Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Sentra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sentra has 669 complaints over 10 years (66.9/yr) with 1 death, while the Silverado has 1340 complaints (134/yr) with 0 deaths. The Sentra's main issue is sudden electrical stalls; the Silverado's is transmission and engine failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Sentra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that, based on NHTSA data, shows a pattern of sudden electrical and powertrain failures that can leave owners stranded in traffic. Owners report the car abruptly stopping with no warning, losing all power and lights, which is a serious safety concern. The high number of electrical system complaints (168) and forward collision avoidance issues (112) suggest these systems are unreliable. With 669 complaints over 10 years (66.9 per year) and 1 death, the Sentra demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume (1340 over 10 years, 134 per year) and 100 recalls, indicating widespread issues. Owners report sudden transmission fluid line failures leading to rapid fluid loss, engine knocking requiring full replacement, and brake system malfunctions that can cause loss of control. Despite no deaths, the severity of powertrain and brake failures makes it a high-risk choice for buyers needing a reliable work truck.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Sentra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 669 Better | 1,340 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 80 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 66.9 Better | 134.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 52 | 33 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
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 Sentra
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER125
- 03POWER TRAIN120
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE112
- 05SERVICE BRAKES111
Owners report the Sentra abruptly stopping while driving, with no forwarding power and all lights out, often in heavy traffic. This electrical failure can cause a complete loss of propulsion and visibility, creating a grave danger.
Complaints describe early engine and electrical malfunction at low mileage, including battery issues that require frequent jumps. The powertrain seems prone to sudden failure, leaving the vehicle inoperable.
With 112 complaints, the forward collision avoidance system appears to have false activations or failures, potentially causing unexpected braking or lack of warning, which can confuse drivers and increase crash risk.
“I am submitting a vehicle defect complaint pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 regarding a potential safety related defect involving engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle experienced early engine and electrical malfunction at relatively low mi…”
“For the past 6 weeks my car has abruptly stopped. No forwarding, no lights. All of which occurred during heavily moving traffic putting myself and others in grave danger. Due to my quick thinking and CDL training I was able to redirect traffic until I was abl…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01POWER TRAIN339
- 02SERVICE BRAKES300
- 03ENGINE257
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER146
Transmission fluid line failures are reported, causing rapid fluid loss without warning lights, leading to sudden loss of drive. Also, the transmission can fail while towing, leaving the truck stranded.
Brake system issues include sudden loss of braking ability or unintended braking, as seen in complaints where the vehicle applied brakes unexpectedly or failed to stop properly, risking collisions.
Engines have been reported to develop loud knocking noises and require complete replacement as early as 3,000 miles. Some trucks lose power at highway speed with metal rattling sounds, indicating catastrophic internal failure.
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurr…”
“On XXX I was driving from [XXX] to my sister's house in [XXX]. I was relocating to [XXX] for a job. I was pulling a U-haul trailer (6x12) that contained significantly less weight than the truck can handle. About halfway there, on back roads, the truck suddenl…”
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 Sentra — 17 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improper…
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD10…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Sentra vehicles. The front left-side driveshaft may not be fully seated in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly, or may have a loose or missing retaining clip, which can cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of drive…
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front left driveshaft, and if necessary, replace the driveshaft and CVT assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Sentra vehicles. The driver's seat frame may not be fully secured to the outer side of the seat track. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems,"…
The risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's side lower seat frame assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The windshield may have air bubbles on the front lower driver's side, which can obscure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…
The risk: An owner who cannot see their VIN clearly may not recognize their vehicle is involved in a safety recall, and may not have the recall remedy performed, which could increase the risk of injury, fire, or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA38.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer sat…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat…
The risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
The fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m…
The risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing own…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Sentra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Sentra has fewer complaints per year (66.9) than the Chevrolet Silverado (134.0), but both have serious safety-related failures. The Sentra's issues are more electrical and sudden-stall oriented, while the Silverado's are mechanical and brake-related. In practice, the Sentra may be less likely to leave you stranded without warning, but the Silverado's failures can be more catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Sentra has a higher proportion of electrical system complaints (168) leading to sudden stalls, while the Silverado's top issue is powertrain (339) with transmission fluid line failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls vs the Sentra's 17, indicating more widespread manufacturing defects.
- The Sentra has 1 death reported, while the Silverado has 0 deaths despite more complaints.
- The Sentra's forward collision avoidance system is a frequent complaint (112), whereas the Silverado's brake issues are more about loss of braking power.
- Check for any history of sudden stalling or electrical failure, especially if the car has been in for multiple electrical repairs.
- Inspect the battery and charging system; repeated battery issues are a common complaint.
- Look for signs of transmission fluid leaks or previous transmission work; fluid line failures are a known issue.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling at startup and during acceleration; many owners report needing full engine replacements.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous complaints filed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical systems (Sentra) or transmission and engine (Silverado).
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for unexpected stalling (Sentra) or transmission slipping (Silverado).
- Verify that all recalls have been completed by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
- Ask the seller about any past repairs related to the top complaint areas.
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 Sentra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 70 |
| 2025 | 25 | 118 |
| 2024 | 31 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 80 | 0 |
| 2021 | 129 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 220 | 0 |
| 2018 | 184 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1152 |
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 Sentra or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Sentra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Sentra total complaints
- 669
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 1,340
- Nissan Sentra total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Sentra avg complaints/year
- 66.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Sentra
- Nissan Sentra top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN