Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Frontier vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Frontier averages 49.9 complaints per year and has 22 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints versus 32 for the Frontier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Frontier or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup that owners often use as a daily driver and work truck. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 50 complaints per year, with electrical and power train issues being the most common. Owners report sudden electrical shutdowns, transmission jerking, and brake problems. While less frequent than some rivals, these issues can leave you stranded or affect safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year over the past decade. Engine and power train problems dominate, with many reports of stalling, rough running, and transmission failures. Electrical and brake issues also appear frequently. The sheer volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Frontier | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 499 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 49.9 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 Frontier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM131
- 02POWER TRAIN121
- 03SERVICE BRAKES81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER76
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE65
Owners report the engine and electrical system shutting off randomly while driving, sometimes resetting in low gear. Infotainment systems also freeze or require restarts. These failures can be unpredictable and dangerous if they happen at speed.
Complaints include failure to accelerate, engine jerking, and idle issues. One owner found a cracked high-pressure AC line causing performance problems. These symptoms can make merging or passing feel risky.
Drivers describe the brake pedal going almost to the floor and the accelerator pedal being too close. Dash lights and speedometer failures have also been reported. Brake issues are a critical safety concern.
This system is a top complaint area, though specific owner reports are not detailed here. Buyers should test the system and check for recalls or software updates.
“Issue: engine and electric system completely shut off randomly while vehicle is driving. Cannot reliably reproduce, but all electric is lost and engine shuts off or at best resets in low gear until things come back alive. This has happened about 4 times to me…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the infotainment system was inoperative; the contact had to restart the infotainment system several times for the infotainment system to return to normal operat…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Many owners report engine stalling, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some 2026 models with the 6.2L engine stalled shortly after purchase. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and transmission jerking. One owner reported the truck going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage. This can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions without warning.
Reports include the brake pedal becoming firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are a serious safety 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 Frontier — 22 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
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 Frontier or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Frontier has far fewer complaints per year (about 50 vs. 823 for the Silverado). That means you're statistically less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Frontier. However, both have serious safety-related complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 16 times more complaints per year than the Frontier, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Frontier owners report random electrical shutdowns and brake pedal issues; Silverado owners report engine stalling and transmission going into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls vs. 22 for the Frontier, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Silverado (233 vs. 32), though both have injury and death reports.
- Check for any history of random electrical shutdowns or infotainment freezes; test all electronics thoroughly.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and ensure it doesn't go to the floor; also check for dash warning lights.
- Listen for engine ticking or rough idle, and ask about any stalling or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Test transmission for jerking or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, transmission, and brakes for both models.
- Test drive extensively, including highway merging and low-speed maneuvers, to feel for hesitation or jerking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for any software updates related to engine stalling or transmission behavior.
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 Frontier | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 120 |
| 2025 | 16 | 157 |
| 2024 | 44 | 527 |
| 2023 | 132 | 450 |
| 2022 | 112 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 38 | 961 |
| 2020 | 46 | 868 |
| 2019 | 28 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 25 | 597 |
| 2017 | 38 | 1154 |
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 Frontier or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Frontier vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Frontier total complaints
- 499
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan Frontier total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan Frontier avg complaints/year
- 49.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Frontier
- Nissan Frontier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE