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 (4 per year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5 per year) and 100 recalls. The Altra EV reports stalling and brake failure; the Silverado reports engine, transmission, and electrical issues. 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 stalling while driving, brake noise and failure, and airbag warning lights. With no recalls on record, the main concern is that some complaints describe sudden loss of power or braking, which could be dangerous. For a used buyer, the low complaint count is reassuring, but the severity of reported issues means a thorough inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 510 per year, plus 100 recalls. Owners report engine problems like rough running and diesel particulate filter issues, transmission failures, electrical glitches, and brake loss. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability problems. For a used buyer, this means higher risk and the need for careful checks, especially on newer models with low mileage.
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 | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Nissan Altra EV
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
- 02SERVICE BRAKES4
- 03HYDRAULIC4
- 04AIR BAGS3
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
Owners report the vehicle cutting off during operation, sometimes in driveways or on expressways, which can leave you stranded or cause a crash. This suggests a potential stalling issue that needs to be checked.
Complaints include grinding noises and brakes that go to the floor without stopping the car, leading to accidents. This is a serious safety concern that should be inspected immediately.
The hydraulic system complaints mirror brake issues, with reports of brake failure and the need to replace all brakes at low mileage. This indicates a possible defect in the brake hydraulic system.
Owners report the airbag light coming on without warning, and dealers charging to diagnose a known defect. This could mean airbags may not deploy in a crash, so check for recalls or diagnostic codes.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine stalling, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These issues can happen at low mileage and may leave you stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic and points to transmission or software problems.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, loud engine noises, and loss of steering and motive power. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems, making the truck hard to control.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced, leading to difficulty stopping. This suggests a brake system defect that could increase stopping distances.
“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 — 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 Altra EV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Altra EV has far fewer complaints per year (4 vs. 510.5) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has many more complaints and 100 recalls. In practice, this means the Altra EV is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the Silverado's issues are more numerous and varied. However, the Altra EV's complaints include serious safety issues like stalling and brake failure, so both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Nissan Altra EV has 16 complaints over 4 years with no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls.
- Altra EV owners report stalling and brake failure, while Silverado owners report engine, transmission, electrical, and brake problems, often on newer models.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the Altra EV.
- The Altra EV's complaints are concentrated in engine, brakes, and airbags, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- Check for any history of stalling or cutting off during operation, especially if the engine shuts down unexpectedly.
- Inspect the brakes for grinding noises or a pedal that goes to the floor, and ask if the brake system has been serviced.
- Look for signs of engine problems such as rough running, loss of power, or diesel particulate filter warnings, especially on newer models with low mileage.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement and check for electrical issues like loss of braking or steering assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas reported for each model.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, braking, and transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any recalls or technical service bulletins have been addressed.
- For the Silverado, verify that the diesel particulate filter and transmission software have been updated if applicable.
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
- 5,105
- Nissan Altra EV total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Altra EV avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Altra EV
- Nissan Altra EV top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE