Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Mazda3 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 Mazda3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda3 averages 41.5 complaints per year and has 19 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. Silverado owners more often report severe engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda Mazda3 is a compact car that averages about 41.5 complaints per year over the past decade, with 19 recalls. Owners most often report electrical glitches, engine issues, and forward collision avoidance problems. The complaint pattern suggests a car that is generally manageable but has some recurring electronic and safety system quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 822.7 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system. The volume of complaints indicates that many owners experience significant mechanical and electrical problems, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 415 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Mazda3
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER90
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM83
- 03ENGINE52
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES39
Owners report the infotainment system (Connectivity Master Unit) failing completely, with the screen going blank and error codes logged. This can affect backup camera function and other electronic features, leading to expensive repairs.
Some owners describe sudden engine malfunctions, including a loud bang and loss of power, as well as low oil level warnings on relatively new vehicles. These issues can strand drivers and may indicate premature wear or component failure.
Complaints include the forward collision avoidance system activating unexpectedly, sometimes with ABS warning lights, and instances of unintended acceleration or revving. Such behavior can startle the driver and potentially increase crash risk.
While fewer complaints mention brakes, some owners report issues with brake calipers or hydraulic components. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately if symptoms appear.
“The contact's daughter had rented a 2023 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle veered off to the left side of the highway and side-swiped a cable system; the vehicle then crashed into the en…”
“I was denied work on a network issue recall 3 separate times at the dealership I bought the car. The first time I was told it was because of a smell. If I clean the car, they will fix it. I noticed after they were in the car my backup camera didn’t work which…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report severe engine problems, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can leave the truck undrivable and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, and complete loss of acceleration. This can happen in traffic or parking lots, creating a dangerous situation.
Owners describe the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. There are also reports of sudden, severe loss of normal braking despite a firm pedal, which is a serious safety concern.
Braking issues are reported, including the vehicle not stopping normally and screens going blank while braking. These symptoms suggest potential problems with the brake system or related electronics that could impair stopping ability.
“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 Mazda3 — 19 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is…
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.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
The risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will…
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 Mazda3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 41.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 822.7). In practice, this means a used Mazda3 buyer is likely to encounter fewer reported problems overall, while a Silverado buyer should be prepared for a higher chance of significant engine, transmission, and electrical issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 20 times more complaints per year than the Mazda3 (822.7 vs. 41.5), indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues.
- Silverado complaints frequently involve severe engine and power train failures, such as sudden shutdowns and transmission neutral drops, while Mazda3 complaints are more often electrical or infotainment-related.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years compared to 19 for the Mazda3, suggesting more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Mazda3 owners report forward collision avoidance system glitches, while Silverado owners report braking and electrical problems that can cause loss of control.
- Check the infotainment system for any signs of failure, such as a blank screen or error messages, and confirm that the backup camera works.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or check for low oil level warnings, especially on newer models with low mileage.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for any sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
- Inspect brake function carefully; a firm pedal with poor stopping power or any electrical glitches during braking could indicate a serious issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Mazda3, test all electronic features, including the infotainment screen, backup camera, and forward collision warning system.
- For the Silverado, take an extended test drive that includes highway and stop-and-go traffic to check for sudden shutdowns or transmission problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past repairs related to the complaints listed here.
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 Mazda3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 120 |
| 2025 | 16 | 157 |
| 2024 | 12 | 527 |
| 2023 | 12 | 450 |
| 2022 | 24 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 52 | 961 |
| 2020 | 32 | 868 |
| 2019 | 74 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 108 | 597 |
| 2017 | 83 | 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 Mazda3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Mazda3 total complaints
- 415
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda Mazda3 total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda Mazda3 avg complaints/year
- 41.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda3
- Mazda Mazda3 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE