Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Maxima 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 Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Maxima averages 48.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7, about 17 times more. The Silverado also has 101 recalls versus 16 for the Maxima. Both have safety-related complaints, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Maxima or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a large sedan with a relatively low complaint rate: about 49 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners most often report power train problems like stalling or jerking, air bag issues including non-deployment in crashes, and electrical glitches such as a dim instrument panel. With 16 recalls and 32 injuries reported, it's not trouble-free, but the volume of complaints suggests fewer owners are affected than with some trucks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate: roughly 823 complaints per year, or about 17 times the Maxima's rate. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, so the stakes can be higher when something goes wrong.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Maxima | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 488 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 48.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 32 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 Maxima
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 03AIR BAGS75
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 05SERVICE BRAKES53
Owners report the engine making abnormal sounds, the vehicle jerking, and then stalling in the middle of the road, sometimes with no warning lights. Another complaint describes the gear shifter failing to shift into park and the vehicle suddenly accelerating, which could lead to a crash.
Some owners say the air bags did not deploy in a crash, causing facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel. Another complaint mentions the collision sensor malfunctioning, making the vehicle brake on its own while reversing.
The instrument panel can intermittently dim while driving, which may make it hard to see speed or warning lights. This same electrical issue is sometimes linked to the stalling complaint, suggesting a possible shared cause.
There are 53 brake complaints, though the sample text does not detail them. Buyers should still check for any signs of brake problems, as this is a common area of concern.
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle jerked before stalling in the middle of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The Police were calle…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to park and turn off the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into park, the STOP button failed to respond, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crashed into…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing. Another complaint describes a diesel particulate filter clogging repeatedly at low mileage, requiring dealer service.
A 2026 Silverado with less than 300 miles suddenly went into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. Another complaint mentions the vehicle jerking and stalling, similar to the Maxima but far more frequent.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping. In another case, the engine shut off while driving and all screens went blank, which could be terrifying in traffic.
Brake complaints include the loss of braking effectiveness described above, which is a serious safety concern. With 1,222 brake complaints, this is a major area to inspect before buying.
“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 Maxima — 16 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
The risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
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 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 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60…
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer s…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Maxima or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Maxima has far fewer complaints per year (about 49) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), so on paper the Maxima has fewer reported issues. In practice, this means a used Maxima is less likely to have a history of frequent repairs, while a Silverado may require more attention and maintenance. However, both have recalls and safety-related complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential for either.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 17 times more complaints per year than the Maxima, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Maxima owners report stalling and air bag non-deployment, while Silverado owners describe sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 16 for the Maxima, meaning more frequent trips to the dealer for safety fixes.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the Silverado's include brake failure and blank screens, which are more severe than the Maxima's dim instrument panel.
- During a test drive, listen for abnormal engine sounds and feel for jerking or hesitation, especially when accelerating or shifting.
- Check that the instrument panel lights up consistently and doesn't dim intermittently, as this could signal an electrical fault.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; a firm pedal with poor stopping could indicate a serious issue.
- Ask for service records related to engine stalling or transmission problems, and check for any repeated diesel particulate filter repairs on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both the Maxima and Silverado, and confirm they were fixed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the specific symptoms reported, like stalling or rough shifting.
- For the Maxima, test the air bag system and collision sensors if equipped, and check for any warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes thoroughly and ask about any history of sudden engine shutdowns or electrical glitches.
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the car has been in crashes or had repeated 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 Maxima | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 3 | 961 |
| 2020 | 22 | 868 |
| 2019 | 18 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 36 | 597 |
| 2017 | 103 | 1154 |
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 Maxima or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Maxima vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Maxima total complaints
- 488
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan Maxima total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan Maxima avg complaints/year
- 48.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Maxima
- Nissan Maxima top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE