Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Diamante vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Diamante 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
Mitsubishi Diamante vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Diamante averaged 55.8 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 over 10 years. The Diamante's top issue is visibility (185 reports), often from coolant leaks; the Silverado's is engine problems (1,698 reports). Both have safety-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Diamante or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Diamante
The Mitsubishi Diamante is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, can become a headache as it ages. Over six years, it averaged about 56 complaints per year, with visibility and engine issues dominating. Many reports describe coolant leaks that fog the windshield and make driving dangerous, plus transmission problems that cause power loss. Buyers should expect to deal with persistent leaks and electrical gremlins.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—about 511 per year over ten years—but it's also far more common on the road. Owners report serious engine and transmission failures, sometimes at very low mileage, including sudden power loss and brake problems. Electrical glitches and brake issues also appear frequently. While not every truck will have these problems, the data shows a pattern of costly repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Diamante | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 335 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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.
Mitsubishi Diamante
- 01VISIBILITY185
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING82
- 03POWER TRAIN28
- 04SERVICE BRAKES20
- 05HYDRAULIC18
Owners frequently complain that the windshield fogs up and won't clear, often due to a leaking heater core that emits a sweet smell and coats the glass with antifreeze. This can severely reduce visibility, especially in rain or humidity, making it a safety concern.
Reports describe antifreeze fumes fogging the windows, overheating, and sudden power loss with a burning oil smell. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and leave you stranded.
Complaints include the check engine light coming on, the transmission locking into third gear, and losing forward power. Owners also notice a coolant smell inside the cabin, suggesting internal leaks that can damage the transmission.
Some owners report a pulsing feeling in the brakes and intermittent stalling during hard right turns, which can cause a loss of power steering and brakes. This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“FOR SEVERAL WEEKS IT WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD ON MY CAR AND I ATTRIBUTED IT TO HOT, HUMID WEATHER. COMING BACK ON THE FREEWAY ONE EVENING IT SUDDENLY BECAME MUCH WORSE AND MY HUSBAND AND I TRIED MANY DIFFERENT COMBINA…”
“FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AN ODOR IN MY 2000 DIAMANTI AND THE DEFOGGER NEVER SEEMED TO WORK ON THE WINDOWS. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I SAW SOMETHING LEAK ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE RUG BUT DIDN'T' T GUESS THAT THIS COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WIT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter issues that require dealer service. Some failures occur at very low mileage, leaving families stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing a loss of acceleration. This can happen at low speeds or in parking garages, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of motive power. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report brake problems that coincide with electrical issues, such as the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness dropping. This can lead to longer stopping distances and potential collisions.
“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.
Mitsubishi Diamante — 11 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
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
Mitsubishi Diamante or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Diamante has far fewer complaints per year (about 56) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but the Silverado is a much more popular vehicle, so higher numbers are expected. In practice, the Diamante's issues tend to be older-car problems like leaks and fogging, while the Silverado's complaints include serious failures on newer trucks. Both have safety-related reports, so a thorough inspection is crucial.
Key differences
- The Diamante's most common complaint is visibility (185 reports), often from coolant leaks fogging the windshield, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems (1,698 reports), including sudden power loss.
- Silverado owners report transmission shifting into neutral and brake failures on newer models, whereas Diamante owners describe transmission locking into third gear and brake pulsation.
- The Diamante has 11 recalls, mostly for equipment labels, while the Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
- The Diamante averaged 55.8 complaints per year; the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year, but the Silverado is far more numerous on the road.
- Check for a sweet smell inside the cabin and foggy windshield that won't clear—this points to a leaking heater core, a common and expensive fix.
- Test the transmission for slipping or locking into gear, and look for coolant in the transmission fluid, which can indicate internal damage.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, rough engine operation, or transmission hesitation—these are reported even on low-mileage trucks.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any warning lights related to brakes or electrical systems, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system for leaks and pressure-test the heater core, especially on the Diamante.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test-drive at highway speeds to check for power loss.
- Check the brake system thoroughly, including pedal feel and any pulsation, on both vehicles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
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 Mitsubishi Diamante or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Diamante vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Diamante total complaints
- 335
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Diamante total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Diamante avg complaints/year
- 55.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Diamante
- Mitsubishi Diamante top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE