blocked from opening correctly in the event of a front end collision. The AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS lights flash on and off with small changes in ambient light causing distractions to oncoming vehicles and also inhibiting driver…”
“My Kia Consumer Care Case #[XXX] assigned May 2024. For Lights/Headlights/Illumination Safety hazards. My complaint purpose is to explain & show docs. of my Interrupted Illumination Headlights/Loss of Viewing while using the headlights during the night. See a…”
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, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel exhaust fluid or soot accumulation issues requiring dealer service. These can strand drivers and are a major reliability concern.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, which can cause a loss of power. This is dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or control module problems.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off while braking or moving slowly. Such failures increase crash risk and should be investigated before purchase.
“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 K900 — 11 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is S…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners…
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 K900 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia K900 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the Silverado's much higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter engine, transmission, or brake problems, while the K900's lower volume still includes potentially dangerous lighting and air bag issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 75 times more complaints per year than the K900, with engine and power train problems dominating.
- The K900's top complaint area is exterior lighting, while the Silverado's is engine, reflecting different failure patterns.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported; the K900 has 1 crash-related and 1 injury, showing a stark difference in reported severity.
- Both have brake-related recalls, but the Silverado also has recalls for fuel pump and forward collision avoidance, while the K900 has multiple ABS control module recalls.
- Check for open recalls on the ABS control module and engine fire risk, and confirm the automatic headlights work consistently without flickering.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it releases properly, and look for any 'Check Brake Fuse' or no-start symptoms.
- Look for any signs of engine stalling or transmission slipping, especially in newer models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for electrical issues like screens going blank or sudden shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site and confirm all recalls are repaired, especially the K900's ABS and engine fire recalls and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes night driving to check the K900's headlights and the Silverado's braking and transmission behavior.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the K900 for electrical faults and the Silverado for engine, transmission, and brake problems.
- Ask for service records to see if the K900 has had brake or electrical repairs and if the Silverado has had engine or transmission work.
- For the Silverado, specifically test low-speed maneuvering and braking to check for sudden neutral shifts or brake loss.
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 K900 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 2 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 K900 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA K900 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA K900 total complaints
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA K900 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA K900 avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA K900
- KIA K900 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE