Head-to-head reliability
Mazda 626 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda 626 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
Mazda 626 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 626 averages 167 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 per year with 101 recalls. The 626's issues often involve power train stuttering, whereas the Silverado reports engine shutdowns and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda 626 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda 626
The Mazda 626 is a mid-size sedan with a complaint rate of about 167 per year over three years. Most owner complaints center on the power train, often describing stuttering during acceleration that dealers may misdiagnose. Engine issues like oil leaks and piston ring failures also appear. With only 3 recalls, it has fewer formal safety actions than the Silverado, but the recurring transmission and engine problems suggest a higher likelihood of costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of about 823 per year over ten years. Owners report a wide range of issues, especially with the engine, power train, and electrical system. Some complaints describe sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. With 101 recalls, it has many more safety campaigns, indicating a broader set of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda 626 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 502 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 167.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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.
Mazda 626
- 01POWER TRAIN372
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING42
- 03EQUIPMENT30
- 04AIR BAGS23
- 05SERVICE BRAKES22
Owners frequently report stuttering or hesitation during acceleration, often leading to repeated dealer visits and transmission repairs. This can make the car feel unreliable and may require expensive fixes.
Complaints include sudden engine shutdowns without warning and oil leaks, as well as piston ring failures that cause overheating and low compression. These issues can lead to major engine damage if not addressed.
There are 23 complaints about air bags, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should check for any open recalls related to air bag safety.
With 22 complaints, brake issues are reported, and a recall involves the hydraulic master cylinder. This could affect braking performance and should be inspected.
“AT AROUND 30000 MILES WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER COMPLAINING OF A STUTTERING PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING AND INSISTED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER FOUND NO OBVIOUS PROBLEM BUT DID REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER. TOOK THE CAR BACK SEVERAL…”
“NO CRASHES OR INJURIES JUST YET, BUT I PURCHASED A 2002 MAZDA 626 BRAND NEW AFTER I WAS TALKED INTO IT BY THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD A 2001 626 WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT I BROUGHT IN TO BE SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP (FIVE STAR MAZDA). THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission issues, which can cause loss of power and dangerous situations. This is a common and serious concern.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist and engine shut-offs with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effectiveness, making it hard to stop. This is a major safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“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.
Mazda 626 — 3 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TU…
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The fix: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
The defect: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TU…
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The fix: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFICIENCY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RESERVOIR CAP AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.
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
Mazda 626 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda 626 has far fewer complaints per year (about 167) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means the 626 may have fewer recurring problems, but the Silverado's higher volume and longer production run also contribute to more reports. In practice, the 626 might be simpler to own, while the Silverado could require more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Mazda 626 has about 167 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the truck.
- Power train complaints dominate the 626, often related to stuttering and transmission issues, whereas the Silverado has a broader mix including engine, electrical, and brake problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus only 3 for the 626, suggesting more safety-related campaigns for the truck.
- Owner reports for the Silverado include sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are severe safety concerns, while the 626's issues tend to be more about drivability and engine reliability.
- Check for transmission shudder or hesitation during acceleration, as this is a common complaint that may indicate power train issues.
- Inspect for oil leaks and listen for engine knocking or overheating signs, which could point to piston ring or cooling problems.
- Test drive and watch for sudden engine shutdowns or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral', which owners report as dangerous.
- Check brake pedal feel and function, as some owners experienced a firm pedal with reduced braking, indicating a potential safety defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls have been addressed, especially for the Silverado's many recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the Mazda 626, focusing on stuttering and leaks.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical systems and brakes, and check for any software updates related to engine shutdowns.
- Verify that all open recalls are completed before purchase, as both vehicles have recall histories.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway acceleration and braking to reproduce potential 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 Mazda 626 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda 626 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda 626 total complaints
- 502
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda 626 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda 626 avg complaints/year
- 167.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda 626
- Mazda 626 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE