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 94.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7, with the Silverado also having more recalls (101 vs 16) and crash-related complaints (233 vs 65). Both have safety-related issues, but the Protege's lower volume may mean fewer problems. 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 car with an average of 94.3 complaints per year over four years, suggesting a moderate rate of owner-reported issues. The most common complaints involve the power train, engine, air bags, and seat belts, with some reports of transmissions failing to shift and engines stalling. There are 16 recalls, mostly for exterior lighting, and 65 crash-related complaints with 59 injuries and 1 death. For a used-car buyer, this means checking transmission behavior, engine noises, and safety systems carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: 822.7 per year over ten years. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake loss. There are 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision alerts, plus 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This suggests that while many Silverados are on the road, some have serious reliability and safety concerns that buyers should investigate.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Protege
- 01POWER TRAIN67
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING56
- 03AIR BAGS55
- 04SEAT BELTS48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES31
Owners report the automatic transmission failing to shift down into first gear or staying in reverse after being put in drive. This can leave you stuck or cause unexpected movement, so a test drive should include checking for delayed or erratic shifting.
Complaints include strange noises on acceleration, steering lock-up, and catalytic converter or EGR valve failure. These can lead to costly repairs and potential loss of control, so listen for unusual sounds and check for check-engine lights.
Some owners report air bags not deploying in frontal impacts, even at high speeds. This is a critical safety concern; verify if any recalls for air bags apply and consider having the system inspected.
Seat belts may unbuckle themselves while driving or in a crash, according to complaints. This increases injury risk, so test each belt's latch and retractor for secure operation.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados 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 strand you and are expensive to fix.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems. This can cause loss of power and control, so check for any hesitation or unexpected gear changes during a test drive.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and screens going blank. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems, so test all electronics and brakes thoroughly.
Owners report brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, and the truck shutting off while braking in parking lots. This is a serious safety issue; have a mechanic inspect the brake system and any related recalls.
“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 — 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 Protege or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mazda Protege has far fewer complaints per year (94.3) than the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems. However, the Protege's issues often involve safety systems like air bags and seat belts, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and brake complaints. In practice, the Protege may be simpler to own, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- Complaint rate: Protege averages 94.3 per year vs Silverado's 822.7 per year, a nearly nine-fold difference.
- Safety complaints: Protege has 65 crash-related complaints and 59 injuries; Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, though over more years and vehicles.
- Common failure types: Protege owners report transmission and air bag issues; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- Recalls: Protege has 16 recalls (mostly lighting); Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and collision alerts.
- Transmission that hesitates, fails to downshift, or stays in reverse after shifting to drive.
- Seat belts that unbuckle on their own or air bag warning lights that stay on.
- Engine shutting off while driving or messages like 'Return to Neutral' on the dash.
- Brake pedal that feels firm but stopping power is reduced, or electrical screens going blank.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both models, especially air bags and brakes.
- During a test drive, test transmission shifting, listen for engine noises, and check all seat belts.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including ABS and brake assist, on the Silverado.
- For the Protege, check for catalytic converter and EGR valve issues by scanning for error codes.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that any recall repairs were completed.
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
- 8,227
- Mazda Protege total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mazda Protege avg complaints/year
- 94.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Protege
- Mazda Protege top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE