Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Nv200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Nv200 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 Nv200 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NV200 averages 8.7 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The NV200's issues often involve air bags and fuel systems, whereas the Silverado's complaints frequently cite engine, powertrain, and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Nv200 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Nv200
The Nissan NV200 is a compact commercial van often used for small business deliveries or family transport. Over 10 years, it has averaged 8.7 complaints per year, with air bags and unknown issues being the most common. Recalls are frequent, especially for the fuel pump control module, which can cause stalling or fire risk. Overall, it's a simpler vehicle with fewer reported problems than full-size trucks, but buyers should be aware of potential air bag and fuel system concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck available in many configurations, from work trucks to family haulers. It has a much higher complaint rate—averaging 510.5 per year—with engine and powertrain issues dominating. Recalls are also numerous, covering tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings. While popular, the volume of complaints suggests that some owners experience significant reliability problems, especially with newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Nv200 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 87 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Nv200
- 01AIR BAGS26
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 05ENGINE6
Owners report air bag issues, including unintended deployment or failure to deploy in low-speed incidents. One complaint describes a passenger-side air bag deploying while driving at 5 mph on a residential road, which could cause injury or costly repairs.
The fuel intake port is too narrow for many gas nozzles, causing fuel to splash out during refueling. There are also complaints of electrical failures inside the fuel tank, linked to a recall for the fuel pump control module, which can lead to stalling or fire.
Owners report electrical and ECM communication issues, such as loss of communication with the engine and transmission control systems. These faults can cause drivability problems and may be difficult to diagnose.
While less common, some engine-related complaints exist, though specific details are limited in the sample. Buyers should still check for unusual noises or warning lights during a test drive.
“OUR COMPANY HAS A 2018 NV 200, A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE WITH 100,000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COMMERCIAL NISSAN WARRANTY. THERE ARE ABOUT 58,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. ON JANUARY, 26, 2021 WHILE DRIVING ON A SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROAD AT 5 MILES AN HOUR, THE PASSENGER SIDE…”
“2015 NISSAN NV200 SV 78,000 MILES. DRIVER HAD MOVED VEHICLE INTO GARAGE, PARKED VEHICLE WITH A SLIGHT ANGLE TO THE STEERING. DRIVER COULD NOT REMEMBER IF VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR KEY IN IGNITION IN 'ON' POSITION. WEATHER STRIPPING ON DRIVER'S DOOR WAS LOOSE AND…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds. One complaint describes a 2026 Silverado losing power at 70 mph, with brakes and steering becoming inoperable, which is a serious safety concern.
Transmission issues are common, such as a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill. This can leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the vehicle, posing a risk in traffic.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness reduced. Another complaint mentions loss of motive power and inoperable steering, indicating potential widespread electrical failures.
Brake problems include a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, as described in complaints. This can happen without warning and may require significant force to stop the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
“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 Nv200 — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2021 NV200 Van, 2014-2017, 2019 NV200 Taxi, and 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express vehicles. The Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor harness may have been incorrectly routed, damaging wires and causing a short circuit in the fuel pump fuse.
The risk: A blown fuel pump fuse can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the FTT sensor harness or replace the fuel pump assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbe…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2021 NV200 Van, 2014-2017, 2019 NV200 Taxi, and 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express vehicles. The Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor harness may have been incorrectly routed, damaging wires and causing a short circuit in the fuel pump fuse.
The risk: A blown fuel pump fuse can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the FTT sensor harness or replace the fuel pump assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbe…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2021 NV200 Van, 2014-2017, 2019 NV200 Taxi, and 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express vehicles. The Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor harness may have been incorrectly routed, damaging wires and causing a short circuit in the fuel pump fuse.
The risk: A blown fuel pump fuse can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the FTT sensor harness or replace the fuel pump assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbe…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2021 NV200 Van, 2014-2017, 2019 NV200 Taxi, and 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express vehicles. The Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor harness may have been incorrectly routed, damaging wires and causing a short circuit in the fuel pump fuse.
The risk: A blown fuel pump fuse can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reroute the FTT sensor harness or replace the fuel pump assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbe…
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 Nv200 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan NV200 has far fewer complaints per year (8.7 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 100), suggesting it may be less prone to frequent issues. However, the Silverado's higher volume of sales means more owners report problems, but the severity of issues like sudden power loss and brake failure is concerning. In practice, the NV200 may be a simpler, lower-risk choice for basic transportation, while the Silverado's complexity brings more potential for costly repairs.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: NV200 averages 8.7 complaints per year; Silverado averages 510.5, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Common failure areas: NV200 issues center on air bags and fuel system; Silverado issues are dominated by engine, powertrain, and brake problems.
- Recall frequency: NV200 has 11 recalls, mostly for fuel pump control module; Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, and brakes.
- Severity of reported issues: Silverado complaints include sudden loss of power and braking, while NV200 complaints include air bag deployment and fuel leaks.
- Check for air bag warning lights or signs of unintended deployment; test all air bag functions if possible.
- Inspect the fuel filler neck for compatibility with standard gas nozzles and look for any fuel smell or leaks around the tank.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking, and test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the common problem areas for each model.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine noises, and brake responsiveness.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump or electrical repairs on the NV200 and engine or transmission work on the Silverado.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been performed, and get documentation.
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 Nv200 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 4 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 9 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 14 | 591 |
| 2017 | 7 | 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 Nv200 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Nv200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Nv200 total complaints
- 87
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Nv200 total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Nv200 avg complaints/year
- 8.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Nv200
- Nissan Nv200 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE