Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 3 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 CX 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CX 3 has 111 complaints over 7 years (about 16 per year), while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (about 823 per year). The CX 3 also has fewer recalls (9 vs 101) and crash-related complaints (9 vs 233). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 3
The Mazda CX 3 is a small SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 111 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 16 per year. Owners report issues with the electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, and engine, including stalling and instrument cluster failures. There are 9 recalls, 9 crash-related complaints, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths. Overall, it appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but some complaints involve serious safety concerns like sudden stalling.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake problems. There are 101 recalls, 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This suggests a higher frequency of reported issues, though it's a popular truck with many units on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 111 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 CX 3
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
- 04ENGINE10
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION10
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while braking, such as the throttle opening wide and jumping a curb, and instrument cluster failures with multiple warning lights. These can be frightening and may not be reproducible at the dealer, making diagnosis difficult.
Complaints include the engine stalling and dying while driving at highway speeds, sometimes restarting after a few minutes. This poses a serious safety risk, especially if it happens in traffic.
Some owners report the engine stalling and dying, as well as abnormal noises and brake scraping sounds. These issues can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
There are complaints about the rear camera display and driver assistance systems restarting continuously in cold weather, making backup navigation unavailable for up to 15 minutes. This can hinder safe reversing.
“WHILE I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND BRAKING THE THROTTLE OPENED WIDE AND I JUMPED THE CURB. I REAPPLIED THE BRAKES HARD AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AFTER SKIDDING 4 FEET. (TIRE MARKS MEASURED). I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG.…”
“The instrument cluster in my 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed at approximately 50,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning lights, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/saf…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, including messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start', and diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded and are dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and the engine shutting off, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can cause loss of control and potential accidents.
Reports of sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can compromise critical safety functions.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle would not stop as expected, and the truck shutting off entirely in parking lots. Brake failures are a major safety concern.
“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 CX 3 — 9 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safe…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
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 CX 3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 16) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a used CX 3 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its popularity and greater number of units on the road. Both have serious safety-related complaints, so neither should be considered problem-free.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 3 averages about 16 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Mazda CX 3 complaints often involve stalling and electrical glitches, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 9 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints for the CX 3.
- Both vehicles have reports of sudden loss of power or braking, but the Silverado's larger size and weight may make such failures more hazardous.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or sudden acceleration; test drive at various speeds and ask for service records.
- Inspect the instrument cluster and driver assistance systems for warning lights or intermittent failures, especially in cold weather.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission problems, such as rough shifting, unexpected neutral engagement, or shutdown messages.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of assist or unusual pedal feel, and check for electrical issues like blank screens.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or warning lights, and test all driver assistance features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax 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 | Mazda CX 3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1 | 868 |
| 2019 | 27 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 10 | 597 |
| 2017 | 21 | 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 Mazda CX 3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Mazda CX 3 inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 3 total complaints
- 111
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda CX 3 total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda CX 3 avg complaints/year
- 15.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 3
- Mazda CX 3 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE