Head-to-head reliability
KIA NIRO vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA NIRO 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 NIRO vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Niro averages 43 complaints per year with 15 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 36). The Niro's issues often involve hybrid clutch and battery failures; the Silverado's involve engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA NIRO or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA NIRO
The Kia Niro is a hybrid that owners often buy for fuel economy, but the complaint pattern shows a mix of powertrain and electrical headaches. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 43 complaints per year, with power train and electrical system issues leading the list. Owners report clutch engagement problems, 12-volt battery failures, and check engine lights. While less frequent than the Silverado, these issues can still leave you stranded or facing costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a much higher complaint volume—about 510 per year over the same period. Engine and power train complaints dominate, with many owners reporting serious failures like sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake issues. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests that while many Silverados serve reliably, a notable share experience major mechanical problems. Buyers should be prepared for potentially higher maintenance and repair costs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA NIRO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 434 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 43.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 NIRO
- 01POWER TRAIN111
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM99
- 03ENGINE91
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 05SERVICE BRAKES42
Owners of the dual-clutch hybrid report intermittent clutch disengagement, causing the car to lurch forward even with the brake applied. This can be dangerous in stop-and-go traffic and may require transmission work.
The 12-volt battery has failed completely in some nearly new Niros, leaving the vehicle unresponsive. Check engine lights and other electrical glitches are also common, often leading to dealer visits.
Recurring check engine lights, sometimes traced to a failing catalytic converter (P0420 code), are reported. This can affect emissions and require expensive replacement.
Some owners report brake-related issues, though less frequently than power train or electrical problems. Brake performance should be checked, especially if the car has been sitting.
“This is a hybrid vehicle. It has Dual clutch transmission. Since I have owned it, intermittently the clutch does not disengage completely. This causes the vehicle to try to pull ahead but my foot is on the brake. The vehicle does not stall. Somehow it figures…”
“I received important safety recall letter for NHTSA recall # 23V534. the HCA & or Fuse might need to be replaced . I brought the 2021 Nero to my local Kia dealership, Eagle kia ,Riverhead NY on January 18th. The dealership still has the vehicle & claims that…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power, loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral and clutch or torque converter failures. These problems can cause loss of control and are often expensive to fix.
Electrical glitches can cause braking loss, steering failure, and engine shutdown. These are serious safety concerns that may appear without warning.
Reports of sudden, severe loss of braking with a firm pedal indicate potential hydraulic or electronic brake failures. This is a critical safety issue 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 NIRO — 15 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain…
The risk: Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer s…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain…
The risk: Air bags and seat belts that deploy improperly or an air bag deploying unintentionally can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer s…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
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 NIRO or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Niro has far fewer complaints per year (about 43 vs. 510 for the Silverado), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems. However, the Niro still has notable powertrain and electrical issues. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of major repairs, but both vehicles require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Niro, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Niro owners frequently report hybrid clutch and 12-volt battery failures, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls vs. 15 for the Niro, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 36) and injuries (104 vs. 31).
- Check for transmission shudder or lurching at low speeds, which could indicate clutch actuator problems.
- Test the 12-volt battery and ask if it has been replaced; a dead battery can leave you stranded.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, as sudden brake failure has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the hybrid clutch and battery on the Niro, and the engine and transmission on the Silverado.
- Test drive at various speeds, including stop-and-go traffic, to check for transmission issues.
- Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially P0420 on the Niro or P2463 on the Silverado diesel.
- Verify that the brakes operate smoothly and without delay, as both vehicles have brake-related complaints.
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 NIRO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 98 |
| 2025 | 16 | 150 |
| 2024 | 9 | 0 |
| 2023 | 42 | 0 |
| 2022 | 30 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 9 | 934 |
| 2020 | 61 | 0 |
| 2019 | 97 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 70 | 591 |
| 2017 | 98 | 0 |
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 NIRO or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA NIRO vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA NIRO total complaints
- 434
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA NIRO total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA NIRO avg complaints/year
- 43.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA NIRO
- KIA NIRO top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE