Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Versa NOTE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Versa NOTE 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 Versa NOTE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Versa NOTE averaged 110 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averaged 511 per year over 10 years. The Versa NOTE has 11 recalls and 3 deaths; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 1 death. Both show serious issues, but the Silverado has more frequent complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Versa NOTE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Versa NOTE
The Nissan Versa NOTE is a compact, budget-focused hatchback that owners often buy for basic transportation. Over seven years, it has averaged about 110 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, air bags, and engine. Owners frequently report transmission problems that cause sudden deceleration or a loss of acceleration, and some air bag complaints describe failures to deploy in crashes. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some larger vehicles, the types of failures reported can be serious and may leave drivers stranded or injured.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck available in many configurations, often used for work and family hauling. Over ten years, it has averaged about 511 complaints per year, with the highest numbers in engine, power train, and electrical system categories. Owners report a wide range of problems, from engine and transmission failures to sudden brake loss and electrical glitches. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls suggests that while many Silverados serve reliably, some owners face costly and potentially dangerous issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Versa NOTE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 773 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 89 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 110.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 78 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 Versa NOTE
- 01POWER TRAIN248
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER140
- 03AIR BAGS119
- 04ENGINE117
- 05SERVICE BRAKES102
Owners report the transmission downshifting unexpectedly or the vehicle refusing to accelerate even with the pedal floored, sometimes at highway speeds. This can cause sudden deceleration and leave you unable to maintain speed, which is both frightening and dangerous.
Several complaints describe air bags failing to deploy in crashes, including front and side impacts. This means that in a collision, the safety system may not work as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
Some owners report hydrocarbon leaks into the cabin and check engine lights with codes like P0705, which can indicate transmission range sensor issues. These problems can lead to failed emissions tests, health concerns from fumes, and costly repairs.
Brake-related complaints are among the top categories, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should be aware that braking performance issues are reported often enough to warrant a careful inspection.
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA NOTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can occur at low mileage and may lead to expensive repairs or breakdowns.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission failures that cause loss of motive power. This can leave you unable to move the truck, creating a safety hazard in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as loud pinging noises and loss of steering assist. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Brake complaints often involve a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
“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 Versa NOTE — 11 recalls
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-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
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-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) num…
The risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 Versa NOTE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Versa NOTE has far fewer complaints per year (about 110) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Versa NOTE may be easier to live with in terms of frequency, but its transmission and air bag problems can be severe. The Silverado's higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, though many owners may still have good experiences.
Key differences
- The Versa NOTE averages about 110 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 511, meaning you are statistically more likely to find complaints on the Silverado.
- Versa NOTE owners frequently report transmission downshifting and failure to accelerate, while Silverado owners report engine failures, sudden neutral shifts, and electrical braking loss.
- Air bag non-deployment is a recurring complaint on the Versa NOTE, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine, power train, and electrical systems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years compared to 11 for the Versa NOTE over 7 years, indicating a higher volume of safety-related fixes for the truck.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission behavior: any hesitation, sudden downshifts, or lack of acceleration could indicate the power train issues owners report.
- Ask for records of air bag recalls or repairs, and check that the air bag warning light illuminates briefly then goes out; a persistent light could signal a problem.
- Listen for unusual engine noises such as pinging or knocking, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights on diesel models, as owners report soot accumulation and power loss.
- Test the brakes carefully at low and moderate speeds; a firm pedal with poor stopping power could indicate the electrical braking issue reported by some owners.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, engine, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the Versa NOTE, specifically ask the mechanic to scan for transmission fault codes and check air bag system readiness.
- For the Silverado, ask the mechanic to check for engine misfire codes, transmission function, and brake system integrity, including any electrical faults.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions (highway, stop-and-go, parking maneuvers) to reproduce any symptoms owners have reported.
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 Versa NOTE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 3 | 591 |
| 2017 | 69 | 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 Versa NOTE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Versa NOTE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Versa NOTE total complaints
- 773
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Versa NOTE total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Versa NOTE avg complaints/year
- 110.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Versa NOTE
- Nissan Versa NOTE top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE