Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Altra EV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Altra EV 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 Altra EV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Altra EV has 16 complaints over 4 years and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 1 each for the Altra EV. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Altra EV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Altra EV
The Nissan Altra EV is a low-volume electric vehicle with only 16 complaints over 4 years, averaging 4 per year. Owners report issues with the engine and engine cooling system, such as the vehicle cutting off during operation, as well as brake problems including noise and failure. There are no recalls on record, but the complaint pattern suggests potential safety concerns that a buyer should investigate.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year, and 101 recalls. Common problem areas include the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdown, loss of braking, and transmission issues. The high number of complaints and recalls indicates a need for thorough inspection and awareness of potential safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Altra EV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Nissan Altra EV
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
- 02SERVICE BRAKES4
- 03HYDRAULIC4
- 04AIR BAGS3
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
Owners report the vehicle cutting off during operation, sometimes while driving on expressways or in driveways, which can be dangerous. This suggests a potential stalling issue that could leave a buyer stranded or cause an accident.
Complaints include brake noise like metal-on-metal grinding and, in one case, brakes failing completely, leading to a crash. A buyer should have the brake system thoroughly inspected, as these issues could compromise stopping ability.
Hydraulic problems are often linked to brake issues, with reports of brake noise and failure. This overlaps with service brake complaints and indicates potential hydraulic system defects that affect braking performance.
One owner reported the airbag light coming on without notice, and another mentioned airbag issues after a crash. This could mean the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident, so a buyer should check for any airbag warning lights or recalls.
“MY NEW CAR WAS PERFORMING AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND MAINTENANCE WAS BEING COMPLETED ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO CUT OFF DURING OPERATION IN 2004/5. IT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY, EXPRESSWAYS, ETC. IT DIDN'T MATTER. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN D…”
“I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 88.000 MILES ON IT THIS CAR IT SHOULD BE JUST GETTING BROKEN IN JUST GOT DONE PAYING THIS CAR OFF IT COST ME AROUND 18,000 DOLLARS IN 2004 PAID IT OFF IN JUNE 2009 THINKING I COULD GET BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN BUT I SEE THAT WONT HAPP…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' as well as diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service. These problems can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission problems, which can leave a driver unable to accelerate. This is a serious safety concern that a buyer should test for during a test drive.
Reports include sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal and engine shutdown while driving, often accompanied by dashboard warnings. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine operation, making this a key area to inspect.
Owners describe severe loss of braking where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, as well as the truck shutting off in parking lots. Brake failures are a major safety risk and should be checked by a mechanic.
“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 Altra EV
No recalls on record.
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
Nissan Altra EV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Altra EV has far fewer complaints per year (4.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but the Silverado's higher volume means more individual reports. In practice, the Altra EV's low complaint count may reflect its limited production, while the Silverado's many complaints and recalls indicate a wider range of potential issues that buyers should be aware of.
Key differences
- The Nissan Altra EV has 0 recalls and 16 complaints over 4 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls and 8,227 complaints over 10 years.
- Altra EV owners report engine stalling and brake failure, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdown, transmission slipping into neutral, and loss of braking.
- The Silverado has a much higher rate of crash-related complaints (233) and injuries (160) compared to the Altra EV (1 crash, 1 injury).
- The Altra EV's complaints are concentrated in engine cooling, brakes, and air bags, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- Check for any history of the engine cutting off during operation, especially at idle or while driving, as this is a common complaint.
- Inspect the brake system for noise, grinding, or failure, and verify that the airbag warning light is not illuminated.
- Test drive and look for sudden engine shutdown, transmission slipping into neutral, or loss of braking, as these are frequently reported.
- Check for electrical issues such as dashboard warnings, and ensure all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to fuel pumps and brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake systems for the specific issues reported by owners.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or unusual brake pedal feel.
- For the Altra EV, verify the condition of the electric drivetrain and battery, though complaints are limited.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and confirm all software updates have been applied.
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 Altra EV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Altra EV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Altra EV total complaints
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan Altra EV total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan Altra EV avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Altra EV
- Nissan Altra EV top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE