Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Xterra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Xterra averages 157.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Xterra owners report engine seizures and transmission coolant leaks; Silverado owners report sudden power loss and brake failures. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Xterra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV with a loyal following, but its reliability record shows a pattern of powertrain and fuel system issues that can leave owners stranded. Complaints often involve sudden power loss, transmission contamination from coolant, and engine failures without warning lights, suggesting potential for costly repairs and safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, particularly around engine and powertrain problems. Owners report severe issues like sudden loss of motive power, brake failure, and transmission slipping, often in newer models, indicating that even recent trucks can have serious reliability and safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Xterra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,577 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 157.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 Xterra
- 01POWER TRAIN578
- 02FUEL SYSTEM457
- 03GASOLINE383
- 04ENGINE231
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING192
Owners report a rubber stopper under the clutch pedal failing, preventing the vehicle from starting, and coolant leaking into the transmission fluid causing power loss around 40 mph.
Fuel system issues are frequent, with complaints suggesting problems that could affect engine performance and fuel delivery, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample.
Engine failures are reported, including engines seizing without warning lights, often due to oil loss or leaks, which can lead to sudden breakdowns.
“1) Rubber stopper under clutch pedal has failed multiple times, preventing vehicle from starting in various locations, usually parking lots and mostly after dark which presents potential safety concerns. This is a rubber part that allows vehicle to start only…”
“I PURCHASED THIS 1 OWNER TRADE IN 4/11/19. AS OF 5/9/19 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PRONOUNCED ISSUES WITH LOSING POWER AROUND 40 MPH . DIAGNOSTICS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLING COIL WHICH RESULTED IN COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH DA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are widespread, including sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds, often accompanied by loud noises, and issues with diesel particulate filter clogging in diesel models.
Transmission issues are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and other drivability problems that can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical failures are linked to severe braking loss and steering becoming inoperable, indicating that electrical glitches can compromise critical safety systems.
“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 Xterra — 30 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE…
The risk: IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufa…
The risk: If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, AR…
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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.
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 Xterra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Nissan Xterra has fewer complaints per year (157.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference in frequency may not fully reflect the severity of potential problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over three times more complaints per year than the Xterra, indicating a higher rate of owner-reported issues.
- Silverado complaints often involve sudden loss of power and braking, which are immediate safety hazards, while Xterra issues like engine seizing also pose risks but may be less frequent.
- The Xterra's top issues are concentrated in powertrain and fuel systems, whereas the Silverado's spread across engine, powertrain, and electrical systems, suggesting broader reliability concerns.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has over three times as many recalls (100 vs 30), pointing to more widespread defects.
- Check for signs of coolant in the transmission fluid, as leaks can lead to transmission failure.
- Inspect the rubber stopper under the clutch pedal for wear, as failure can prevent the vehicle from starting.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, as electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures can occur without prior indication.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission fluid for contamination on the Xterra.
- Check the clutch pedal stopper on the Xterra for wear or damage.
- On the Silverado, test the brakes at various speeds and in emergency stops.
- Scan the Silverado's computer for any stored trouble codes related to engine or transmission.
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
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 Xterra or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Xterra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Xterra total complaints
- 1,577
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Nissan Xterra total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Nissan Xterra avg complaints/year
- 157.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Xterra
- Nissan Xterra top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE