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 averages 32.6 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reported brake and engine issues, but the Silverado's complaint volume is much higher. 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 that averages about 33 complaints per year over the past decade, with 12 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve engine problems, brake issues, and electrical glitches, including reports of fires and brake failure. While the total complaint count is lower than the Silverado's, the Rio still has notable safety-related complaints, including 35 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. For a used-car buyer, this suggests that while the Rio may be cheaper to run, it has its own set of reliability concerns that need careful inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission issues. The high volume of complaints and recalls indicates that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability problems, some of which occur at very low mileage. For a used-truck buyer, this means being extra cautious and checking for these common failure patterns.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 RIO
- 01ENGINE128
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER66
- 03SERVICE BRAKES57
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
- 05HYDRAULIC34
Owners report engine-related issues such as a 2018 Rio catching fire while driving, and repeated failures of components like the clockspring (which affects airbags and electrical systems). These can lead to costly repairs and safety risks, so a buyer should check for recalls and have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical system.
Complaints describe brakes that work intermittently, with one owner reporting the car caught fire after brake trouble, and another saying the brake pedal felt like it was still applied after releasing it. This suggests potential master cylinder or ABS problems, so test the brakes thoroughly and look for recall repairs.
Multiple owners mention failed clockspring repairs (affecting airbags and steering wheel controls) and other electrical gremlins. These can be expensive to fix and may compromise safety features, so check for warning lights and ensure all electrical functions work.
Complaints include overly sensitive control stalks for lights and turn signals, and ABS and cruise control behaving erratically. These annoyances may indicate broader electrical or sensor issues, so test all controls during a test drive.
“The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then…”
“My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I n…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs, so check for engine-related recalls and service history.
Complaints include a new Silverado suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill and another with less than 300 miles experiencing transmission failure. Such issues can cause loss of power and accidents, so test drive at various speeds and check for transmission recalls.
Owners report sudden loss of braking, engine shutdown while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral', and blank screens. These electrical faults can be dangerous, so verify all electronic systems and look for related recalls.
Complaints describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. This points to potential brake system or electronic control issues, so have a mechanic inspect the brakes and ABS.
“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 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 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.
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 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 823), but both have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Rio may be less likely to overwhelm you with problems, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and often occur at low mileage. Neither vehicle is trouble-free, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential for both.
Key differences
- The Kia Rio averages about 33 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine and transmission failures at very low mileage, including sudden shutdowns and loss of power, whereas Rio complaints often involve brakes and electrical issues like clockspring failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 12 for the Rio, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have reports of fires and brake problems, but the Silverado's complaints include more instances of engine shutdown while driving, which can be extremely dangerous.
- Check for any signs of brake fluid leaks or master cylinder issues, as recalls and complaints point to brake problems.
- Test all electrical components, especially the clockspring (horn, airbags, steering wheel controls), and look for warning lights.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax diesel.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure the truck does not unexpectedly go into neutral or shut off while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brakes, engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, test the brakes at various speeds and check for any warning lights or unusual behavior.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for transmission and engine shutdown issues by driving at highway speeds and in parking lots.
- For the Rio, verify the clockspring and airbag systems are functional and check for any signs of fire damage or electrical faults.
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 | 450 |
| 2022 | 11 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 15 | 961 |
| 2020 | 27 | 868 |
| 2019 | 21 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 28 | 597 |
| 2017 | 31 | 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 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
- 8,227
- KIA RIO total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA RIO avg complaints/year
- 32.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA RIO
- KIA RIO top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE