Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Altima vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Altima 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 Altima vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Altima averages 118.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Altima owners report stalling and transmission issues, while Silverado owners face engine failures and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima, a midsize sedan, shows a reliability picture dominated by electrical gremlins and powertrain hiccups. Owners report sudden stalls, dashboard warning lights, and even a case where the car veered into a median after lights flashed. Transmission issues, like the shifter detaching and hard shifts, add to the concern. While not every car will fail, the pattern suggests a vehicle that can be unpredictable in daily driving.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a higher complaint volume, but many center on the engine and powertrain. Owners describe engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that died on a trip, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Transmission problems, like suddenly shifting into neutral, and brake system failures are also reported. This truck is powerful but appears to have significant mechanical vulnerabilities, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Altima | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,188 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 96 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 118.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 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 Altima
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER237
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM206
- 03POWER TRAIN193
- 04ENGINE157
- 05SERVICE BRAKES148
Owners report the car stalling while driving, with all dashboard lights coming on, and sometimes the car dying completely in a parking lot. This suggests potential issues with the battery, alternator, or wiring that can leave you stranded.
There are reports of the gear shifter detaching from its housing, leaving the car stuck in Drive, and also hard shifts when changing gears. This points to possible transmission linkage or control module problems that affect drivability and safety.
The engine can stall unexpectedly, especially in cold weather, and may rev high on startup. Owners describe the car dying mid-drive and then restarting, which is a serious safety concern if it happens in traffic.
“I was driving to work. As I was doing so multiple lights came on my dashboard and it started dinging. At the same time my car immediately shot left so hard into the concrete median barrier at 70 mph. It all happened so fast I was not able to see what lights c…”
“When I first start the car the engine revs and the tachometer or the RPM reader stays above 2 while reving for over a minute which is too long. The needle eventually goes to 1 but it seems like when I change gears to drive it "hits hard" then almost skids out…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor that died while on vacation, and diesel particulate filter clogging in the Duramax diesel. These are major repairs that can be costly and leave you stranded.
The transmission can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, and there are reports of loss of motive power. This is a safety hazard, especially if it happens on a hill or in traffic.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking power, where the pedal is firm but the vehicle doesn't stop effectively. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to a crash.
“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 Altima — 23 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Mot…
The risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima vehicles. The front passenger air bag and front passenger knee air bag may have been installed with incorrect mounting fasteners, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag mounting fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 25, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan’s customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall i…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Altima vehicles. The bolts connecting the electronic power steering unit to the steering rack may loosen, resulting in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
The risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC997.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge.…
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 Altima or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Altima has fewer complaints per year (118.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Altima's problems are still serious, including stalling and transmission failures. In practice, the Altima may be less likely to have a major mechanical failure, but both vehicles have significant reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over four times the annual complaints of the Altima, with engine issues being the most common, while the Altima's top issue is electrical.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor dying, whereas Altima issues are more about stalling and transmission glitches.
- Brake failures are more prominent in the Silverado, with reports of sudden loss of braking, while the Altima has fewer brake complaints.
- The Altima has a recall for door latches and steering, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights or trouble starting, and have the battery and charging system tested.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure the gear shifter is securely attached; look for any warning lights on the dash.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights; have the engine and fuel system inspected, especially if it's a diesel.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and check the brake fluid level; be alert for any loss of braking power or warning messages.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission or engine issues.
- Review the maintenance history, especially for oil changes and transmission service.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential major repairs.
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 | Nissan Altima | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 6 | 150 |
| 2024 | 41 | 0 |
| 2023 | 29 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 69 | 934 |
| 2020 | 179 | 0 |
| 2019 | 229 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 225 | 591 |
| 2017 | 390 | 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 Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Altima vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Altima total complaints
- 1,188
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Altima total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Altima avg complaints/year
- 118.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Altima top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE