Head-to-head reliability
KIA Seltos vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Seltos 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 Seltos vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Seltos averages 92 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823, with the Silverado also having 101 recalls versus 7 for the Seltos. Both show engine and electrical issues, but the Silverado's higher volume includes more brake and powertrain complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Seltos or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that has been on the road for about six years, averaging roughly 92 complaints per year. The most common owner complaints involve the engine, with reports of power loss, shaking, and check engine lights, as well as electrical issues like blank instrument clusters. While the overall complaint volume is lower than some vehicles, the engine and transmission problems can be serious and may lead to costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has been sold for many years, and it generates a much higher number of complaints per year—over 800 on average. Owners frequently report engine and powertrain problems, including sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and diesel particulate filter problems. Electrical and brake complaints are also common, with some describing dangerous situations like engine shutdown while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Seltos | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 553 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 92.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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 Seltos
- 01ENGINE293
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER92
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 04POWER TRAIN88
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
Owners report repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, and check engine lights. Some describe the engine seizing while driving, which can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include instrument clusters going completely dark, leaving drivers unable to see speed or fuel level. There are also reports of over-the-air software updates causing issues, which can be frustrating and potentially unsafe.
Drivers experience jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming or grinding noises, and sudden loss of motive power. These problems can affect drivability and may indicate transmission or internal engine damage.
Some owners report catastrophic wheel failures, such as a rim cracking and tire separating while driving. Others mention unusual smells and multiple service visits for unresolved issues, which can be alarming.
“Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between appro…”
“The vehicle has experienced two separate episodes of severe engine/propulsion malfunction approximately two months apart. During the first incident, the vehicle began shaking and idling roughly and had very little acceleration. Pressing the accelerator caused…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations, and may indicate transmission problems.
Drivers report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and are hard to diagnose.
Owners describe severe loss of braking ability, where the vehicle won't stop normally. This is a critical safety concern that should be addressed immediately if experienced.
“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 Seltos — 7 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this reca…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact…
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 Seltos or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Seltos has far fewer complaints per year (about 92) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), suggesting the Seltos may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Seltos still has notable engine and electrical problems, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Seltos might be less likely to leave you stranded, but both vehicles require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Kia Seltos averages about 92 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the Silverado.
- Seltos owners frequently report engine power loss and shaking, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Electrical issues in the Seltos include blank instrument clusters, while Silverado electrical complaints involve sudden loss of braking and engine shut-off.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 7 recalls for the Seltos over 6 years, suggesting more widespread safety fixes for the truck.
- During a test drive, listen for abnormal humming or grinding noises and feel for jerking between gear shifts, which could indicate transmission or engine problems.
- Check that the instrument cluster lights up fully and all gauges work, as some owners report complete failure of the display.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; some owners report a firm pedal but reduced braking ability.
- Pay attention to any warning messages about diesel particulate filter or engine shutdown, and ask for service records related to these issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and any available service records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions (city, highway, parking) to check for power loss, shifting issues, and brake performance.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using the VIN.
- For the Silverado, specifically ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if equipped with a diesel engine.
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 Seltos | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 120 |
| 2025 | 13 | 157 |
| 2024 | 45 | 527 |
| 2023 | 46 | 450 |
| 2022 | 73 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 372 | 961 |
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 Seltos or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Seltos vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Seltos total complaints
- 553
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Seltos total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Seltos avg complaints/year
- 92.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Seltos
- KIA Seltos top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE