Head-to-head reliability
KIA Rondo vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Rondo 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 Rondo vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Rondo averages 29.7 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has 104 injuries vs. 24 for the Rondo. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Rondo or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Rondo
The KIA Rondo is a compact people mover that averages about 30 complaints per year, with steering and air bag issues standing out. Owners frequently report losing steering control after hitting puddles, and some say air bags failed to deploy in crashes. With 11 recalls over a decade, it's a vehicle that demands attention to safety systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—about 510 per year—and 100 recalls. Engine and power train problems dominate, including stalling, loss of power, and transmission issues, often on very new trucks. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, sometimes involving sudden braking loss.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Rondo | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 297 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 33 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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 Rondo
- 01STEERING50
- 02AIR BAGS50
- 03ENGINE42
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
Owners report that driving through puddles can cause the steering to lock up or become uncontrollable for up to 45 seconds. This is a serious safety concern, especially in wet conditions, and could lead to loss of control.
Several complaints describe air bags failing to deploy in crashes, including a rollover where only passenger-side bags deployed. This raises questions about occupant protection in certain impacts.
Some owners say the engine can stall while driving, and the power steering may seize at the same time. This combination can make the car hard to control and leave you stranded.
Brake-related complaints often overlap with steering issues, such as the car locking up in puddles. There are also recalls for antilock brake control modules, which could affect braking performance.
“EVERY TIME I GO THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE I LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING THE VEHICLE. IT HAS HAPPENED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY NUMEROUS TIMES, LASTS A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I REGAIN CONTROL OF STEERING. FORTUNATELY, IT'S HAPPENED ON MY STREET FOR THE MOST PART. LAS…”
“WHEN IT IS RAINING OR AFTER RAIN IF THERE ARE STILL PUDDLES IN THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR GOES THROUGH ANY PUDDLES THE STEERING LOCKS UP FOR AT LEAST 45 SECONDS. I HAD MY DAUGHTER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE AND THIS HAPPENED TO HER. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PU…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many owners report engine problems, including stalling, loss of power, and excessive soot buildup in diesel models. Some of these occur at very low mileage, leaving drivers stranded.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of motive power. These issues can happen even on new trucks with under 300 miles, posing a risk of accidents.
Owners describe electrical glitches that can cause braking loss, inoperable steering, and warning messages. These failures can happen suddenly and affect critical driving functions.
Some reports mention a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is alarming and could lead to crashes if not addressed.
“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 Rondo — 11 recalls
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 Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
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 Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia 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 Rondo or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA Rondo has far fewer complaints per year (about 30 vs. 510 for the Silverado), but its issues often involve steering and air bags, which are critical safety systems. The Silverado's higher volume means more frequent problems, but many are engine and transmission related. In practice, the Rondo may have fewer overall incidents, but the ones it has can be severe.
Key differences
- The KIA Rondo has about 30 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 500 per year.
- Rondo owners frequently report steering lock-up in puddles and air bag non-deployment; Silverado owners report engine stalling, transmission failures, and electrical glitches.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to 11 for the Rondo, indicating more widespread safety actions.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Silverado has 104 injuries vs. 24 for the Rondo, though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Test the steering in wet conditions or after driving through puddles to see if it locks up or becomes hard to turn.
- Ask if the air bag system has been inspected or repaired, especially if the vehicle was in a crash; check for any open recalls.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises and feel for any hesitation or loss of power, especially during acceleration.
- Check for transmission smoothness; sudden neutral engagement or harsh shifting is a reported issue. Also test brakes for firmness and stopping ability.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the steering system, air bags, and brakes on the KIA Rondo, and the engine, transmission, and electrical system on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including wet roads for the Rondo and highway speeds for the Silverado.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the reported problem areas.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer or independent shop familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 Rondo or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Rondo vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Rondo total complaints
- 297
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA Rondo total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA Rondo avg complaints/year
- 29.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Rondo
- KIA Rondo top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE