Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Sportage 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 Sportage vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Sportage averaged 125 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have engine and brake issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of long-term reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 125 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating the list. Many owners report excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and needing major engine work, sometimes under recall. While it has fewer total complaints than some rivals, the engine-related problems can be costly and frustrating.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, generates a high volume of owner complaints—over 800 per year on average. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake issues. These trucks are popular but the frequency of serious complaints suggests buyers should be cautious and thorough in inspections.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,246 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 124.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 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 Sportage
- 01ENGINE522
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
- 04SERVICE BRAKES112
- 05POWER TRAIN107
Owners frequently report excessive oil consumption, sometimes needing to add quarts of oil between changes, and engine stalling or overheating. Some also mention diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel mixture. These issues can lead to expensive repairs or even engine replacement.
Complaints include stalling after refueling, difficulty starting, and occasional loss of electrical functions like headlights and signals while driving. This can be dangerous and frustrating, requiring dealer visits for diagnosis.
Some owners describe sudden brake lockup and unintended airbag deployment, as well as denied recall repairs for ABS control module issues. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
While less common than engine issues, some owners report transmission problems or limp mode triggered by engine campaigns. These can leave the vehicle undriveable and require dealer intervention.
“Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue t…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil cha…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe issues like engine shutdown while driving, excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and other engine failures even on new vehicles. These can strand drivers and lead to major repairs.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and other drivetrain failures. These problems can occur at low speeds or while driving, posing safety risks.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shutoff with warning messages, and other electrical glitches. These can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if they affect critical systems.
Reports include brake pedal firmness but reduced braking effect, and complete brake failure in some cases. Brake issues are among the most serious and should be inspected thoroughly.
“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 Sportage — 25 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
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 Sportage or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Sportage has far fewer complaints per year (about 125) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), suggesting the Sportage may have fewer reported problems overall. However, the Sportage's engine issues can be severe, while the Silverado's higher volume means more potential for a wide range of problems. In practice, a used Sportage might be less risky if maintained well, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Kia Sportage has about 125 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has over 800, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Engine issues are the top complaint for both, but Sportage owners often report oil consumption and stalling, while Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and diesel particulate filter problems.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs 84) and injuries (160 vs 73), though these numbers don't prove fault.
- Both have brake-related complaints, but the Sportage has specific ABS control module recalls, while the Silverado has reports of brake failure and electrical braking issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking about oil change intervals and inspecting oil level; listen for engine knocking or stalling during test drive.
- Verify that any open recalls, especially for engine and brakes, have been performed; ask for documentation.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden engine shutdown or transmission slipping; look for warning messages on the dashboard.
- Inspect brake function carefully and ask about any brake-related recalls or repairs; check for firm pedal but reduced stopping power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- During test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, unusual noises, or warning lights.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the braking system and electrical functions like lights and infotainment.
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 Sportage | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37 | 120 |
| 2025 | 52 | 157 |
| 2024 | 71 | 527 |
| 2023 | 191 | 450 |
| 2022 | 46 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 53 | 961 |
| 2020 | 161 | 868 |
| 2019 | 70 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 164 | 597 |
| 2017 | 401 | 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 Sportage or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,246
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 124.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE