Head-to-head reliability
Nissan NV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan NV 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 NV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NV has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, with 117 crashes and 1 death. Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan NV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan NV
The Nissan NV is a commercial van with a remarkably clean complaint record over the past decade—zero owner complaints on file. This suggests that, in terms of owner-reported issues, it has been very quiet, though it has had multiple recalls. Buyers should focus on ensuring recall work is completed rather than worrying about common failure patterns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a popular full-size pickup, shows a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 500 per year. The most frequent issues involve the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden power loss, transmission problems, and braking failures. These are serious concerns that could affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan NV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 NV
No component data available.
No owner complaints are recorded, but recalls for driver-side frontal inflator modules indicate a potential defect that could cause improper deployment. Ensure recalls are performed.
A recall for rear seat belts suggests a possible anchorage issue. No complaints, but verify the recall fix is applied.
A recall for the ignition system points to a possible stalling or no-start condition. No complaints, but have the recall addressed to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe issues like excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters (P2463) requiring dealer service, and sudden loss of motive power with loud pinging sounds. These can leave you stranded and require costly repairs.
Transmission problems are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which is dangerous, especially on inclines. This indicates a potential loss of drive power.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, as one owner described losing engine power, brakes, and steering simultaneously at highway speed. This is a critical safety risk.
Brake failure reports include a sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, which can lead to crashes. This is a top safety concern.
“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 NV — 15 recalls
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 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
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 NV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan NV has zero complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year. This stark difference indicates the NV has far fewer owner-reported issues, but the Silverado's higher volume reflects real, serious problems that could affect safety and ownership satisfaction.
Key differences
- The NV has zero complaints, while the Silverado has thousands, including reports of sudden power loss and brake failure.
- Silverado owners frequently cite engine and transmission problems, such as DPF clogging and unexpected neutral shifts, which are absent in NV reports.
- Electrical system issues in the Silverado can lead to simultaneous loss of power, brakes, and steering, a severe safety hazard not seen in the NV.
- The NV's recalls focus on airbags, seat belts, and ignition, which are serious but not reflected in owner complaints, whereas Silverado recalls include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
- Check that all recalls, especially airbag inflator and ignition system, have been performed, as these could affect safety.
- Inspect the rear seat belt condition and ensure the recall fix is applied, even though no complaints are on record.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and watch for warning lights related to DPF or engine performance; these could indicate imminent failure.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially during uphill driving, to ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- For the NV: verify all open recalls are completed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the Silverado: obtain a full service history and check for any engine or transmission repairs.
- For the Silverado: perform a thorough test drive including highway speeds and hill climbs to check for power loss or transmission issues.
- For both: have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- For the Silverado: consider an extended warranty to cover potential costly 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 NV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 NV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan NV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan NV total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan NV total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan NV avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan NV
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE