Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Mazda5 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 Mazda5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda5 has 410 complaints over 10 years (41/year) and 15 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Mazda5's issues often involve steering and tires; the Silverado's involve engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda5 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda5
The Mazda Mazda5 is a compact minivan with a modest complaint volume: 410 complaints over 10 years, averaging 41 per year. The most common trouble spots are the steering system, tires, and suspension, with owners reporting power steering warning lights, violent shaking, and uneven tire wear. There are 15 recalls and 29 crash-related complaints, but no deaths reported. For a buyer, this suggests a vehicle that can develop nagging mechanical issues, especially in the front end and steering, but the overall rate of reported problems is relatively low.
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 frequent issues involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. There are 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, including 3 deaths. For a buyer, this indicates a truck that may require more frequent attention and could have serious safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda5 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 410 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 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 Mazda5
- 01STEERING101
- 02TIRES59
- 03SUSPENSION57
- 04STRUCTURE36
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report the power steering light coming on and staying on, sometimes accompanied by violent shaking while driving at highway speeds. This can make steering feel unpredictable and may lead to loss of control.
Complaints include tire blowouts that cause loss of control and accidents, as well as uneven wear such as cupping on the inner edges. This means tires may need frequent replacement and can fail suddenly.
Owners describe persistent edge wear and cupping on tires, and some report transmission control module failures due to heat. These issues can lead to costly repairs and affect ride stability.
The driver door handle can break on low-mileage vehicles, and there are recalls for the liftgate. A broken door handle can trap occupants or prevent entry, which is a safety concern.
“I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. THERE WERE TIMES THAT I HAVE HAD MY CAR PARKED OVERNIGHT, GOT UP THE NEXT MORNING TO LEAVE FOR WORK, THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON FROM THE PREVIOUS AFTERNOON. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE REAR TIRE RIM WAS BENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MP…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' There are also diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and are expensive to fix.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission issues. This can cause loss of power and potential accidents, especially in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off, and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features and are hard to diagnose.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off entirely in parking lots. Brake failure is a serious safety risk that needs 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 Mazda5 — 15 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
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 Mazda5 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda5 has far fewer complaints per year (41 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (15 vs. 101). In practice, this means the Mazda5 is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but both vehicles have safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of encountering issues, especially with the engine and electrical system.
Key differences
- The Mazda5 averages 41 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823, a 20-fold difference in reported problem frequency.
- Mazda5 issues cluster around steering, tires, and suspension; Silverado issues center on engine, power train, and electrical systems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 15 for the Mazda5, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Silverado complaints include 3 deaths and 160 injuries, while Mazda5 has 0 deaths and 28 injuries, though both have crash-related reports.
- Check for power steering warning lights and any history of steering shake or vibration at highway speeds.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear, especially cupping on inner edges, and check the driver door handle for smooth operation.
- Test drive and look for any engine stalling, hesitation, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.'
- Check brake pedal feel and ensure there is no sudden loss of braking; also ask about any diesel particulate filter service history.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the Mazda5's liftgate and the Silverado's fuel pump.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Mazda5's steering system, suspension, and tires for uneven wear or damage.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test the electrical system thoroughly.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises and feel for any shaking, hesitation, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for oil changes and any transmission or brake repairs.
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 Mazda5 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Mazda5 total complaints
- 410
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mazda Mazda5 total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda Mazda5 avg complaints/year
- 41.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda5
- Mazda Mazda5 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE