Head-to-head reliability
KIA Stinger vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Stinger 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 Stinger vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Stinger averages 28.2 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year with 101 recalls. Both show sudden loss of power or braking in owner reports, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Stinger or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Stinger
The Kia Stinger is a sporty sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—about 28 per year over six years—but the pattern shows serious powertrain and electrical gremlins. Owners report sudden loss of drive, failed recall remedies for the high-pressure fuel pump, and brake/steering issues that can leave the car undrivable. It's a car that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification that recall work was actually done and effective.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint count—over 800 per year for ten years—and a wide range of problems across engine, transmission, brakes, and electronics. Owners describe stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures even on low-mileage trucks. The sheer volume and variety of complaints mean a used Silverado needs a very careful, model-year-specific check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Stinger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Stinger
- 01ENGINE48
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
- 03SERVICE BRAKES30
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report the engine shutting off or refusing to drive when accelerating from a stop, with all dashboard lights on. Some also say the recall fix for the high-pressure fuel pump (software update) didn't solve the problem, leaving them with repeat failures.
Complaints include driver's door switch lighting and ambient lighting colors changing unexpectedly, which can be distracting at night. These electrical glitches may seem minor but point to broader wiring or module issues.
Owners describe braking, steering, and suspension problems that a mechanic traced to a faulty system, sometimes after buying from a used-car retailer. The concern is that brake issues can compromise stopping ability if not addressed.
A brand-new car with just over 300 miles lost power suddenly and would not restart, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Another owner reported the fuel pump recall remedy failed, meaning fuel delivery problems can persist even after the fix.
“I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no…”
“I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V634000 (Kia Recall SC281). The original recall attempted to "fix" a High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue via a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This remedy has failed. My vehicle is c…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. Diesel models have repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include a truck suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and a new vehicle with under 300 miles losing power. These transmission or drivetrain failures can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
One owner experienced a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping power, which is terrifying. Others report the engine shutting off and screens going blank while driving, pointing to electrical faults that affect critical systems.
Braking problems appear both as a sudden loss of braking effectiveness and as the truck shutting off entirely while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. These issues make even low-speed maneuvers risky.
“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 Stinger — 20 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC219.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
The risk: Insufficient fuel supply to the engine can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's n…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-…
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall beg…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia…
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 Stinger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Stinger has far fewer complaints per year (about 28 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both show patterns of sudden loss of power or braking. In practice, the Stinger's lower volume means fewer chances of a problem, but the failures it does have can be just as serious, so neither is a guaranteed safe bet without a careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Stinger's most common complaint area is the engine (48 reports), often tied to stalling or failed fuel-pump recall fixes; the Silverado's engine complaints are far more numerous (2,521) and include shutdowns while driving.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and transmission shifting into neutral, while Stinger owners describe similar loss-of-drive symptoms but at a much lower frequency.
- The Stinger has 20 recalls over six years; the Silverado has 101 over ten years, covering fuel pumps, brakes, and even pedestrian alert systems.
- Electrical gremlins in the Stinger tend to be cosmetic (lighting), whereas Silverado electrical complaints include critical brake and engine-shutdown events.
- Check for any stored codes or history of the high-pressure fuel pump recall (23V634000) and confirm the software update was done—and ask if the owner experienced repeat stalling after the fix.
- Test-drive from a stop multiple times and feel for hesitation or refusal to accelerate; also inspect the driver's door switch lighting and ambient lighting for flickering or color changes.
- During the test drive, pay close attention to braking feel—a firm pedal with poor stopping power is a reported red flag—and check for any messages about 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dash.
- Ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter (on Duramax models) and transmission repairs; also verify that all recalls, especially fuel pump and brake-related ones, have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are closed, especially the fuel pump recall on the Stinger and brake/fuel pump recalls on the Silverado.
- Take a long test drive that includes stops, slow parking-lot maneuvers, and highway speeds, specifically watching for stalling, loss of power, or unusual brake behavior.
- Have a independent mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake systems, and scan for stored trouble codes—even on low-mileage vehicles.
- For the Silverado, check the diesel particulate filter service history if equipped with the Duramax, and for the Stinger, verify the ECU software version matches the recall remedy.
- Ask the seller directly about any repeat repairs for the same issue, and walk away if they mention unresolved stalling or braking problems.
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 Stinger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 450 |
| 2022 | 18 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 17 | 961 |
| 2020 | 16 | 868 |
| 2019 | 44 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 69 | 597 |
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 Stinger or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Stinger vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Stinger total complaints
- 169
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Stinger total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Stinger avg complaints/year
- 28.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Stinger
- KIA Stinger top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE