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 averages 77 complaints per year and has 16 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries, compared to 0 deaths and 22 injuries for the Pathfinder. 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 is a three-row family SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 77 complaints per year over the last decade. Owners frequently report engine issues like lean conditions and emissions monitor problems, plus brake system faults such as repeated ABS/AEB failures. Electrical gremlins, including stalling and door lock malfunctions, also appear in the complaint pattern. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the Pathfinder still demands attention to brakes and electronics.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, averages over 800 complaints per year—more than ten times the Pathfinder's rate. Owners describe serious engine and power train failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, often on very low-mileage trucks. Brake and electrical issues, such as loss of braking and screen blackouts, are also common. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Silverado's complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of major repairs.
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 | 774 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 77.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Pathfinder
- 01ENGINE186
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03SERVICE BRAKES142
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
- 05POWER TRAIN110
Owners report engine running too lean, repeated emissions test failures due to oxygen sensor monitors not setting, and stalling. These issues can lead to failed inspections and unexpected breakdowns, costing time and money.
Complaints include repeated failures of the ABS and automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, with warning lights illuminating and braking performance compromised. This is a critical safety concern that may require multiple dealer visits.
Owners describe stalling and dying in traffic, as well as door locks inadvertently locking with the key fob inside. Such electrical faults can leave you stranded or locked out, posing both inconvenience and safety risks.
Reports include jerking, shuddering, and shaking while accelerating, sometimes leading to sudden loss of acceleration and steering. A panoramic sunroof has also been reported to shatter spontaneously, causing glass injuries.
“On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicl…”
“I own a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle repeatedly failed Indiana emissions testing because the oxygen sensor monitor would not set to “ready,” despite multiple complete drive cycles and no check‑engine light or stored faul…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other engine faults. These can happen at very low mileage, leaving you stranded and facing costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. Such failures can occur in parking lots or on the road, creating dangerous situations.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are alarming for any driver.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Brake failures are among the most serious safety issues a driver can face.
“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 2024 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The lap belt pretensioner in the left-side front seat belt assembly may be improperly secured, due to a missing rivet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An unsecured lap belt pretensioner will not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left-side front lap seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. O…
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-…
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 Pathfinder or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Pathfinder has far fewer complaints per year (about 77) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), and fewer recalls (16 vs. 101). In practice, this means a used Pathfinder is likely to have fewer reported problems, but both vehicles have notable safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of encountering major issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Pathfinder, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Pathfinder complaints often involve brakes and electrical gremlins, while Silverado complaints include severe engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 16 for the Pathfinder, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has 3 deaths reported, while the Pathfinder has none in the provided data.
- Check for repeated ABS/AEB warning lights and ensure the brake system has been serviced under recall or warranty.
- Test the sunroof for any cracks or signs of shattering, and verify that door locks and key fob functions work reliably.
- Look for any history of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially on low-mileage trucks; scan for stored codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and responsiveness, and check for dashboard messages related to neutral or start issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for shuddering, stalling, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed and ask for 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 Pathfinder | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 120 |
| 2025 | 51 | 157 |
| 2024 | 82 | 527 |
| 2023 | 104 | 450 |
| 2022 | 135 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 53 | 868 |
| 2019 | 76 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 77 | 597 |
| 2017 | 186 | 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 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
- 774
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan Pathfinder total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan Pathfinder avg complaints/year
- 77.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Pathfinder top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE