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 with 12 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both show engine and transmission issues, but the Silverado has more severe reports like sudden shutdowns. 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 generates relatively few NHTSA complaints—about 17 per year over a decade—but the pattern shows recurring engine, transmission, and electrical problems. Owners report stalling, overheating, and brake light failures that can lead to inspection failures. With 12 recalls and 16 injuries reported, it's not trouble-free, but the volume of issues is far lower than the Silverado's.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that racks up an average of 823 complaints per year, with engine, transmission, and electrical problems dominating. Owners describe severe issues like sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures even on nearly new trucks. The 101 recalls and 3 deaths in the data suggest a much higher rate of serious safety-related defects.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 01ENGINE36
- 02POWER TRAIN26
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 04SERVICE BRAKES24
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report stalling and overheating while driving at various speeds without warning, often requiring mechanic visits. This can leave you stranded and may indicate cooling or fuel delivery faults.
Complaints include complete transmission failure and a defective transmission fluid dipstick that Mitsubishi acknowledged via a service bulletin but did not recall. A failed transmission is a costly repair.
Brake lights may stop working while tail lights still function, causing inspection failures; the ECU (part 8637C096) is sometimes blamed. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix.
Owners describe brake failure with ABS warning lights, requiring repeated pumping to stop. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Reports include rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving. These can strand you and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and complete loss of drive, even at low speeds. This is dangerous in traffic and can be costly to fix.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assist, blank screens, and engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages. Electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and the truck shutting off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake issues are a major safety risk.
“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. (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-…
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
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has far fewer complaints per year (17 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (12 vs. 101), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems. However, the Silverado's issues are more often severe, including engine shutdowns and brake loss, so the lower complaint count doesn't guarantee a trouble-free experience.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 48 times more complaints per year than the Lancer Sportback, with engine and transmission issues dominating both.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, while Lancer owners more often cite stalling, overheating, and brake light failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 12 for the Lancer, including fuel pump and forward collision warning defects.
- The Lancer's complaints include a known transmission dipstick defect addressed only by a service bulletin, not a recall.
- Check for transmission fluid dipstick condition and any service records related to the acknowledged defect; a missing or faulty dipstick could lead to transmission damage.
- Test all brake lights and ABS function, and look for signs of overheating or coolant leaks during a test drive.
- During a test drive, listen for engine stumbling or warning messages about diesel particulate filter soot, and verify the truck doesn't shut off unexpectedly.
- Test the brakes firmly at low speed to ensure no loss of braking assist, and check for any 'Return to Neutral' or electrical warning messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Lancer's drive belt and sunroof, and the Silverado's fuel pump.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the specific issues reported, such as stalling, overheating, or shifting problems.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the diesel particulate filter or electrical system.
- For the Lancer, verify that the ECU part number 8637C096 is not causing brake light failures, and check all lighting functions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and pay attention to any repeated repairs in the same area, which may indicate a chronic defect.
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 | 1154 |
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
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback avg complaints/year
- 17.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE