Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 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 Lancer Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lancer averages 17 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The Lancer's top issues are engine stalling and brake light failures, whereas the Silverado faces severe engine power loss and sudden brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a compact hatchback that, in ownership terms, shows a moderate but persistent stream of complaints over the past decade, averaging about 17 per year. The pattern centers on engine and powertrain issues, with owners reporting stalling, overheating, and transmission problems, alongside electrical and brake concerns. While not as numerous as some rivals, the nature of these failures suggests a vehicle that may require more frequent repairs as it ages, especially in the engine and transmission areas.
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 breadth of issues reported. The dominant problems are engine and powertrain related, with owners describing sudden power loss, transmission failures, and severe braking incidents, often in newer models. This suggests that while the Silverado is a workhorse, it has had significant reliability challenges that buyers should investigate carefully, particularly in the engine and braking systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 Lancer Sportback
- 01ENGINE36
- 02POWER TRAIN26
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 04SERVICE BRAKES24
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report stalling and overheating without warning, often requiring towing. Some also mention waiting for replacement parts for drive belts, indicating a potential belt-related failure that can leave you stranded.
Complaints include complete loss of power while driving, and a defective transmission fluid dipstick that can cause incorrect fluid levels, leading to transmission damage. This suggests a need for careful transmission maintenance.
Brake lights stop functioning while tail lights work, often traced to a faulty ECU. This can cause inspection failures and is a safety concern as other drivers may not see your braking.
Brakes may fail to operate properly, especially when going downhill, with the ABS light illuminating. Owners have to pump the brakes to get response, indicating a potential issue with the brake booster or ABS module.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE MECHANIC G…”
“I WENT TO A RECALL SERVICE FOR SUNROOF AND DRIVE BELT ON APRIL 09,2018.TODAY, AFTER ONE YEAR I'M WAITING YET FOR THE MITSUBISHI CALL BECAUSE THE PARTS WAS UNAVAILABLE, SO THEY ORDERED THEM. I CALLED MANY TIMES, THEY SAID THE DRIVE BELT ARRIVED BUT NOT THE SUN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many complaints involve sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, the engine may stall completely. Diesel models also face frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral without warning, especially at low speeds, and there are reports of complete power loss while driving. This is a serious safety concern, particularly in traffic.
Electrical issues can lead to severe braking loss, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop effectively. This is often linked to electronic control module failures, which can also affect steering and power.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes without warning, which can be life-threatening. This may be related to brake fluid level sensors or electronic brake control module issues.
“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 Lancer Sportback — 12 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines,…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owne…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14,…
The risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
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 Lancer Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has far fewer complaints per year (17) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but the nature of its engine and brake failures is more severe. In practice, the Lancer may offer fewer headaches, but both vehicles have areas of concern that require attention.
Key differences
- The Lancer Sportback has a much lower complaint rate (17/yr) than the Silverado (510/yr), but the Silverado's issues are more likely to involve sudden power loss and brake failure.
- Engine problems in the Lancer often involve stalling and overheating, while the Silverado's engine issues include loss of power and diesel particulate filter clogging.
- Brake complaints in the Lancer are about brake light failures and reduced braking, whereas the Silverado has reports of sudden, severe braking loss.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the Lancer (12), indicating more widespread safety issues.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating or stalling, and ask for maintenance records related to the drive belt and cooling system.
- Inspect the brake lights and have the ECU checked for any fault codes, as brake light failures are common.
- Look for any history of transmission issues, especially sudden neutral shifts, and have the transmission fluid level and condition checked.
- Ask about any brake system warnings or repairs, and test the brakes at various speeds to ensure they respond properly.
Before you buy
- For the Lancer Sportback: request a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, and verify that all recalls have been performed, especially the drive belt and sunroof recalls.
- For the Silverado: check the engine for any unusual noises, and review service records for any transmission or brake repairs.
- For both: have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and braking, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recalls and complaints on the specific model year you are considering.
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 Lancer Sportback | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Lancer Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total complaints
- 170
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback avg complaints/year
- 17.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE