Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Millenia vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Millenia 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 Millenia vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Millenia averaged 24 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Silverado also had 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, compared to 6 crash-related and 0 deaths for the Millenia. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Millenia or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Millenia
The Mazda Millenia is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag for used-car buyers. Over three years, it averaged 24 complaints per year, with no recalls on record. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, and some owners report serious issues like stalling or unintended acceleration. While the overall complaint count is low, the nature of these problems means a thorough inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: over 5,100 complaints in 10 years, averaging about 510 per year. It also has 100 recalls and a higher number of crash-related complaints and injuries. Common problem areas include the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it has a long history of reliability issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Millenia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 72 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Millenia
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
- 02POWER TRAIN13
- 03AIR BAGS8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05SUSPENSION6
Owners report fuel system problems, stalling at speed, and repeated repairs like decarbonization, spark plug replacement, and knock sensor failures. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly diagnostic and repair bills.
Complaints include the car not shifting correctly, such as staying in reverse when put in drive, or lurching forward at full throttle from idle. These transmission problems can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on repeatedly, even after multiple dealer visits and replacement of the airbag, cable harness, and control module. This means the airbags may not deploy in a crash, and the persistent light is a constant annoyance.
One owner reported battery acid fumes spilling onto engine components, causing corrosion and fumes entering the cabin. Electrical gremlins like this can lead to costly repairs and health concerns.
“PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM PRACTICALLY SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. NOTIFIED MAZDA MOTORS BUT WAS BRUSHED ASIDE. 1/13/03-ENGINE DECARBON/FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER;12/17/03-REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS;02/06/04 - REPLACED SHORTED OUT KNOCK SENSOR; 07/23/04 - ENGINE DECARBON/…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING BY THEMSELVES REPEATEDLY. HE TOOK TH…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These problems can occur at low mileage and lead to major repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, and transmission problems that can cause loss of power. This can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.
Owners report sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective brakes, and electrical failures that cause loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These are critical safety issues that could lead to a crash.
Brake problems include a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This is a serious safety concern that requires 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 Millenia
No recalls on record.
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 Millenia or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Millenia has far fewer complaints per year (24 vs. 510.5) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher complaint rate and 100 recalls. In practice, this means the Millenia may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's problems are more numerous and include serious safety-related complaints. Buyers should weigh the lower frequency of Millenia issues against the Silverado's higher volume of potentially severe problems.
Key differences
- The Mazda Millenia has 0 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating a much higher rate of safety-related defects.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and power train failures at speed, while Millenia complaints include stalling and unintended acceleration.
- The Millenia averages 24 complaints per year, compared to 510.5 for the Silverado, showing a large difference in reported problem frequency.
- Airbag issues are prominent in the Millenia, with repeated warning lights, while the Silverado has more engine and brake complaints.
- Check for any signs of fuel system problems, such as rough idling, hesitation, or a check engine light, and ask for maintenance records showing fuel injector cleaning or spark plug replacement.
- Test the transmission thoroughly: ensure it engages drive and reverse properly without lurching or staying in the wrong gear, and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the brake system carefully: look for any warning lights, test brake pedal feel, and ask if the brake fluid warning sensor has been replaced.
- Check for engine issues: listen for pinging or knocking sounds, and ask about any diesel particulate filter problems if it's a diesel model.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, shifting problems, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and check if the airbag recall (if applicable) has been addressed.
- Verify that all safety features, including airbags and brakes, are functioning correctly by checking for warning lights and testing them if possible.
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 Millenia or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Millenia vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Millenia total complaints
- 72
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda Millenia total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda Millenia avg complaints/year
- 24.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Millenia
- Mazda Millenia top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE