Head-to-head reliability
Nissan 350Z vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan 350Z 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
Nissan 350Z vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 350Z averaged about 94 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged about 511 per year over 10 years. The 350Z had 12 recalls and 28 crash-related complaints; the Silverado had 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan 350Z or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two-seat sports car that averaged about 94 owner complaints per year over seven years, with 12 recalls. The most common trouble spots are suspension, power train, tires, air bags, and engine cooling. Owners report issues like clutch failure, tire blowouts, and missing air bag components, which can be costly and safety-related. It's a fun car, but a used one needs a careful inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with 100 recalls. The biggest complaint areas are engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe serious problems such as sudden loss of power, brake failure, and transmission issues, often on newer trucks. It's a workhorse, but the volume of complaints suggests potential reliability headaches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan 350Z | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 657 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 93.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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.
Nissan 350Z
- 01SUSPENSION148
- 02POWER TRAIN133
- 03TIRES123
- 04AIR BAGS87
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING76
Owners report suspension problems that can affect handling and ride comfort. With 148 complaints, it's the top category, so a buyer should check for worn bushings, shocks, or struts.
Complaints include clutch failure where the pedal stays on the floor and the car won't go into gear, as well as loss of power. These can leave you stranded and are expensive to fix.
Owners describe tire blowouts at highway speeds, with sidewall damage that looks like it was cut open. This is a serious safety concern, so inspect tire age and condition carefully.
Some complaints mention missing or faulty air bag components, including a case where a used car was sold without a passenger air bag. This is a critical safety system that must be checked.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine issues like rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. With 1,698 complaints, engine trouble is the most common and can be very costly.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems that cause loss of motive power. These can happen at low speeds or on the highway, creating dangerous situations.
Owners describe electrical glitches that can cause braking loss, engine pinging, and loss of steering and brakes. These are serious safety issues that may be hard to diagnose.
Complaints include sudden loss of normal braking where the pedal feels firm but the truck won't stop. This is a critical safety defect that should be addressed immediately if found.
“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.
Nissan 350Z — 12 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT C…
The risk: AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENT…
The fix: ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT S…
The defect: ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT C…
The risk: AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENT…
The fix: ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT S…
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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
Nissan 350Z or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan 350Z has far fewer complaints per year (about 94) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). In practice, that means you're less likely to run into frequent problems with the 350Z, but both have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and wider use, but also more reported issues.
Key differences
- The 350Z averages about 94 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 511 per year, so the Silverado has more reported problems overall.
- The 350Z's top complaints are suspension, power train, and tires; the Silverado's are engine, power train, and electrical system.
- Owners of the 350Z report clutch failure and tire blowouts; Silverado owners report sudden power loss, brake failure, and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 12 for the 350Z, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Check the clutch operation—if the pedal feels soft or stays down, it may fail soon, as owners report being stranded.
- Inspect tires for sidewall damage or uneven wear, and check the air bag system for missing components or warning lights.
- Test the brakes thoroughly—if the pedal feels firm but stopping power is weak, it could indicate a serious brake issue.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the top complaint areas for each model.
- For the 350Z, specifically test the clutch, inspect tires, and verify air bag function.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes, transmission, and engine under various driving conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if they can't provide them.
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 Nissan 350Z or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan 350Z vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan 350Z total complaints
- 657
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan 350Z total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan 350Z avg complaints/year
- 93.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan 350Z
- Nissan 350Z top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE