Head-to-head reliability
KIA RIO vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA RIO 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 RIO vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Kia Rio has 326 complaints over 10 years (about 33 per year) and 12 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Rio's issues often involve engine oil loss and brake failure, whereas the Silverado reports more engine and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA RIO or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA RIO
The Kia Rio is a compact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 326 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 33 per year. The most common issues involve the engine, brakes, and electrical system, with some owners reporting serious problems like oil loss and brake failure. There are also 12 recalls and 35 crash-related complaints, so while the overall rate is low, the severity of some issues is concerning.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and brake problems. There are 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, indicating a higher rate of serious incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA RIO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 326 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 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 RIO
- 01ENGINE128
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER66
- 03SERVICE BRAKES57
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
- 05HYDRAULIC34
Owners report excessive oil consumption, where the oil light flashes and the car runs low on oil within days of a change, and some experience rod bearing failure causing sudden engine loss. This matters because it can lead to expensive repairs or engine replacement.
Complaints include the brake pedal going to the floor and the vehicle not stopping, requiring the emergency brake, and ABS system going in and out. This is a critical safety issue that could cause accidents.
Owners describe the car stalling during warm-up, jerking while stopped, and turning off while driving, as well as theft attempts damaging the ignition. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous driving conditions.
Reports include steering wheel misalignment causing the car to not drive straight, and cruise control maintaining incorrect speeds. These problems affect basic drivability and safety.
“The oil light flashed in the car once after an oil change, so I took the car back the very next day to the mechanic and he said there was no oil in the car at the time. He filled the car back up with oil, and by the end of the week, the car needed oil again,…”
“The engine experienced a rod bearing failure resulting in internal engine damage and sudden loss of normal engine operation. The vehicle and failed engine components are currently available for inspection upon request. The engine failure occurred while the ve…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe issues like diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine failure with loss of power, pinging sounds, and inoperable brakes and steering. These can happen at low mileage and pose serious safety risks.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill, and transmission problems causing loss of motive power. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and loss of motive power with inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop normally, often accompanied by other system failures. This is a major 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 RIO — 12 recalls
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 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto…
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
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…
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 RIO or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Rio has far fewer complaints per year (about 33) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), meaning you're less likely to encounter problems with the Rio. However, the Silverado's higher volume also reflects its popularity, but the sheer number of serious issues like sudden power loss and brake failure makes it a riskier used purchase.
Key differences
- The Kia Rio averages about 33 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 511, a 15-fold difference.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 12 for the Rio, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Rio owners report oil consumption and brake failure; Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures causing sudden power loss.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, compared to 35 crashes and 31 injuries for the Rio.
- Check the oil level and look for signs of excessive consumption or leaks, as owners report needing oil within days of a change.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including ABS operation, and listen for any unusual noises or pedal feel, as some report pedal going to the floor.
- Inspect for any signs of engine issues like pinging or loss of power, and check for diesel particulate filter warnings if equipped with a diesel.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement or slipping, especially during uphill driving or low-speed maneuvers.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes, focusing on the specific issues reported for each model.
- For the Rio, check oil consumption by driving and monitoring the dipstick, and test all electrical components.
- For the Silverado, scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and brakes, and test drive under various conditions.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed, especially for steering, brakes, and latches.
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 RIO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 15 | 934 |
| 2020 | 27 | 0 |
| 2019 | 21 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 28 | 591 |
| 2017 | 31 | 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 RIO or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA RIO vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA RIO total complaints
- 326
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA RIO total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA RIO avg complaints/year
- 32.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA RIO
- KIA RIO top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE