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 has 166 complaints over 6 years (27.7/yr) with engine and electrical issues, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with engine and powertrain problems. Both have one death reported. 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 performance-oriented sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of engine and electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded. Owners report sudden loss of drive power at stops, stalling, and non-restarting engines, often linked to fuel pump or software issues. Electrical problems like blown fuses for the rear defroster add to the frustration. While not as numerous as some trucks, the complaints are concentrated in critical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and longer production run. The dominant issues are engine failures, particularly with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel variants, including sudden power loss and DPF clogging. Transmission problems and electrical glitches that affect braking and steering are also reported, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
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 | 166 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Stinger
- 01ENGINE47
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
- 03SERVICE BRAKES30
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report sudden loss of drive power while stopped or driving, with the engine stalling and refusing to restart. Some link this to a failed remedy for a high-pressure fuel pump recall, where a software update didn't fix the underlying issue.
Electrical failures include the rear window defroster stopping due to a blown fuse, and more critically, dashboard lights coming on with engine shutdown. These issues can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Brake-related complaints often accompany the engine stalling, where the car won't move when the brake is released. Some owners also report vague steering/braking/suspension problems that affect control.
Fuel system problems are tied to the high-pressure fuel pump, with owners experiencing sudden power loss and stalling, sometimes on busy roads, creating dangerous situations. A recall remedy was attempted but has failed for some.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with reports of sudden loss of power and loud pinging noises, especially in 6.2L and Duramax diesel models. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging is a recurring issue, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be hazardous. Owners also report loss of motive power, sometimes accompanied by brake and steering failure.
Electrical issues can cause severe braking loss, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, and can also lead to loss of power steering and engine power. These are critical safety concerns.
Brake complaints often involve sudden loss of normal braking, sometimes after a stop, with the pedal feeling firm but not engaging. This is a serious safety issue that has led to crashes.
“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 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the steering locking or becoming difficult while d…
The risk: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS Assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC193.
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…
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 Stinger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The KIA Stinger has far fewer complaints per year (27.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Stinger's problems are still serious, involving engine and electrical failures. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity but also a greater likelihood of encountering a problem.
Key differences
- The Stinger has a much lower complaint rate (27.7/year) than the Silverado (510.5/year), but both have serious engine and electrical issues.
- Stinger owners report sudden loss of drive power and stalling, often linked to fuel pump issues, while Silverado owners report engine failures and transmission shifts to neutral.
- Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) compared to Stinger (6 crashes, 2 injuries), but both have one death reported.
- The Stinger's electrical problems include blown fuses for the defroster, while the Silverado's electrical issues can cause loss of braking and steering.
- Check for any open recalls, especially the high-pressure fuel pump recall (23V634000), and verify if the remedy was applied and if symptoms persist.
- Test drive at low speeds and from a stop to ensure the car doesn't stall or fail to move when the brake is released.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of power loss or unusual noises, especially if it's a 6.2L or Duramax diesel. Ask for service records related to DPF cleaning or replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking power. Also, check for any warning messages related to electrical systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Stinger, specifically ask about the fuel pump recall and any related repairs.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine or transmission replacements and check the DPF status if diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
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 | 0 |
| 2022 | 17 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 17 | 934 |
| 2020 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | 44 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 67 | 591 |
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
- 166
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- KIA Stinger total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- KIA Stinger avg complaints/year
- 27.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Stinger
- KIA Stinger top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE