Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Galant vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Galant 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 Galant vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Galant averaged 31.7 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5, with 100 recalls versus 10. The Silverado also had 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries, compared to 40 and 37 for the Galant. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Galant or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan that, based on owner complaints, shows a pattern of issues with visibility, structure, and air bags. Over 10 years, it averaged about 32 complaints per year, with 40 crash-related reports, 37 injuries, and 2 deaths. Owners frequently report problems like shattering windows and sunroofs, air bag dash separation, and brake noises. These issues suggest that while the overall complaint volume is lower than some vehicles, the types of failures can be serious and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to owner complaints, has a high rate of issues, especially with the engine, power train, and electrical system. Over 10 years, it averaged about 511 complaints per year, with 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death. Owners report severe problems like engine failures, transmission issues, and sudden brake loss. This high complaint volume indicates that many owners experience significant reliability problems, often within the first few thousand miles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Galant | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 317 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 40 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 31.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 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 Galant
- 01VISIBILITY61
- 02STRUCTURE58
- 03AIR BAGS50
- 04SERVICE BRAKES37
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
Owners report windows and sunroofs shattering without cause, sometimes while driving, which can cause loss of control and injury. This is a safety concern because glass can shatter unexpectedly, and repairs may be needed.
Complaints include abnormal maneuvering and loss of control, as well as sunroof shattering. These issues affect vehicle stability and can lead to crashes, so buyers should check for any structural repairs or unusual handling.
Owners report air bag dash separation and air bags failing to deploy or causing injuries in crashes. This is critical because air bags are a key safety feature, and defects could increase injury risk.
Complaints include scraping sounds, wires sticking out near the steering wheel, and brake problems that dealers sometimes dismiss. Brake issues can compromise stopping ability, so a thorough brake inspection is essential.
“THE DRIVER WINDOW IS BREAKING WITHOUT CAUSE. HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. DID NOT TAKE PICTURE. BUT INSURANCE FIXED THE MOST RECENT SHATTERING INCIDENT--SO IF PICTURE NEEDED CAN OBTAIN IN THE FUTURE. ONCE OCCURRENCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. A…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, even on new vehicles with low mileage. These issues can lead to costly repairs and leave owners stranded.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and other drivetrain failures. These problems can cause loss of control and are often expensive to fix.
Owners report sudden loss of braking, inoperable steering, and warning messages, sometimes while driving. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Complaints include severe loss of braking, firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and brake fluid warning issues. Brake failures are a major safety risk and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Galant — 10 recalls
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 GALANT VEHICLES. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT PLATING TO PREVENT CORROSION, IF THE PIPE SHOULD DEVELOP A HOLE DUE TO CORROSION, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
The risk: ATF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE AFT OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED. IF INSUFFICIENT PLATING IS FOUND DURING INSPECTION, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE AFT OIL COOLER PIPE ASSEMBLY WITH NEW PARTS CONTAINING APPROPRIATE ANTI-CORROSION PLATING. THIS S…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 45,988 MY 2005-2007 ENDEAVOR, GALANT, ECLIPSE COUPE, AND MY 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER VEHICLES. THE BRACKET THAT IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED DURING A METAL STAMPING PROCESS. THE PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE META…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNTING BRACKET HAS SPLITTING BEYOND A SPECIFIC LIMIT. VEHICLES WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SPLITTING WILL BE REPAIRED USING A REINFORCEMENT CAP, A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE, AND…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 73,000 MY 2004-2006 GALLANT PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARS…
The risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE REPORTED CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH CONTROLS THE FLUID PRESSURE TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES, MAY ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO BYPASS INTERNALLY DURING STOPPING.
The risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
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 Galant or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Galant has far fewer complaints per year (about 32) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). This means that, on average, a Galant owner is less likely to experience frequent problems. However, the Galant's issues can still be serious, while the Silverado's high volume suggests widespread reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 16 times more complaints per year than the Galant, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Galant complaints often involve visibility (shattering glass) and air bags, while Silverado complaints center on engine, power train, and electrical failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 10 for the Galant, suggesting more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both have crash-related reports, but the Silverado's higher complaint volume means more owners experience issues that could lead to crashes.
- Check all windows and the sunroof for cracks or previous shattering, as owners report glass breaking without cause.
- Inspect the dashboard around the passenger air bag for separation or lifting, which owners have reported.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and stopping power, and look for any warning messages related to brake fluid or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, air bags, and electrical system for both vehicles.
- For the Galant, specifically check window and sunroof glass for cracks or repairs.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission error codes and test drive at highway speeds.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
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 Galant or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Galant vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Galant total complaints
- 317
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Galant total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Galant avg complaints/year
- 31.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Galant
- Mitsubishi Galant top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE