Head-to-head reliability
Nissan JUKE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan JUKE 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 JUKE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The JUKE averages 60 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510, a significant difference. JUKE owners report transmission slipping and loss of acceleration, whereas Silverado owners face engine failures and brake loss. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 versus the JUKE's 14. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan JUKE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan JUKE
The Nissan JUKE is a subcompact crossover that, in ownership terms, tends to be a budget-friendly used pick, but the complaint record shows a persistent pattern of powertrain and engine trouble that can turn daily driving into a worry. Owners frequently describe sudden loss of acceleration, transmission slipping, and hesitation, often on highways, which is alarming for any driver. The high engine and powertrain complaint counts suggest these are not isolated incidents but recurring themes that a buyer should take seriously.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup known for capability, but the sheer volume of complaints—over 5,000 in a decade—points to widespread issues across major systems. Owners report engine failures, transmission problems, and even sudden loss of braking, which are critical safety concerns. The high number of recalls and complaints indicates that while the truck may be tough, its reliability and safety systems have significant weak points that buyers need to investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan JUKE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 478 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 59.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 JUKE
- 01ENGINE178
- 02POWER TRAIN75
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM73
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM72
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER55
Owners report the engine stalling, losing power, or hesitating during acceleration, sometimes on highways, which can be dangerous. The high complaint count suggests a systemic issue, possibly related to fuel delivery or transmission interaction.
Transmission problems are a major theme: slipping, catching, and failing to accelerate, even after short drives. Some owners describe the car revving but not moving, which is a serious safety risk in traffic.
There are reports of fuel system issues, including clogged evaporative emission vent tubes that can affect performance and trigger warning lights. Owners also mention steam or fog from the hood, hinting at possible coolant or fuel leaks.
Electrical problems often accompany the transmission failures, with owners reporting warning lights and erratic behavior. This suggests that the root cause may be electronic, affecting multiple systems.
“2016 NISSAN JUKE SL AWD AUG 2017, I TRADED-IN A 2011 NISSAN JUKE SL FOR A NEW 2016 JUKE SL 1. TRANSMISSION CATCHES: 2016 JUKE HAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHICH PREVENTS THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH RESULTS IN DRIVER/PASSENGER…”
“APPROX 1:00 P.M. I PULLED INTO THE WENDY'S DRIVE THROUGH AND THE LINE WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE BUILDING. THERE WAS A LARGE LIKE FORD TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I SAT THERE MAYBE 1 MIN AND I THOUGHT FELT MY CAR JUMP (AND I THOUGHT 'WHAT WAS THAT'), THEN THE TRUCK PUL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, with reports of catastrophic issues like the 6.2L motor failing at low mileage, and diesel particulate filter clogging in Duramax engines. These can lead to costly repairs and breakdowns.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral, loss of drive, and hesitation, which can be dangerous in traffic. Owners report these issues even in new vehicles with low miles.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power loss, as described in one complaint. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
Brake problems are reported, including sudden loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 JUKE — 14 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS vehicles. Due to a problem within the brake master cylinder, brake fluid may leak into the brake booster, reducing brake performance.
The risk: If brake fluid leaks into the brake booster it can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS vehicles. Due to a problem within the brake master cylinder, brake fluid may leak into the brake booster, reducing brake performance.
The risk: If brake fluid leaks into the brake booster it can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2018. 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 North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fu…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 JUKE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan JUKE has far fewer complaints per year (about 60) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both have serious safety-related problems, so neither is problem-free. In practice, the JUKE may be less likely to have a major failure, but the Silverado's issues are more numerous and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The JUKE has a much lower complaint rate (60/yr) than the Silverado (510/yr), suggesting fewer reported problems overall.
- JUKE owners frequently report transmission slipping and loss of acceleration, while Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss, which are more critical safety issues.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs 27) and injuries (104 vs 18), indicating more severe incidents.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has many more (100 vs 14), covering a wider range of systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for any hesitation or loss of power, as transmission issues are common.
- Check for any warning lights related to the fuel system or engine, and ask about the evaporative emission vent tube recall.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any signs of oil or fuel leaks, as engine failures are reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and ask about the brake fluid low warning recall.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission and engine.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review the maintenance history, especially for transmission fluid changes and engine services.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any issues.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential major repairs.
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 JUKE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 14 | 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 JUKE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan JUKE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan JUKE total complaints
- 478
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan JUKE total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan JUKE avg complaints/year
- 59.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan JUKE
- Nissan JUKE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE