Vehicle 1

Nissan Maxima

185 complaints · 4 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,578 complaints · 74 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Nissan Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Maxima has 185 complaints and 4 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 7578 complaints and 74 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Maxima's are structure and air bags. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Nissan Maxima
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryNissan MaximaChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
185
✓ lower
7,578
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
4
✓ lower
74
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
13
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
18.5
✓ lower
757.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Nissan Maxima

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
2. STRUCTURE27
3. SERVICE BRAKES24
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
5. AIR BAGS21

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,225
2. POWER TRAIN2,144
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,398
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Nissan Maxima has far fewer complaints per year (18.5) than the Chevrolet Silverado (757.8), suggesting a lower likelihood of issues. However, the Maxima's lower complaint count may partly reflect lower sales volume, so buyers should still check specific problem areas.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower recall risk, the Nissan Maxima is the better choice. If you need a truck and can accept higher complaint rates, the Silverado may suit you, but be prepared for potential engine or powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Nissan Maxima has 185 total complaints vs 7578 for Chevrolet Silverado over 10 years.
  • Silverado has 74 recalls; Maxima has 4.
  • Silverado's top issues are engine (2225) and powertrain (2144); Maxima's top is unknown/other (43) and structure (27).
  • Silverado has 219 crash complaints; Maxima has 13.
⚠ Watch on Nissan Maxima
  • Watch for structure-related complaints (27) and air bag issues (21).
  • Service brake complaints (24) are also notable for a car with relatively few total complaints.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine complaints (2225) and powertrain issues (2144) are very common.
  • Electrical system problems (1398) and service brake complaints (1183) are also frequent.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Review service history for brake and electrical system repairs.
  • For Silverado, inspect engine and transmission records; for Maxima, check air bag and structure-related service.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from brakes or drivetrain.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Nissan MaximaChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
54
2025
0
117
2024
0
472
2023
1
389
2022
5
1205
2021
3
869
2020
21
804
2019
18
1943
2018
36
577
2017
101
1148
Nissan Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Nissan Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado
Nissan Maxima total complaints
185
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,578
Nissan Maxima total recalls
4
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
74
Nissan Maxima avg complaints/year
18.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
757.8
More reliable overall
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Maxima top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Nissan Maxima Reliability & Problems

185 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,578 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Nissan Maxima or Chevrolet Silverado?

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