Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 30 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 30 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda CX 30 has 253 complaints over 7 years (36 per year) and 10 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823 per year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 21 injuries for the CX 30. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 30 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 30
The Mazda CX 30 is a compact SUV that has drawn 253 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 36 per year. Owners frequently report engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance problems, with some complaints describing sudden braking, stiff steering, and sensor malfunctions. There are 10 recalls covering air bags, brakes, and lane departure systems. While not every vehicle will experience these issues, the pattern suggests a need for careful inspection of safety systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has generated 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Common trouble spots include engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, with reports of engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are 101 recalls addressing fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings. The high complaint volume indicates that many owners have faced significant reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 30 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 253 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 30
- 01ENGINE67
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER49
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM47
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE36
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report random braking, stiff steering, and unknown malfunction codes, as well as concerns about reliability and safety at low mileage. These issues can affect vehicle control and may require dealer diagnostics.
Complaints include multiple warranty repairs for critical safety systems and warnings like 'ActiveSense system malfunction.' Such failures can disable advanced driver aids and create distraction or risk.
Drivers describe unexpected automatic emergency braking at highway speeds, especially in cold temperatures, and false positive sensor errors. These can cause sudden, unnecessary braking and increase crash risk.
Some owners report brake-related issues, though specific symptoms are less detailed in the sample. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be checked thoroughly.
“I am writing regarding my 2025 Mazda CX-30, purchased brand new with 0 miles on [XXX]. The vehicle currently has 22,000 miles. I am extremely concerned about the reliability and, most importantly, the SAFETY of this vehicle. August 29, 2025: I brought the veh…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Mazda. The contact stated that the vehicle was braking randomly while driving. There was an unknown malfunction code that flashed quickly. The steering was stiff and failed to turn. The steering wheel adjusted and guided the vehicle in…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and loss of power. These can leave the vehicle stranded or create dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of acceleration. Such problems can cause loss of control, especially at low speeds or in traffic.
Drivers describe severe loss of braking, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are alarming.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and complete shutdown while moving. Brake failure is a major safety hazard that demands 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 CX 30 — 10 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
The risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not auto…
The risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
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 30 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 30 has far fewer complaints per year (about 36) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a used CX 30 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but both vehicles have safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 30 averages about 36 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a roughly 23-fold difference.
- Mazda CX 30 complaints often involve forward collision avoidance and electrical glitches, while Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 10 for the CX 30, covering issues like fuel pumps and tires.
- Both vehicles have reports of brake problems, but the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking, which is particularly dangerous.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, such as unexpected automatic emergency braking or false sensor alerts.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly, including infotainment, driver aids, and warning lights, as multiple owners reported repeated safety system failures.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any signs of engine shutdown or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on diesel models.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure no sudden neutral engagement; also verify brake function, as some owners reported sudden brake loss.
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, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking systems if equipped.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any warranty repairs related to safety systems.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 30 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 120 |
| 2025 | 26 | 157 |
| 2024 | 31 | 527 |
| 2023 | 25 | 450 |
| 2022 | 33 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 101 | 961 |
| 2020 | 33 | 868 |
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 30 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 30 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 30 total complaints
- 253
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda CX 30 total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda CX 30 avg complaints/year
- 36.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 30
- Mazda CX 30 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE