Vehicle 1

Nissan Pathfinder

532 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,578 complaints · 74 recalls

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

Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Pathfinder has 532 complaints over 10 years (53.2/year) and 6 recalls, while the Silverado has 7,578 complaints (757.8/year) and 74 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Pathfinder's are brakes and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Nissan Pathfinder
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryNissan PathfinderChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
532
✓ lower
7,578
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
✓ lower
74
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
18
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
53.2
✓ lower
757.8

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Nissan Pathfinder

1. SERVICE BRAKES117
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER114
3. ENGINE95
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM89
5. POWER TRAIN68

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 Pathfinder has far fewer complaints per year (53.2) than the Chevrolet Silverado (757.8), suggesting lower overall owner-reported issues. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas, so a buyer should focus on specific components rather than just complaint volume.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint frequency, the Nissan Pathfinder is the better choice. If you need a heavy-duty truck and can accept higher complaint rates, the Silverado may suit you, but be prepared to inspect its engine and powertrain thoroughly.

Key Differences
  • Nissan Pathfinder: 532 total complaints (53.2/year) vs Chevrolet Silverado: 7,578 complaints (757.8/year).
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 74 recalls vs Nissan Pathfinder's 6 recalls.
  • Top issues for Silverado: Engine (2,225) and Powertrain (2,144); for Pathfinder: Service Brakes (117) and Unknown/Other (114).
  • Crash complaints: Silverado 219 vs Pathfinder 18.
⚠ Watch on Nissan Pathfinder
  • Watch for service brake issues (117 complaints) and electrical system problems (89 complaints).
  • Engine complaints (95) are also a concern, though less frequent than in the Silverado.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine complaints are very high (2,225) – check for known engine failures or recalls.
  • Powertrain issues (2,144) are also prevalent; inspect transmission and drivetrain carefully.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For Pathfinder: test brakes and electrical systems (lights, windows, infotainment).
  • For Silverado: inspect engine for unusual noises or leaks; test transmission shifting.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any crash complaints or major repairs are documented.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on top complaint areas.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Nissan PathfinderChevrolet Silverado
2026
6
54
2025
40
117
2024
65
472
2023
94
389
2022
129
1205
2021
0
869
2020
49
804
2019
73
1943
2018
76
577
2017
0
1148
Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Silverado
Nissan Pathfinder total complaints
532
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,578
Nissan Pathfinder total recalls
6
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
74
Nissan Pathfinder avg complaints/year
53.2
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
757.8
More reliable overall
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Pathfinder top complaint area
SERVICE BRAKES
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability & Problems

532 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,578 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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