Head-to-head reliability
Nissan LEAF vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan LEAF 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 LEAF vs Chevrolet Silverado: The LEAF has 782 complaints over 10 years (78/year) and 30 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510/year) and 100 recalls. The LEAF’s issues often involve high-voltage battery failures and fires, whereas the Silverado’s span engine, transmission, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan LEAF or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF is an electric hatchback with a relatively low complaint volume—782 over 10 years, about 78 per year—but the complaints cluster around its high-voltage battery. Owners report battery degradation, fires, and a recall (25V655) that restricts DC fast charging due to fire risk. While the LEAF has fewer overall complaints than the Silverado, the battery issues can be serious and expensive, so a used LEAF demands careful battery health checks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—5,105 over 10 years, roughly 510 per year—and issues span the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and brake problems, sometimes at low mileage. The sheer volume and variety of complaints suggest that living with a Silverado may mean more frequent trips to the shop.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan LEAF | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 782 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 37 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 78.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 LEAF
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM478
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM132
- 04POWER TRAIN57
- 05SERVICE BRAKES53
Owners report high-voltage battery failures, including fires and sudden acceleration, as well as recall 25V655 for excessive lithium deposits that can cause rapid heating during fast charging. These issues can lead to costly repairs or safety risks, so a buyer should verify recall completion and battery health.
Complaints describe battery degradation (e.g., 40% Hx) and restricted DC fast charging due to fire risk from recall 25V655. This limits long-distance usability and may require battery replacement, a major expense.
Owners report momentary loss of traction and acceleration issues, sometimes linked to traction control intervention. While less frequent, these can affect drivability and safety in traffic.
Some owners mention brake problems, though fewer than electrical issues. Brake performance is critical, so any unusual pedal feel or noise should be checked.
“*High Voltage Battery defect/failure - this is what was believed to be the issue when it was towed to the dealership. What is left of it is available for inspection at the dealership for now, however the insurance may take it to a salvage yard since the fire…”
“On Saturday, June 20, I was driving my son to soccer. We stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green, I pressed the accelerator and we went forward. However, when I took my foot off the accelerator, the car continued to accelerate. Luckily it slowed d…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, even at low mileage. Transmission problems can be dangerous and costly to fix.
Owners describe severe loss of braking and engine pinging with loss of power, brakes, and steering. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports of sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping. Brake failures are a major safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
“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 LEAF — 30 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The Owner's Manual instructions for defroster operation are incorrect, and may result in reduced defroster performance under specific conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: Reduced defroster performance can limit visibility out of the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will mail an addendum with updated instructions on how to operate the defroster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 1, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nis…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control.
The risk: Unintentional acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 LEAF vehicles. The outer rear seat belt automatic locking retractors (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system (CRS) from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fed…
The risk: An improperly secured child restraint system may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear outboard seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in Dece…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging.
The risk: A quick charging battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 16, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's Customer Service at 1-800-86…
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 LEAF or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan LEAF has far fewer complaints per year (about 78 vs. 510 for the Silverado), but its issues often center on the high-voltage battery, which can be costly. The Silverado’s higher complaint rate and broader range of engine, transmission, and brake problems mean a used Silverado may require more frequent repairs. In practice, the LEAF may be simpler to own if the battery is healthy, while the Silverado demands more diligence.
Key differences
- The LEAF’s complaints are heavily concentrated in the electrical system (478) and fuel/propulsion (132), often tied to battery recalls; the Silverado’s top issues are engine (1,698) and power train (1,453).
- Silverado has 100 recalls vs. 30 for the LEAF, covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- LEAF complaints include battery fires and restricted fast charging; Silverado complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries reported, while the LEAF has 0 deaths and 16 injuries, though these figures depend on many factors.
- Check for open recall 25V655 and confirm whether the high-voltage battery has been inspected or replaced; ask for battery health report (Hx value).
- Test DC fast charging if possible, and listen for unusual noises or warning lights related to the electrical system.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as rough idle, pinging, or excessive diesel particulate filter regeneration messages on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal but poor stopping, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the LEAF’s battery recall and the Silverado’s brake and tailgate recalls.
- For the LEAF, have a certified EV technician check battery state of health and capacity.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system for signs of failure.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for hesitation, braking issues, or transmission problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any warranty information, especially for battery or powertrain coverage.
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 LEAF | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 98 |
| 2025 | 14 | 150 |
| 2024 | 10 | 0 |
| 2023 | 19 | 0 |
| 2022 | 184 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 54 | 934 |
| 2020 | 164 | 0 |
| 2019 | 253 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 66 | 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 LEAF or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan LEAF vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan LEAF total complaints
- 782
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan LEAF total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan LEAF avg complaints/year
- 78.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan LEAF
- Nissan LEAF top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE