Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Quest vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Quest 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 Quest vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Quest averaged 52.6 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7, with 101 recalls versus 8. Both have serious issues like sudden power loss, but the Silverado's higher volume means greater risk. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Quest or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest is a minivan that averaged about 53 complaints per year over a decade, with 8 recalls. Owners frequently report fuel and propulsion problems, including jerking on acceleration and sudden power loss. Electrical and power train issues also appear, such as complete electrical shutdowns and transmission failure without warning. These patterns suggest that while the Quest may be practical, it demands vigilance for stalling and transmission problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated about 823 complaints per year over ten years, along with 101 recalls. The most common complaints involve engine and power train failures, often with low mileage, including sudden engine shutdown and transmission problems. Electrical and brake issues are also reported, such as loss of braking and screens going blank. This high volume of complaints indicates that many owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Quest | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 526 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 Quest
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM121
- 02POWER TRAIN85
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM83
- 04ENGINE65
- 05FUEL SYSTEM64
Owners report jerking during acceleration after stops and instances where the vehicle powers off completely, including steering and brakes, often with fuel gauge showing 1/4 tank. This can leave a driver stranded and unable to control the van.
Complaints include transmission failure without warning lights and sudden loss of propulsion during acceleration, sometimes in hot weather. A replacement transmission may be needed, which is costly and can happen without prior symptoms.
Multiple reports describe the entire vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, with loss of steering, lights, and brakes. Mechanics sometimes cannot diagnose the issue, leaving owners without a fix.
Owners report overheating, jerking, and bad noises from the engine, sometimes with check engine lights and smoke. These symptoms can indicate serious internal damage and may require major repairs.
“I'VE NOTICED THAT IN 2016 AT ABOUT THE TIME I PURCHASED MY VAN IT HAD A JERKING WHENEVER YOU ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR EVEN TO JUST ACCELERATE I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I GOT IT THEY TEST DRIVE THE VAN WHILE I SAT IN IT WITH THEM BUT EVE…”
“THE FOLLOWING HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. EVERYTHING ON THE VEHICLE POWERS OFF, WITHOUT WARNING ~ STEERING, LIGHT,S BRAKES, ETC. THE VEHICLE SLOWLY STOPS AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. (IMMEDIATELY PRIOR, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS 1/4 A TANK AND THE TRIP COMPUTER SHOWS 60 MIL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Many complaints involve engine shutdown while driving, even on new trucks with low mileage, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can strand drivers and lead to expensive repairs.
Owners report sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, sometimes in parking garages or at low speeds. Transmission problems can occur with very low mileage, raising concerns about long-term durability.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, engine shut-off while driving, and screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and leave the driver unable to control the vehicle.
Reports describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking power, and instances where the truck shuts off entirely during braking. Brake failures are critical safety concerns that demand immediate attention.
“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 Quest — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
The risk: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE…
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 29, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 2012. DUE TO SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS OR IDLING ON A DECLINE WITH ¼ TANK FUEL OR LESS, THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. A…
The risk: VEHICLE STALLING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE…
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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 Quest or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Quest has far fewer complaints per year (about 53) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the Quest's complaints often involve severe issues like sudden power loss and transmission failure. The Silverado's higher volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, but both vehicles have notable safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Nissan Quest averages about 53 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a 15-fold difference.
- Quest owners frequently report fuel/propulsion jerking and sudden power loss; Silverado owners report engine shutdown and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 8 for the Quest, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Both vehicles have electrical complaints, but the Silverado also has numerous brake-related complaints, including loss of braking.
- During a test drive, accelerate from a stop and listen for jerking or hesitation, which could indicate fuel/propulsion issues.
- Check for any signs of transmission slipping or delayed engagement, and ask if the transmission has been replaced or serviced.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; a firm pedal with reduced braking could signal a problem.
- Look for any warning lights or messages related to engine or transmission, and ask about any history of sudden engine shutdowns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and prior repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including stops and starts, to detect jerking or hesitation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Quest | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 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 Quest or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Quest vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Quest total complaints
- 526
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Nissan Quest total recalls
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Nissan Quest avg complaints/year
- 52.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Quest
- Nissan Quest top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE