Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Kicks vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Kicks 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 Kicks vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Kicks has 475 complaints over 7 years (67.9/yr) with top issues in forward collision avoidance and electrical system, while the Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) with engine and powertrain failures. The Kicks shows fewer issues per year, but the Silverado's problems are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Kicks or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of electronic and safety-system glitches rather than catastrophic mechanical failures. The most frequent complaints involve the forward collision avoidance system triggering warnings or acting erratically, and electrical issues that can knock out the infotainment screen and backup camera. Engine and powertrain complaints, while less common, include sudden power loss and stalling, which are serious when they occur. Overall, the Kicks seems to be a vehicle where technology and electronics are the primary reliability concerns, not the core drivetrain.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting both its popularity and a broader range of issues. Engine problems dominate, with owners reporting failures like sudden power loss, excessive soot in diesel particulate filters, and even complete engine failure. Powertrain issues, including transmission problems and unexpected shifts to neutral, are also common. Electrical and brake complaints are significant, with reports of sudden loss of braking power and steering/brake failure at highway speeds, which are alarming safety concerns. The Silverado's reliability picture is more complex and potentially more serious, given the higher frequency and severity of reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Kicks | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 475 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 67.9 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 Kicks
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE131
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM111
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER103
- 04ENGINE93
- 05POWER TRAIN60
Owners report the automatic emergency braking warning light flashing randomly and the system activating without reason, which can be startling and potentially dangerous if it brakes unexpectedly. Some also mention the rear windshield shattering, which may be linked to the defroster or a defect, but it's a separate issue.
The infotainment screen can black out completely, disabling the backup camera and rear cross-traffic alerts, which are critical for safe reversing. There are also reports of the rear hatch glass shattering spontaneously, possibly due to electrical or thermal stress.
Some owners report sudden loss of power while driving, and in one case, the vehicle stalled at a red light with only 14 miles on the odometer, triggering battery and oil warning lights. This suggests potential issues with fuel delivery or engine control that could leave you stranded.
“I bought the car used and had no issues within the first three months. I have only had the car for four months now. The automatic emergency braking warning light started to randomly flash while driving and would come on and off. I took the car into the dealer…”
“The rear windshield shattered ~ while driving for no reason. I did have the rear defrost on, but it was 60 degrees out, so that should not have happened. I've used it in the winter when it was below zero and nothing happened then. Now I'm afraid to use it at…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are the most common complaint, with reports of sudden power loss, loud pinging sounds, and even complete engine failure in newer models. Diesel variants have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service multiple times.
Transmission issues are frequent, including the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. Some owners also report a loss of drive power, making the truck unable to move.
Electrical problems can lead to a sudden loss of braking power, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective, and in some cases, the brakes and steering become inoperable at highway speeds. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Brake-related complaints include a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, often without warning. This can happen shortly after starting the vehicle, making it unpredictable and dangerous, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
“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 Kicks — 6 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improper…
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD10…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improper…
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD10…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's cus…
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 Kicks or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Kicks has far fewer complaints per year (67.9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Kicks' problems are more concentrated in safety systems and electronics, while the Silverado's issues are more varied and include serious engine and brake failures. In practice, the Kicks may be less likely to leave you stranded, but the Silverado's problems can be more severe and costly to fix.
Key differences
- The Kicks has a much lower complaint rate (67.9 per year) than the Silverado (510.5 per year), suggesting fewer overall issues.
- Kicks complaints are dominated by forward collision avoidance and electrical glitches, while Silverado complaints are led by engine and powertrain failures.
- Silverado owners report severe safety issues like sudden loss of braking and steering, which are not as prominent in Kicks complaints.
- The Kicks' electrical failures can disable backup cameras, while the Silverado's electrical issues can affect core driving functions.
- Check the forward collision warning system for any warning lights or erratic behavior during a test drive.
- Test the infotainment screen and backup camera to ensure they work consistently, and inspect the rear glass for any signs of stress or previous shattering.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises, especially pinging, and check for any warning lights related to the engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any brake fluid leaks or warning messages.
Before you buy
- For the Kicks, verify all recall repairs have been performed, especially those related to airbags and steering.
- For the Silverado, check the tailgate latch and seat belt anchorages for any recall issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Kicks' electrical system and forward collision sensors for any signs of malfunction.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs, and check the brake system for any recent work.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any power loss or braking issues.
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 Kicks | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 36 | 0 |
| 2023 | 31 | 0 |
| 2022 | 22 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 75 | 934 |
| 2020 | 93 | 0 |
| 2019 | 134 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 84 | 591 |
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 Kicks or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Kicks vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Kicks total complaints
- 475
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Kicks total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Kicks avg complaints/year
- 67.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Kicks
- Nissan Kicks top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE