Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Pathfinder has 760 complaints over 10 years (76/yr) and 16 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510/yr) and 100 recalls. Both show serious issues like power loss and brake failures, but the Pathfinder's lower rate suggests fewer problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Pathfinder or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder, with 760 complaints over 10 years (76 per year), shows a pattern of sudden power loss, electrical glitches, and brake issues. Owners report the vehicle entering limp mode on highways, spontaneous window shattering, and repeated brake failures, even on low-mileage 2025 models. While not as heavily complained about as the Silverado, these issues point to potential safety concerns and reliability headaches for a family SUV.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, with 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510 per year), is a workhorse truck but has a high rate of engine and powertrain problems. Owners report severe engine failures, transmission slipping, and electrical issues that can lead to loss of braking and steering. With 100 recalls, it's clear that this truck has had many fixes, but the frequency of complaints suggests ongoing reliability challenges.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Pathfinder | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 760 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 76.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 Pathfinder
- 01ENGINE184
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER171
- 03SERVICE BRAKES136
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM126
- 05POWER TRAIN109
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, especially uphill, with warning lights and difficulty restarting. Some describe entering limp mode with 'Engine Malfunction – Power Reduced' messages, making the vehicle unable to accelerate.
Spontaneous rear window shattering without impact is reported, along with other unexplained issues. This can be a safety hazard and costly to repair.
Repeated brake failures and unintended acceleration are reported, even on vehicles with low mileage. This is a critical safety concern for any driver.
Dashboard warning lights, malfunctioning cruise control, and disabled safety sensors (like blind spot monitoring) are common. These electrical gremlins can affect vehicle safety and convenience.
“VIN [XXX] Date of Incident: December 21, 2025 Location: I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South, Jacksonville, FL Vehicle: 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, VIN [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Witness: [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Incident Description: While driving…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart after the first attempt. Af…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Severe engine failures, including complete loss of power, are reported. Diesel models face repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging issues, requiring dealer service. Some engines have abnormal noises and then fail.
Transmission problems are frequent, such as suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Owners also report loss of motive power and drivability issues.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as reported by owners. Warning lights and sensor malfunctions are common, affecting safety systems.
Sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness is reported, even with a firm pedal. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes.
“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 Pathfinder — 16 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. Insufficient welds may allow the secondary hood latch retainer bracket to detach from the front bumper assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A detached secondary hood latch may allow the hood to open if the primary hood latch is not engaged, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the secondary hood latch bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for thi…
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 — 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 Pathfinder or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Pathfinder has far fewer complaints per year (76 vs. 510) and fewer recalls (16 vs. 100), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so neither is without risk. The Pathfinder may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience on average.
Key differences
- The Pathfinder has significantly fewer complaints per year (76 vs. 510) and fewer recalls (16 vs. 100).
- Pathfinder owners report sudden power loss and electrical glitches, while Silverado owners report severe engine failures and transmission slipping.
- Both have brake issues, but Silverado reports include loss of braking and steering due to electrical failure, which is more severe.
- The Silverado's high complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, especially with the engine and powertrain.
- Check for any history of engine power loss or limp mode incidents, as these are common complaints.
- Inspect the rear window for signs of stress or previous replacement, given reports of spontaneous shattering.
- Look for any engine or transmission warning lights, and test the vehicle's acceleration and shifting thoroughly.
- Ask about any DPF-related service on diesel models, as repeated clogging is a known issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss or unusual noises.
- Check the electrical systems, including all warning lights and safety features.
- For the Silverado, ask about any previous engine or transmission repairs; for the Pathfinder, ask about window replacements.
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 Pathfinder | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 98 |
| 2025 | 49 | 150 |
| 2024 | 75 | 0 |
| 2023 | 103 | 0 |
| 2022 | 135 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 52 | 0 |
| 2019 | 75 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 77 | 591 |
| 2017 | 185 | 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 Pathfinder or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Pathfinder total complaints
- 760
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Pathfinder total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Pathfinder avg complaints/year
- 76.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Pathfinder top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE