Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mazda6 averages 54 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510, a tenfold difference. Silverado owners report severe engine and transmission failures, while Mazda6 issues include electrical glitches and frame rust. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda6
The Mazda Mazda6 is a midsize sedan that, over the past decade, has generated a moderate number of complaints, averaging about 54 per year. Owners frequently report issues with the electrical system, including sudden loss of power and infotainment failures, as well as engine problems like overheating and low oil pressure. There are also notable concerns about rust on the frame and crossmember, which can affect structural integrity. While not as numerous as some trucks, these issues suggest a need for careful inspection, especially in regions with road salt.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain failures, including severe issues like sudden loss of power and transmission slipping, often occurring at low mileage. Electrical system problems can lead to brake and steering failures, which are critical safety concerns. With 100 recalls and over 5,000 complaints, the Silverado shows a pattern of significant reliability challenges that buyers should weigh heavily.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 538 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 37 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Mazda6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER89
- 03ENGINE79
- 04SERVICE BRAKES60
- 05POWER TRAIN51
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration and steering while driving, often accompanied by warning lights, which can be dangerous. Infotainment screens freeze or go black, and steering wheel controls stop working, indicating a broader electrical gremlin.
Overheating and low oil pressure warnings are common, sometimes shortly after oil changes, suggesting potential oil consumption or sensor issues. These can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Frequent brake replacements (one owner reported 15 times) and issues with brake light harnesses indicate premature wear or electrical faults. Rust on rear cradle and crossmember can compromise brake mounting points.
Severe rust on the front frame and crossmember, especially in salt-belt states, is a major concern. Recall fixes may be inadequate, as parts don't connect properly, leading to suspension components rotting out.
“was driving on the highway when the check engine light came on. not 10 minutes later, I lost acceleration and steering. managed to get to the shoulder just in time before my car pretty much died. the water light and battery light came on when I came to a stop…”
“AFTER PURCHASING A 2019 MAZDA6 IN JULY 2019, THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS IN WHICH I START THE CAR AND THE DISPLAY SCREEN FREEZES OR IS BLACK, NOT DISPLAYING ANYTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK. I'VE ALSO EX…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Catastrophic engine failures, such as sudden loss of power at highway speeds, are reported, sometimes in new vehicles with low miles. Diesel models face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral or fail to engage, especially when climbing hills, which can leave drivers stranded. These issues often occur within the first few thousand miles.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking power and steering control, as well as loud pinging from the engine. These are critical safety failures that may not trigger warning lights until it's too late.
Brake systems can fail to stop the vehicle normally, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, indicating a possible electronic or hydraulic issue. This is especially dangerous in emergency situations.
“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 Mazda6 — 22 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. M…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, O…
The risk: Corrosion may weaken the mounting point for the passenger side lower control arm, unexpectedly changing the steering alignment and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross member and either install a side member and drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, free of charge. The recall…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Mazda Mazda6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda6 has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), making it a more reliable choice on average. While the Mazda has its own issues, they are less frequent and often less severe than the Silverado's engine and transmission failures. In practice, the Mazda6 is likely to require fewer major repairs, but both vehicles need thorough inspections before purchase.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 10 times more complaints per year than the Mazda6, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Silverado owners report severe engine and transmission failures, sometimes at very low mileage, while Mazda6 issues are more electrical and rust-related.
- The Mazda6 has a notable rust problem on the frame, especially in salt-belt regions, which can be a safety hazard, whereas the Silverado's rust issues are less prominent in complaints.
- Brake failures on the Silverado are often linked to electrical problems, leading to sudden loss of braking, while Mazda6 brake issues are more about premature wear and rust.
- Inspect the front frame and crossmember for rust, especially if the car is from a snowy state; look for signs of previous recall repairs that may not have fully addressed the issue.
- Test the infotainment system and steering wheel controls for freezing or unresponsiveness, and check for any warning lights related to the electrical system.
- Check the engine and transmission for any signs of recent repairs or warning lights; ask for service records, especially for diesel models with DPF issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at highway speeds, to ensure they respond normally; be wary of any electrical issues that could affect braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on rust, electrical systems, and engine/transmission health.
- For the Mazda6, specifically inspect the undercarriage for rust on the crossmember and frame; for the Silverado, check for any signs of oil leaks or transmission slipping.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you're considering to see if issues are widespread.
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 Mazda6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 934 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 58 | 591 |
| 2017 | 60 | 0 |
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 Mazda6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Mazda6 total complaints
- 538
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda Mazda6 total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda Mazda6 avg complaints/year
- 53.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda6
- Mazda Mazda6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE