Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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 Montero Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Montero Sport averages 98 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 per year with 101 recalls. Both show serious brake and engine issues, but the Silverado's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport shows a moderate complaint volume for its class, averaging about 98 complaints per year over five years. The most frequent issues cluster around the braking system, particularly hydraulic components, with owners reporting leaks, noise, and stopping difficulty. Engine and power train complaints also appear, including sludge and oil pressure problems. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands attention to brakes and engine maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a very high complaint volume, averaging over 800 per year across ten years, with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and braking loss, often on relatively new trucks. With 101 recalls, it's clear this model has had widespread safety-related defects. Buyers should be prepared for potential major repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 492 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 72 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Montero Sport
- 01SERVICE BRAKES139
- 02HYDRAULIC108
- 03POWER TRAIN58
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report hydraulic brake booster leaks causing abnormal noise and reduced braking performance, especially at highway speeds. Some also experienced caliper bolts falling out, leading to wheel damage and tire failure. These are critical safety issues that require immediate inspection.
Complaints often mention brake fluid leaks and improper booster manufacturing, resulting in pressurized gas loss and noise from the dash. This can compromise braking reliability, making stopping unpredictable.
Owners describe transmission issues and engine sludge, sometimes attributed to oil pan design that leaves oil stranded. This can lead to premature wear and costly repairs if maintenance isn't meticulous.
Reports include A/C compressor failure at low mileage and oil pressure loss after oil changes, with knocking noises and oil lamps. These suggest potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
“MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIMES TO TAKE MY CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED AND/OR REPLACED. I HAVE A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LX THAT HAVE GIVEN ME DISCOMFORT WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and other serious engine faults. These can leave drivers stranded and require dealer intervention.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failures at very low mileage, posing risks in traffic. Such issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-offs with dashboard warnings, indicating electrical glitches that affect critical systems. These problems can occur without warning.
Reports of brake pedal firmness but reduced stopping power, and complete brake failure in some cases, highlight potential safety hazards. These issues demand immediate attention.
“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 Montero Sport — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
The risk: THIS INFORMATION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOADING THEIR VEHICLES BEYOND THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
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 Montero Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has far fewer complaints per year (about 98 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Silverado's higher volume and 101 recalls suggest a broader range of problems, while the Montero Sport's issues are more concentrated in brakes and engine. In practice, the Montero Sport may be easier to manage if you find a well-maintained example, but the Silverado's sheer number of complaints means higher risk.
Key differences
- The Montero Sport's complaints are heavily focused on brake hydraulics, with reports of booster leaks and caliper failures, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and transmission, including shutdowns and sudden neutral shifts.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 3 for the Montero Sport, indicating a much higher rate of safety-related defects requiring manufacturer fixes.
- Montero Sport owners report engine sludge and oil pressure problems, often linked to oil pan design, whereas Silverado owners report modern diesel particulate filter issues and electrical glitches causing braking loss.
- Complaint volume per year is about eight times higher for the Silverado, but the Montero Sport's brake issues are consistently reported and can be life-threatening if neglected.
- Inspect the hydraulic brake booster and accumulator for leaks or abnormal noise; listen for hissing from the left dash area and check for brake fluid residue.
- Check for engine sludge by examining oil condition and service records; look for oil pan design that may leave oil stranded, and listen for knocking noises or oil pressure warnings.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping; look for dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Inspect brake function carefully; a firm pedal with reduced stopping power could indicate electrical or hydraulic faults, and check for open recalls on fuel pump and collision avoidance systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify all safety recalls have been performed, especially for the Silverado's fuel pump and brake-related recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly, including booster, calipers, and lines, for both vehicles.
- For the Montero Sport, check engine oil condition and service records for sludge; for the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes.
- Test drive the Silverado on varied roads and at highway speeds to detect any hesitation, shutdown, or braking anomalies.
- Review NHTSA complaints for specific model years you're considering to identify patterns beyond the sample.
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 Montero Sport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total complaints
- 492
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport avg complaints/year
- 98.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE