Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Outlander Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Outlander Sport has 206 complaints over 10 years (about 21 per year) and 6 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 1 death and 104 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 19 injuries for the Outlander Sport. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 206 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 21 per year. That suggests fewer owners are reporting problems, but the pattern shows recurring electrical glitches, transmission software issues, and brake noise. Recalls focus on transmission control software and electrical system software, so software updates may be a regular part of ownership.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year. Owners report serious engine, powertrain, and electrical problems, including sudden power loss and brake failures. With 100 recalls and 1 death reported, the data shows a wider range of safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 206 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Outlander Sport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 02POWER TRAIN41
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER36
- 04SERVICE BRAKES34
- 05ENGINE33
Owners report the infotainment touchscreen becoming unresponsive, which can distract the driver and cause swerving. Others mention brake grinding and fluctuating mileage with maintenance warnings, pointing to sensor or software glitches.
Complaints include repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system faults that cause intermittent power loss and hesitation. One owner reported the vehicle stalling at 65 mph, which is a serious safety concern.
Owners describe grinding brakes and inconsistent mileage readings, sometimes accompanied by maintenance reminders. These symptoms suggest brake wear or sensor issues that should be checked promptly.
While fewer complaints mention the engine directly, some overlap with powertrain issues like misfires and catalyst faults. These can lead to rough running and failed emissions tests if not addressed.
“The touchscreen for the main infotainment system is becoming unresponsive. It’s impossible to use the most basic functions while driving without being distracted. It’s caused me to swerve & almost lose control of the vehicle on multiple occasions— as it distr…”
“Dec 1,2023 tried to stop and the brakes was grinding and the milage goes up and down as you are driving and it says routine maintenance required when you put the key in to start the outlander as got it from Todd Judy ford in Charleston WV and according to Mit…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can cause sudden power loss and expensive repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and losing motive power. Such failures can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as engine pinging and loss of power steering and brakes at highway speed. These electrical faults can directly affect vehicle control.
Reports include a severe loss of braking effectiveness shortly after driving, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety issue that needs 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 Outlander Sport — 6 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio…
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio…
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio…
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electron…
The risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall…
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 Outlander Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has far fewer complaints per year (about 21 vs. 511 for the Silverado), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems. In practice, a used Outlander Sport buyer may face fewer trips to the shop, while a Silverado buyer should be prepared for more frequent and potentially serious repairs.
Key differences
- The Outlander Sport averages about 21 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado complaints include sudden power loss, brake failure, and transmission shifting to neutral, which are more severe than the Outlander Sport's infotainment and brake noise issues.
- The Outlander Sport has 6 recalls, mostly for transmission and electrical software, while the Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- The Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries reported in crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 19 injuries for the Outlander Sport.
- Test the infotainment touchscreen for responsiveness and check for any software updates or recalls related to the electrical system.
- Listen for brake grinding and check for maintenance warnings; also ask about any history of ignition coil or transmission software repairs.
- Check for any signs of engine misfire, rough idle, or diesel particulate filter warnings, especially on 6.2L or Duramax models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and stopping power, and verify that all recalls for tailgate, steering, and brake fluid sensors have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and electrical system for both models.
- For the Outlander Sport, test the touchscreen and ask about any ignition coil or software updates.
- For the Silverado, check for engine codes, diesel particulate filter history, and brake pedal feel.
- Search NHTSA.gov for the specific VIN to see all complaints and recalls for that exact vehicle.
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 Outlander Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 98 |
| 2025 | 1 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 17 | 934 |
| 2020 | 26 | 0 |
| 2019 | 47 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 21 | 591 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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 Outlander Sport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport total complaints
- 206
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport avg complaints/year
- 20.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE