Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Armada vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Armada 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 Armada vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Armada averages about 30 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 510. The Armada has 13 recalls and 296 total complaints; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 5,105 complaints. Both show brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado also has frequent engine and power train failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Armada or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 296 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 30 per year. The most common trouble spot is the electrical system, with owners reporting repeated battery drain and charging problems that can leave them stranded. Brake and engine issues also appear, including a case where the dashboard went black and brakes failed. Overall, the Armada shows fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but the electrical gremlins can be persistent and hard to diagnose.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 510 per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, with owners describing sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and diesel exhaust issues. Electrical and brake complaints are also common, including reports of braking loss and inoperable steering. This volume suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability problems, often within the first few thousand miles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Armada | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 296 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Armada
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER50
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04ENGINE46
- 05POWER TRAIN37
Owners frequently report unexplained battery drain, even after replacing the battery, and repeated charging system failures. This can cause hard starting or no-start conditions, leaving you stranded and requiring multiple dealer visits.
Some owners describe complete electrical and brake failure while driving, with the dashboard going black and the vehicle failing to stop. Others report rear-end collisions when adaptive cruise control and driver assistance systems were active, raising concerns about brake reliability.
Complaints include check engine and collision lights due to wiring harness issues, as well as battery drain that persists after new battery installation. These problems can affect engine operation and may be difficult for dealers to reproduce.
While fewer complaints are listed under power train, owners report issues that affect vehicle operation, such as throttle control loss when the accelerator pedal assembly broke off. This can lead to a sudden loss of power and control.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The electrical system and battery/charging system of my 2020 Nissan Armada have repeatedly failed. The vehicle experiences unexplained battery drain, even after…”
“Here’s a full response you can paste into the NHTSA.gov form text box that directly answers all of the questions shown in your screenshot: ⸻ Component/System: The battery and electrical charging system on my 2020 Nissan Armada have repeatedly failed. The vehi…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may occur at low mileage.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing loss of power. This can happen at low speeds or in parking situations, creating a safety risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These electrical failures can be dangerous and may occur without warning.
Reports include severe loss of braking ability, sometimes accompanied by engine pinging and loss of power steering. In some cases, the vehicle becomes difficult to control, increasing crash risk.
“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 Armada — 13 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, 2025-2026 Armada, and Infiniti QX80 vehicles. A software error may occur in the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is shifted into rever…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The IVI system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti…
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 Armada or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Armada has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). In practice, this means Armada owners report fewer overall problems, but the electrical and brake issues that do occur can be serious. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering engine, transmission, or electrical failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 17 times more complaints per year than the Armada, with engine and power train problems being the most frequent.
- Armada owners most often report electrical system issues like battery drain, while Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- Brake complaints on the Armada include total electrical and brake failure, while Silverado brake issues often involve loss of braking effectiveness and steering control.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 13 for the Armada, covering areas like tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
- Check for repeated battery drain or charging system problems; ask if the battery has been replaced and if the issue persists.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including under adaptive cruise control, and look for any dashboard warning lights or electrical glitches.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for any loss of power or transmission slipping during a test drive.
- Test the brakes for firmness and effectiveness, and verify that all electrical systems, including steering, function properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, battery, and charging components, especially on the Armada.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine, transmission, and diesel particulate filter repairs.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for power loss or brake issues.
- Verify that all safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warnings, are working correctly.
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 Armada | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 20 | 150 |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 13 | 934 |
| 2020 | 10 | 0 |
| 2019 | 73 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 74 | 591 |
| 2017 | 81 | 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 Armada or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Armada vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Armada total complaints
- 296
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Armada total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Armada avg complaints/year
- 29.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Armada
- Nissan Armada top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE