Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Titan vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Titan 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 Titan vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Titan averages 75.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Titan owners report wiring harness issues and hesitation, whereas Silverado owners face sudden power loss and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Titan or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan, over the past decade, has generated a moderate number of complaints, with engine and powertrain issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints reference a specific recall (PC773) and technical bulletin (NTB20-89) concerning the engine wiring harness, suggesting a known issue that may affect multiple systems. Owners also describe hesitation and power control problems, which can impact drivability and confidence. While not the most problematic truck on the market, the Titan's reliability record shows a pattern of recurring engine and transmission concerns that buyers should investigate.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year, with engine, powertrain, and electrical system issues being the most frequent. Owners report serious incidents such as sudden loss of power, braking failure, and steering problems, often linked to electrical faults. The Silverado also has a higher number of recalls and crash-related complaints, indicating potential safety concerns. Despite its popularity, the Silverado's reliability record suggests that buyers should be prepared for possible major repairs and should thoroughly inspect any used example.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Titan | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 753 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 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 Titan
- 01ENGINE298
- 02POWER TRAIN213
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM111
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM76
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
Owners report check engine lights and wiring harness issues, often tied to recall PC773 and bulletin NTB20-89. This can lead to poor performance and repeated dealership visits.
Transmission and power control problems are common, with complaints of hesitation during acceleration and sudden loss of power, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues often stem from the same wiring harness problems, causing intermittent failures and warning lights that are hard to diagnose.
Some owners describe hesitation and surging, possibly related to engine control modules, affecting fuel delivery and overall drivability.
“The problem I am writing about concerns this vehicle and recall #PC773 EGI HARNESS. Reference must also be made to Nissan #NTB20-89 dated December 8, 2020. I purchased this vehicle from Bates Nissan (5501 East Central Texas Expressway, Killeen TX 76543, 254-7…”
“Worst dealership my husband and I ever dealt with. We purchased a 2019 Nissan XD Titan Diesel with warranty. Two days after purchase, the check engine light came on. I called Spencer from the service department to let them know. They took the truck the very n…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Serious engine failures are reported, including sudden loss of power and loud pinging noises, sometimes leading to complete engine failure. Diesel models also face DPF clogging issues.
Transmissions can unexpectedly shift into neutral, and there are reports of driveline vibrations and loss of drive, especially under load.
Electrical gremlins can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights, often without prior notice.
Brake failures are reported, with the pedal firm but braking ineffective, possibly due to electronic brake control issues.
“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 Titan — 33 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's nu…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Titan and Titan XD pickup trucks. The engine wiring harness could contain an exposed wire that can cause an electrical short or arcing if it contacts another wire.
The risk: An electrical short can impair the performance of the engine, transmission, or fuel pump, increasing the risk of an engine stall and a crash. An electrical short or arcing increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine harness, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
The risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and P…
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 Titan or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Titan has significantly fewer complaints per year (75.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While both have serious problems, the Silverado's higher frequency of safety-related complaints suggests a higher risk of major failures. In practice, the Titan may offer a more predictable ownership experience, though both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over six times more complaints per year than the Titan, indicating a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of power, braking, and steering, which are more severe than the Titan's typical drivability issues.
- The Titan's complaints often trace back to a specific wiring harness recall, which may be fixable, while Silverado issues are more varied and complex.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 33) and more crash-related complaints, suggesting a higher safety risk.
- Check for any open recalls, especially PC773 for the engine wiring harness, and ensure it has been addressed.
- Test drive for hesitation or surging during acceleration, and inspect the engine bay for signs of wiring damage or corrosion.
- Look for signs of electrical issues, such as intermittent warning lights or brake problems, and have the battery and charging system tested.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any pending diagnostic trouble codes, especially related to the engine or transmission.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to check for hesitation, surging, or unexpected gear shifts.
- Check the brake system for any signs of malfunction, such as soft pedal or warning lights.
- Review service records for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues.
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 Titan | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 30 | 0 |
| 2023 | 52 | 0 |
| 2022 | 26 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 110 | 934 |
| 2020 | 21 | 0 |
| 2019 | 46 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 90 | 591 |
| 2017 | 172 | 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 Titan or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Titan vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Titan total complaints
- 753
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Titan total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Titan avg complaints/year
- 75.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Titan
- Nissan Titan top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE