Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Outlander vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Outlander averages about 50 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 800, with 101 recalls versus 33. Silverado owners report more severe engine, transmission, and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 50 complaints per year over the last decade. Owners most often report issues with the body structure, electrical system, and unexplained noises or behaviors. While it has fewer complaints than some rivals, the pattern suggests a mix of minor annoyances and occasional serious problems like engine warnings after service.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages over 800 complaints per year, far more than the Outlander. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of stalling, braking loss, and transmission problems. These issues can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations, making it a higher-maintenance vehicle.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Outlander | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 496 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 49.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 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 Outlander
- 01STRUCTURE92
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER77
- 04ENGINE57
- 05SERVICE BRAKES57
Owners report issues with the rear liftgate support struts, which can fail and cause the hatch to fall. There is also a recall for the liftgate strut, so buyers should check if that repair was done.
Complaints include abnormal sounds from the hood and windshield area, sometimes after renting the vehicle. These noises may indicate loose components or electrical glitches that could worsen over time.
One owner reported warning lights and unusual sounds immediately after an oil change at the dealership. This suggests potential sensor or engine management issues that may require repeated dealer visits.
While not detailed in the sample, brake complaints are among the top five. Buyers should test brakes carefully and look for any recalls related to braking performance.
“The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The ma…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can lead to loss of acceleration and potential collisions.
Reports describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This is a serious safety concern that requires 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 — 33 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to improper software programming, the Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As s…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-002. Vehicl…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
The risk: An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number f…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, M…
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicl…
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 Outlander or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has far fewer complaints per year (about 50) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800). In practice, this means Outlander owners are less likely to experience frequent, serious issues, while Silverado owners may face more trips to the dealer and higher repair costs.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 8,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Outlander has under 500, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported problems.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, which can be dangerous; Outlander complaints are more about noises, liftgate struts, and electrical glitches.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 33 for the Outlander, suggesting more widespread safety defects.
- Outlander's top issues are structure and electrical, while Silverado's are engine and power train, reflecting different engineering priorities.
- Check the rear liftgate struts for weakness or failure, as this is a common complaint and recall item.
- Listen for abnormal sounds from the hood or windshield area during a test drive, which could indicate electrical or structural issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of stopping power or firm pedal feel, as sudden brake loss is reported.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping into neutral, especially at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been repaired, especially the liftgate strut for the Outlander and fuel pump or brake recalls for the Silverado.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado and electrical and structure for the Outlander.
- Ask for complete service records to see if the vehicle has had recurring issues like engine warnings or transmission problems.
- For the Silverado, check for any software updates related to engine or transmission control modules that may address stalling or shifting issues.
- For the Outlander, inspect the rear hatch operation and listen for any unusual noises from the engine or electrical components during a cold start.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 120 |
| 2025 | 15 | 157 |
| 2024 | 26 | 527 |
| 2023 | 47 | 450 |
| 2022 | 216 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 19 | 961 |
| 2020 | 31 | 868 |
| 2019 | 29 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 57 | 597 |
| 2017 | 51 | 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 Outlander or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Outlander vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Outlander total complaints
- 496
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Outlander total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Outlander avg complaints/year
- 49.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mitsubishi Outlander top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE