Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Montero 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Montero averages 81 complaints per year with 14 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have 3 deaths, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs 69). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero is a used SUV with an average of about 81 complaints per year over seven years, totaling 568 complaints. The most common issues involve service brakes and hydraulic systems, with owners reporting hard brake pedals, complete brake loss, and ABS problems that nearly caused accidents. Electrical and engine cooling problems also appear, such as battery explosions and cracked engine blocks. With 14 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it requires careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: about 823 complaints per year over ten years, totaling 8,227. The most frequent problems are engine and power train issues, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter problems. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, with reports of braking loss and screens going blank. It has 101 recalls and 3 deaths, indicating a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 568 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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
- 01SERVICE BRAKES206
- 02HYDRAULIC148
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING61
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report a hard brake pedal that is difficult to depress, sometimes requiring the emergency brake to stop, and ABS brakes that nearly caused accidents. This is critical because brake failure directly affects your ability to stop safely.
Complaints include complete loss of brake power, requiring pumping the pedal, and brake warning lights illuminating. These hydraulic issues can lead to sudden braking failure, making the vehicle dangerous to drive.
Owners describe battery explosions that spew acid and cause electrical system failure, as well as persistent starting problems requiring multiple part replacements. Electrical faults can leave you stranded and may damage other components.
Reports include engine racing while in park, cracked engine blocks, and heater core separation. These can lead to expensive repairs or complete engine failure, affecting reliability and safety.
“THE VEHICLE STARTED CREAKING AFTER THE SECOND MONTH , WE WERE ORIGINALLY TOLD THAT IT WAS NEW AND THAT IT WAS THE INTERIOR PLASTIC THAT WAS ADJUSTING DO TO TEMP. CHANGES. THIS CONTINUED AND THAN THE SECOND ISSUE THE ABS BRAKES ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHEN G…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNOR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine problems on new vehicles with low mileage. Engine failure can be dangerous and costly.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill and transmission issues. Power train failures can cause loss of control and leave you unable to move the vehicle.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral', and screens going blank. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Reports include severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and the truck shutting off completely in parking lots. Brake problems are a major safety concern.
“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 — 14 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has far fewer complaints per year (about 81) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning you are less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Montero. However, the Montero's brake and hydraulic issues are severe and can cause accidents, while the Silverado's problems are more widespread across engine, transmission, and electrical systems. In practice, the Montero may have fewer overall issues but still poses serious safety risks if not properly maintained.
Key differences
- The Montero has about 81 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 823 per year, a tenfold difference in reported problem frequency.
- Montero owners most often report brake and hydraulic failures, including hard pedals and complete brake loss, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter issues.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 14 for the Montero, indicating a broader range of potential safety defects.
- Both vehicles have 3 reported deaths, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs 69) and injuries (160 vs 62).
- Check for a hard or spongy brake pedal and any history of ABS or hydraulic brake repairs, as owners report near-accidents from brake failure.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of battery acid damage or starting problems, and ask about any battery explosions or repeated starting issues.
- Test drive for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially at low speeds or uphill, as owners report these dangerous events.
- Check for diesel particulate filter warning lights and service history on diesel models, as soot accumulation can require costly dealer repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brake system, including ABS and hydraulic components, on the Montero.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission error codes and test drive extensively to check for shutdowns or shifting issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake repairs on the Montero and engine/transmission service on the Silverado.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a road test on varied speeds and conditions to replicate reported failure scenarios.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Montero total complaints
- 568
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE