Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 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 Mirage G4 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mirage averages 8.1 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Mirage has 2 recalls, the Silverado has 100. Owners report air bag failures in the Mirage and engine/brake failures in the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a small, budget-oriented sedan that has generated a modest number of complaints over its eight-year history, averaging about eight per year. Owners frequently report issues with air bags, electrical system, and engine, with several complaints describing sudden loss of control or power. While the overall volume is low, the nature of the reports—such as air bag non-deployment and electrical failures—suggests potential safety concerns that a buyer should investigate.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year over ten years. The majority of complaints center on engine and powertrain problems, including severe issues like loss of motive power and transmission failures. Electrical and brake complaints are also common, with some describing sudden loss of braking or steering. This pattern indicates that while the Silverado is popular, it has a higher likelihood of encountering major mechanical or electronic failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Mirage G4
- 01AIR BAGS21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
- 04ENGINE11
- 05SERVICE BRAKES8
Owners report air bags not deploying in crashes, such as a rear-end collision where the driver side air bag failed to activate, potentially increasing injury risk.
Complaints include issues with the instrument cluster being hard to read in certain lighting, and multiple electrical problems like brake failure and serpentine belt issues within the first year and a half.
Some owners describe sudden engine failure while driving, with warning lights coming on and the car losing power and dying on the highway, which can be dangerous.
Front strut mounts failed at around 2,000 miles, causing noise and longer stopping distances, indicating premature wear of suspension components.
“On [XXX], I was traveling back to Colorado from Missouri. The weather conditions turned poor while I was traveling just west of Topeka, Kansas. I lowered my speed to below the speed limit and continued. At one point, the car lost control. At this time, it vee…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE G4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF HER VEHICLE AT A HIGH SPEED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent reports of engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing with only 8,200 miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging events requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, and loss of motive power at highway speeds.
Electrical failures can lead to severe consequences, like a sudden loss of braking and steering while driving at 70 mph, accompanied by a loud pinging sound.
Brake problems include a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm, which can lead to crashes.
“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 Mirage G4 — 2 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction a…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-001.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction a…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-001.
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 Mirage G4 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has far fewer complaints per year (8.1) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and larger owner base, but the sheer number of serious engine and brake complaints suggests a higher risk of major repairs. In practice, the Mirage may offer more predictable ownership, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be costly and safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Mirage G4 has a much lower complaint rate (8.1/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but the Mirage's complaints include air bag non-deployment, which is a serious safety concern.
- The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, often leading to loss of power or transmission problems, while the Mirage's issues are more varied but less frequent.
- Brake problems are reported in both, but the Silverado's brake failures are described as sudden and severe, whereas the Mirage's brake complaints are less prominent.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, indicating a higher likelihood of factory defects, while the Mirage has only 2 recalls.
- Check for any open recalls related to air bags, as owners report non-deployment in crashes.
- Inspect the electrical system, especially the instrument cluster visibility and any history of brake or belt failures.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission trouble, such as unusual noises, warning lights, or shifting issues, given the high rate of powertrain complaints.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, as some owners experienced sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- For the Mirage G4: verify all recalls are performed, especially air bag recalls, and test the instrument cluster visibility in various lighting conditions.
- For the Silverado: get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes, and check for any open recalls.
- Ask for service records to see if the Silverado has had any engine or transmission repairs, and if the Mirage has had electrical or suspension work.
- Consider a vehicle history report to check for any reported accidents or previous complaints.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any abnormal vibrations, noises, or brake response.
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 Mirage G4 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 11 | 591 |
| 2017 | 28 | 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 Mirage G4 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 total complaints
- 65
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 avg complaints/year
- 8.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE