Head-to-head reliability
Nissan CUBE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan CUBE 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 CUBE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The CUBE averages 36.2 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also has 101 recalls versus 7 for the CUBE. Both show serious failure patterns, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan CUBE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan CUBE
The Nissan CUBE is a small, boxy hatchback with a modest 217 complaints over six years, averaging about 36 per year. Owners most often report electrical gremlins like door locks failing and push-button start issues, plus power-train hesitation and steering problems. With 7 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands a careful pre-purchase inspection of its electrical and steering systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. The volume is driven by engine and power-train issues, including sudden power loss, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. Electrical and brake complaints also appear, with 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports, so a thorough check of recent models is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan CUBE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 217 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 CUBE
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02POWER TRAIN49
- 03STEERING42
- 04AIR BAGS24
- 05ENGINE21
Owners report multiple door lock actuators failing at once, leaving doors stuck locked, and push-button ignition failing to start the car without warning. These failures can trap occupants or strand a driver, making electrical checks critical.
Complaints describe the engine not responding to the accelerator after a stop, or losing power at highway speed with no warning. This sudden loss of power is a serious safety concern for any buyer.
One owner reported the engine mount (dogbone) breaking, causing the engine to drop and damaging the axle and transmission bracket. Such failures can affect steering control and lead to costly repairs.
Owners report the front passenger air bag warning light illuminating even when the seat is occupied and belted, and in one crash the air bags failed to deploy. This suggests potential sensor or deployment issues that should be verified.
“Problem # 1- is 3 out of 4 door lock actuators all of a sudden stopped working at the exact same time, except the driver door. This is a huge safety issue and causes the door to remain locked. This causes someone getting locked inside the vehicle or locked ou…”
“SINCE NOV OF 2014 I HAVE DEALT WITH PERSISTENT START-UP ISSUE WITH MY 2011 NISSAN CUBE. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY CAN FAIL TO START AT ANY TIME AND WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS PUSH BUTTON IGNITION. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM JACKIE COOPER & NISSAN NORTH…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel models experience repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These issues can leave a driver stranded and lead to expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and sudden loss of power. Such behavior can cause loss of control, especially in traffic or on inclines.
Owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and the engine shutting off with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Reports of the truck completely shutting off, screens going blank, and inability to accelerate while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. This points to brake-related electronic failures that could compromise stopping ability.
“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 CUBE — 7 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 22, 2013. When exp…
The risk: If the engine start/stop button gets stuck in the housing, road vibrations may cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the start/stop switch housing, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 22, 2013. When exp…
The risk: If the engine start/stop button gets stuck in the housing, road vibrations may cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the start/stop switch housing, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 NISSAN CUBE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A REAR MOVING…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SPECIAL PROTECTOR AND ATTACH IT TO THE GASOLINE RECIRCULATION TUBE AT THE LOCATION OF THE FILLER NECK CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MA…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Cube vehicles. The driver’s air bag inflator may rupture or detach from the steering wheel during air bag deployment.
The risk: A driver's air bag that ruptures or detaches can strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front air bag inflator serial number, and replace the inflator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan…
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 CUBE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan CUBE has far fewer complaints per year (about 36 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the CUBE's lower volume means fewer overall headaches, but each complaint tends to be a significant failure like a stuck door or power loss.
Key differences
- The CUBE averages about 36 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year, a roughly 23-fold difference in reported issue frequency.
- CUBE owners frequently report door lock and push-button start failures, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission shifting into neutral while driving.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 7 for the CUBE, indicating a much larger and more complex recall history.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints (10 for CUBE, 233 for Silverado), but the Silverado's higher volume means more reported incidents overall.
- Test all door locks and the push-button ignition multiple times; listen for actuator clicks and ensure the car starts reliably from cold and after short stops.
- Inspect the engine mount (dogbone) and steering components for cracks or wear, and check for any warning lights related to air bags or traction control.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, transmission hesitation, or unexpected neutral engagement, especially after stops or on inclines.
- Check for dashboard messages about diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on diesel models, and verify that all recall-related software updates for braking and engine control have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been remedied, especially for the Silverado's fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- For the CUBE, test every electrical function: door locks, windows, push-button start, and air bag warning lights with a passenger seated.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, noting any hesitation, harsh shifting, or unexpected engine shutdowns.
- Have a mechanic inspect the CUBE's engine mounts and steering linkage, and the Silverado's transmission and brake system for software updates.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for diesel particulate filter service on the Silverado and battery/ignition repairs on the CUBE.
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 CUBE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan CUBE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan CUBE total complaints
- 217
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan CUBE total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan CUBE avg complaints/year
- 36.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan CUBE
- Nissan CUBE top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE