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 47.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Frontier owners report electrical shutdowns and transmission issues; Silverado owners face engine failures and powertrain problems. The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 22 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, over the past decade, has generated a moderate number of complaints, averaging about 47 per year. Owners frequently report sudden electrical shutdowns and transmission issues that can affect drivability and safety. While not as numerous as some competitors, the nature of these failures—such as complete loss of power—can be alarming and potentially dangerous.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year. The majority of issues center on the engine and powertrain, with many owners experiencing severe problems like engine failure and loss of power at highway speeds. This high frequency of serious mechanical issues suggests that the Silverado may require more frequent repairs and could be less reliable in the long run.
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 | 473 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 47.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Frontier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM120
- 02POWER TRAIN113
- 03SERVICE BRAKES81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE63
Owners report sudden complete power and ignition failure while driving, leading to engine shutdown and loss of electrical systems. This can occur without warning and has been linked to at least one fatal accident.
Transmission problems include hesitation when accelerating from a stop and the transmission locking into third gear when towing, causing high RPMs and poor drivability.
Brake issues are often tied to the electrical failures, with owners experiencing warning lights and speedometer malfunction, which can affect braking performance.
“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…”
“Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent engine failures, including complete loss of power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Some engines, like the 6.2L, have failed within a few thousand miles, leaving families stranded.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of drive, which can be dangerous in traffic. Owners also report issues with the 6.6L Duramax diesel, such as excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter.
Electrical issues often lead to loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling. These failures can occur at highway speeds, creating 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 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 2025 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Due to a software logic error, the daytime running lights may dim unexpectedly when the idle start-stop feature cycles the engine from off to on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F…
The risk: Daytime running lights that dim unexpectedly may cause confusion to other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C3.
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 Frontier or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Frontier has significantly fewer complaints per year (47.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While both have serious issues, the Frontier's lower frequency suggests it may be less troublesome in practice, though buyers should still be aware of its potential for sudden electrical failures.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Frontier, indicating a much higher rate of reported issues.
- Silverado owners frequently report engine failures and loss of power, while Frontier owners more often cite electrical shutdowns and transmission hesitation.
- Both vehicles have had recalls, but the Silverado has over 4 times as many recalls (100 vs 22), suggesting more widespread safety concerns.
- The Silverado's engine and powertrain complaints dominate, whereas the Frontier's top issue is electrical, which can lead to sudden stalls.
- Check for any history of electrical system failures, such as sudden shutdowns or warning lights, and have the battery and alternator tested.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of hesitation or gear locking, especially if the vehicle has been used for towing.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or check engine lights, and review maintenance records for any major repairs.
- Test the brakes and steering for any loss of assist, as electrical failures can affect these systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any previous complaints or recalls addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system and transmission for the Frontier, and engine and powertrain for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Check for open recalls on the specific VIN and ensure they have been completed.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs and whether you can handle the downtime if a major failure occurs.
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 | 12 | 98 |
| 2025 | 14 | 150 |
| 2024 | 38 | 0 |
| 2023 | 128 | 0 |
| 2022 | 110 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 34 | 934 |
| 2020 | 46 | 0 |
| 2019 | 28 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 25 | 591 |
| 2017 | 38 | 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 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
- 473
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Frontier total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Frontier avg complaints/year
- 47.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Frontier
- Nissan Frontier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE