Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Protege vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mazda Protege 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 Protege vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Protege averages 94 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. Protege owners report transmission and airbag issues, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Protege or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Protege
The Mazda Protege is a compact sedan that, in ownership terms, shows its age through a steady stream of complaints averaging about 94 per year. Owners report issues that affect daily drivability, such as transmission hesitation or failure, engine noises that lead to steering difficulty, and airbag and seatbelt concerns that raise safety questions. While not every car will have these problems, the pattern suggests a vehicle that may need frequent attention to keep it reliable.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, reflecting its popularity and the complexity of modern trucks. Owners frequently report engine problems, including diesel particulate filter issues and sudden power loss, as well as transmission and electrical glitches that can affect braking and steering. These are serious, sometimes safety-related, failures that could leave owners stranded or in dangerous situations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Protege | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 377 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Protege
- 01POWER TRAIN67
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING56
- 03AIR BAGS55
- 04SEAT BELTS48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES31
Owners report the automatic transmission can fail to shift into first gear or even continue in reverse after selecting drive, which can be alarming and dangerous in parking lots or traffic.
Strange acceleration noises can be followed by steering locking up, and the check engine light often signals a failed catalytic converter or EGR valve, leading to costly repairs.
In frontal impacts, airbags may not deploy, and some owners report brake failure before a crash, which could prevent the airbag from being needed but also indicates a broader safety issue.
Seat belts can unbuckle themselves while driving or even when parked, which is a critical safety defect that could leave occupants unprotected in a collision.
“PARKED THE CAR IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR TO LEAVE, STARTED THE CAR, BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND LEAVE. WHEN I DID, THE CAR KEPT GOING IN REVERSE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL,…”
“WHILE DRIVING MY MAZDA PROTEGE TO WORK WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT DOWN INTO FIRST GEAR. AFTER SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE, TRANS SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR. DROVE NORMALLY FOR NEXT 15 MILES TO WORK. WHEN LEAVING FOR LUNCH, TRANSMISSION FAIL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines have experienced sudden power loss, loud pinging noises, and repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer visits and potentially leaving you stranded.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving uphill, and there are reports of the vehicle losing motive power, which is especially dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues can cause a sudden loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm, and can also disable power steering and brakes while driving at highway speeds.
Brake failure is a recurring theme, with reports of the vehicle not stopping normally at stop signs and a complete loss of braking power, which is a critical safety concern.
“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 Protege — 16 recalls
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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 Protege or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Protege has far fewer complaints per year (94 vs 510), but its issues are still serious, especially with airbags and seatbelts. The Silverado's higher volume reflects more complex and potentially more dangerous failures, but it's also a much more popular vehicle. In practice, the Protege may be cheaper to maintain but has older safety tech, while the Silverado offers modern features but with a higher risk of major breakdowns.
Key differences
- The Protege's transmission can fail to shift or even go into reverse unexpectedly, while the Silverado's transmission can suddenly shift into neutral.
- The Protege has airbag non-deployment and seatbelt unbuckling issues, while the Silverado has brake and steering failures linked to electrical problems.
- The Silverado's engine problems include diesel particulate filter clogging and sudden power loss, whereas the Protege's engine issues are more about catalytic converter and EGR valve failures.
- The Protege averages 94 complaints per year versus the Silverado's 510, but the Silverado's complaints are more likely to involve safety-critical systems.
- Inspect the automatic transmission for any hesitation or failure to shift, and test it in stop-and-go traffic.
- Check that the airbag light is off and that the seatbelts latch securely and do not release when tugged.
- Listen for any pinging or unusual engine noises, and check for warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter or engine.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally, and have the electrical system checked for any stored codes.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and engine.
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they have been completed.
- Test all seatbelts and airbag warning lights.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter or engine issues.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any transmission or brake anomalies.
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 Protege or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Protege vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mazda Protege total complaints
- 377
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mazda Protege total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mazda Protege avg complaints/year
- 94.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Protege
- Mazda Protege top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE