Vehicle 1

Mazda Mazda6

528 complaints · 22 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

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

Mazda Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda has 528 complaints over 10 years (52.8/year) and 22 recalls, while the Silverado has 6878 complaints (687.8/year) and 98 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Mazda's are electrical and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Mazda Mazda6
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryMazda Mazda6Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
528
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
22
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
37
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
52.8
✓ lower
687.8

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda Mazda6

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM99
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER86
3. ENGINE78
4. SERVICE BRAKES60
5. POWER TRAIN50

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 Chevrolet Silverado has significantly more complaints per year (687.8) than the Mazda Mazda6 (52.8), suggesting the Mazda may have fewer reported issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume could reflect greater popularity or different usage patterns.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint rates, the Mazda Mazda6 is likely a better choice. If you need a truck's utility and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Silverado may still suit you, but check its specific issues carefully.

Key Differences
  • Silverado has 687.8 complaints/year vs Mazda's 52.8/year.
  • Silverado has 98 recalls vs Mazda's 22.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2056) vs Mazda's ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (99).
  • Silverado has 206 crash complaints vs Mazda's 37.
⚠ Watch on Mazda Mazda6
  • Watch for electrical system issues (99 complaints) and engine problems (78 complaints).
  • Service brake complaints (60) may indicate premature wear or malfunction.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine complaints are very high (2056); check for known failures like lifter or transmission issues.
  • Power train complaints (1925) suggest potential transmission or driveline problems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure recalls were performed.
  • For Mazda6, inspect electrical components (lights, windows, infotainment).
  • For Silverado, test engine and transmission for unusual noises or shifting issues.
  • Request service records, especially for brake and powertrain repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda Mazda6Chevrolet Silverado
2021
17
844
2020
2
787
2019
5
1932
2018
54
0
2017
56
1148
Mazda Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
Mazda Mazda6 total complaints
528
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Mazda Mazda6 total recalls
22
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Mazda Mazda6 avg complaints/year
52.8
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Mazda Mazda6
Mazda Mazda6 top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda Mazda6Reliability & Problems

528 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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