Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi I MIEV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi I MIEV 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 I MIEV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The I MIEV has 0 complaints over 7 years and 16 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports. The I MIEV shows fewer reported issues per year, but both need recall checks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi I MIEV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi I MIEV
The Mitsubishi I MIEV is a small electric hatchback with no owner complaints filed over seven years, suggesting a quiet record in this dataset. However, it has 16 recalls, five of which involve vacuum power brake assist, a pattern that could affect braking consistency. With zero crash, injury, or death reports, the main ownership concern is staying ahead of recall repairs rather than managing frequent breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging about 511 per year, plus 100 recalls. Owner reports cluster around engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, with 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and one death. The volume and severity of reports mean a used Silverado needs a thorough mechanical and recall history check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi I MIEV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Mitsubishi I MIEV
No component data available.
Five recalls target the vacuum power brake assist system. If the assist fails, the brake pedal can become very hard to push, making stopping harder. Buyers should confirm all brake-related recalls were completed.
With 16 recalls and no owner complaints, the main documented issue is recall completion. Unfixed recalls can leave safety defects unresolved, so a pre-purchase recall check is essential.
No owner complaints are on record, so real-world failure patterns beyond recalls are unknown. This means a buyer should rely on a professional inspection and recall verification rather than complaint history.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems such as rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power while driving. This can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate, which is a serious safety concern.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, loud engine pinging, and loss of steering and brake function at speed. Electrical faults like these can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness dropping sharply. This pattern suggests a brake assist or hydraulic issue that could increase stopping distance in an emergency.
“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 I MIEV — 16 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
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 I MIEV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi I MIEV has far fewer issues per year, with 0 complaints annually versus about 511 for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, the I MIEV's main risk is uncompleted recalls, while the Silverado's higher complaint and injury counts mean a used example carries a greater chance of costly and potentially dangerous repairs.
Key differences
- The Mitsubishi I MIEV has 0 complaints over 7 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, about 511 per year.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death; the I MIEV has 0 in each category.
- The I MIEV's recalls center on vacuum power brake assist, while Silverado complaints center on engine, power train, electrical, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 16 for the I MIEV, meaning more potential safety campaigns to track.
- Confirm the five vacuum power brake assist recalls were completed; if not, the brake pedal may require excessive force.
- Check for any open recalls among the 16 total, since no owner complaints exist to reveal other patterns.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, as owners report soot accumulation and power loss.
- Test the brakes and electrical system carefully; owners report sudden loss of braking and steering assist, so any warning light or odd pedal feel is a red flag.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were repaired.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records on engine, transmission, and brake repairs, especially any diesel particulate filter work.
- For the I MIEV, have a mechanic inspect the brake booster and vacuum system, since that is the repeated recall area.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss, brake fade, or warning lights.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the systems with reported complaints.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mitsubishi I MIEV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
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 I MIEV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi I MIEV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi I MIEV total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi I MIEV total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi I MIEV avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi I MIEV
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE