Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lancer averages 45.5 complaints per year and has 29 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints versus 39 for the Lancer. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car that averages about 46 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train and engine. Owners report problems like complete loss of power, transmission slipping, and abnormal noises, often at relatively low mileage. With 29 recalls and 39 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that requires careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners describe severe problems such as engine shutdowns while driving, transmission failures, and brake loss, sometimes on very new trucks. The high number of recalls (101) and crash-related complaints (233) suggests a pattern of significant safety and reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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
- 01POWER TRAIN134
- 02ENGINE78
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05SUSPENSION38
Owners report complete loss of power while driving and transmissions that slip out of gear, causing RPMs to spike. These failures can leave you stranded and may be expensive to repair.
Complaints include heavy engine noises, loss of power, and illuminated fault lights, sometimes at low mileage. Such issues can indicate internal damage and lead to costly repairs.
Electrical problems often accompany power train failures, with reports of complete power loss and fault lights. These can affect critical systems and may be difficult to diagnose.
Owners describe brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder and abnormal clicking sounds when pressing the clutch. These issues can compromise braking and shifting, posing safety risks.
“I BOUGHT MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN NOV. 2014 AT LONG LEWIS FORD IN FLORENCE, AL, WHERE I RECEIVED ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE PERFORMANCES FOR IT. ON SEPT. 15, 2017, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE…”
“RECEIVED VEHICLE AT 10KM, AFTER 2 OIL CHANGES, AT 16000KM MILIEGE DROPPED FROM 700KM ON A TANK OF GAS TO 300KM TANK OF GAS. AT 24000KM HEAVY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NOISES OCCURRED. GEARS SLIPPING OUT WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING RPMS TO SHOOT UP TO 6000-7000 W…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, and loss of power. These problems can occur at very low mileage and may require dealer intervention.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and complete loss of acceleration. Such failures can happen in traffic or parking lots, increasing crash risk.
Electrical glitches cause sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-offs, and warning messages like 'Return to Neutral.' These issues can disable critical safety features.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and instances where the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. This can lead to collisions if brakes fail to respond.
“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 — 29 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 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this reca…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles…
The risk: Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, through February 21, 2014, and 2014 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, through February 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have insu…
The risk: Due to abrasion and rust, a hole may develop in the power steering tube, allowing the fluid to leak out, resulting in added steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire in th…
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power steering tube for sufficient clearance. If the vehicle has insufficient clearance, the power steering tube assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer notifi…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (about 46) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Lancer owners report fewer overall problems, but both vehicles have serious issues that require attention. The Silverado's higher volume of complaints and recalls suggests a greater likelihood of encountering significant reliability and safety defects.
Key differences
- The Lancer averages about 46 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Lancer owners frequently report power train and engine failures like loss of power and transmission slipping, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 29 recalls and 39 crash-related complaints for the Lancer, suggesting more safety-related actions for the Silverado.
- Both vehicles have electrical and brake issues, but the Silverado's complaints often involve sudden loss of braking and engine shut-offs while driving, which are particularly dangerous.
- Check for transmission slipping or delayed engagement, especially when accelerating, as owners report gears slipping out and RPM spikes.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and look for illuminated check engine or powertrain fault lights, which can indicate loss of power or internal damage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal or reduced braking effect, as owners report sudden loss of braking assist.
- During a test drive, watch for any engine shutdowns or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' which indicate electrical or power train faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for power train and brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for signs of slipping, noises, or fault codes.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for power loss or braking problems.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and verify any software updates.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year to understand common problems and ensure you are comfortable with the risks.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
- 455
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE