Vehicle 1

Mazda Mazda2

31 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mazda Mazda2 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda2 has only 31 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 6,878 complaints and 98 recalls. The Mazda2's top issues are steering and air bags; the Silverado's are engine and powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mazda Mazda2
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryMazda Mazda2Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
31
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
3
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
3.1
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda Mazda2

1. STEERING9
2. AIR BAGS5
3. SUSPENSION5
4. SEATS4
5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mazda Mazda2 has far fewer complaints per year (3.1 vs 687.8) and recalls (6 vs 98), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. This suggests the Mazda2 is likely to be more reliable and less troublesome for a used-car buyer.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize reliability and lower risk of major repairs, choose the Mazda Mazda2. If you need a full-size truck for towing or hauling, the Chevrolet Silverado may be necessary, but be prepared for potential engine, powertrain, and electrical issues.

Key Differences
  • Mazda2 has 31 total complaints over 10 years; Silverado has 6,878.
  • Silverado has 98 recalls; Mazda2 has 6.
  • Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2,056) and POWER TRAIN (1,925); Mazda2's top issues are STEERING (9) and AIR BAGS (5).
  • Silverado has 206 crash complaints; Mazda2 has 3.
⚠ Watch on Mazda Mazda2
  • Watch for steering issues (9 complaints) and suspension problems (5 complaints).
  • Check air bag system (5 complaints) and seat integrity (4 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be alert for engine problems (2,056 complaints) and powertrain failures (1,925 complaints).
  • Electrical system issues (1,263 complaints) and brake problems (1,077 complaints) are common.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Review service history for any complaints related to top issues.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on known problem areas.
  • Test drive to feel for steering, suspension, or brake anomalies.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda Mazda2Chevrolet Silverado
2021
0
844
2020
0
787
2019
0
1932
2018
0
0
2017
0
1148
Mazda Mazda2 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda Mazda2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
Mazda Mazda2 total complaints
31
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Mazda Mazda2 total recalls
6
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Mazda Mazda2 avg complaints/year
3.1
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Mazda Mazda2
Mazda Mazda2 top complaint area
STEERING
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda Mazda2Reliability & Problems

31 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mazda Mazda2 or Chevrolet Silverado?

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