Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda CX 90 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 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda CX-90 has 835 complaints over 3 years (278/year) and 13 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 26 injuries for the Mazda. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 90
The Mazda CX-90 is a newer three-row SUV with an average of 278 complaints per year over three years. The most common owner-reported problem is steering that becomes stiff or locks, often accompanied by warning lights and an inability to shift out of Park. Other reports include engine and electrical glitches, such as safety cameras failing and screens glitching, plus water leaks and chemical fumes. These issues can affect daily driving and safety, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much longer history, averaging 823 complaints per year over ten years. Owners frequently report engine problems, including rough running and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as power train failures like sudden neutral engagement. Electrical system complaints often involve braking loss and engine shutdowns while driving. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Silverado has a broader and more severe set of reported issues than the Mazda.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 835 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 278.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 90
- 01STEERING375
- 02ENGINE138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER98
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locked while driving or at start-up, often with multiple dashboard warning lights and an inability to shift from Park to Drive. This can make the vehicle hard to control or leave you stranded, so test the steering at low and high speeds and check for warning lights.
Complaints include the safety camera system failing and the touch screen glitching shortly after driving, as reported by a rental customer. These electrical gremlins can distract the driver and may indicate broader software or sensor issues, so verify all camera and screen functions work.
Similar to engine complaints, owners report the safety camera system and touch screen malfunctioning, with warning lights illuminating. This can affect driver assistance features and overall usability, so check that all electronic systems operate correctly during a test drive.
Reports include water pouring into the cabin from the overhead console after heavy rain, and strong chemical fumes entering the passenger cabin. These issues can lead to mold, odors, or health concerns, so inspect for water stains and smell for unusual odors.
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs, so check for recall completion and scan for stored codes.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues after engine problems. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move, so test transmission engagement and listen for unusual noises.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-off while driving with screens going blank. These are serious safety concerns, so have a mechanic inspect the braking and electrical systems thoroughly.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failure can lead to crashes, so check brake function and look for related recalls or service bulletins.
“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 90 — 13 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not fun…
The risk: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel 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 body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this r…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arm…
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda'…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
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 90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 278) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer reported deaths (0 vs. 3). In practice, this means the Mazda may have a lower frequency of reported problems, but both vehicles have serious issues that require careful inspection. The Silverado's longer history and higher complaint volume suggest a broader range of potential failures.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-90 has about 278 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Mazda CX-90 owners most often report steering that becomes stiff or locks, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are potentially more severe.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 13 recalls and 0 deaths for the Mazda, suggesting a wider safety history for the Silverado.
- Mazda CX-90 complaints include water leaks and chemical fumes, while Silverado complaints include transmission suddenly going into neutral and diesel particulate filter issues.
- During a test drive, check if the steering wheel becomes stiff or locks, especially at start-up or low speeds, and look for any dashboard warning lights.
- Inspect for water stains around the overhead console and sunroof switches, and smell for chemical fumes inside the cabin.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; a firm pedal with reduced stopping power is a reported red flag.
- Listen for engine noises and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dashboard, which indicate shutdown issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Mazda's steering and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake systems.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the steering system on the Mazda CX-90 and the engine, transmission, and brakes on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- During a test drive, deliberately test the steering at various speeds, the brakes, and all electronic features like cameras and touch screens.
- Check for water leaks in the Mazda by looking under the dashboard and overhead console, and for chemical odors.
- For the Silverado, scan for diagnostic trouble codes and ask about any history of engine shutdowns or transmission 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 | Mazda CX 90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 120 |
| 2025 | 30 | 157 |
| 2024 | 785 | 527 |
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 90 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 90 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 90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 835
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 278.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 90
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE