Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Alero vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Oldsmobile Alero 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
Oldsmobile Alero vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Alero averaged 306.8 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 over 10 years. Both have serious safety complaints, but the Silverado's higher rate and engine/transmission issues may mean more frequent repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Alero or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Alero
The Oldsmobile Alero is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent electrical and lighting problems. Over five years, it averaged about 307 complaints per year, with many reports of ignition issues that allow the key to be removed while driving. Brake and engine stalling complaints also appear, sometimes leading to crashes. With 17 recalls, including multiple for ignition, it demands careful maintenance.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to owner complaints, has a high rate of engine and powertrain issues, especially in newer models. Over ten years, it averaged about 511 complaints per year, with reports of sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. Although it has 100 recalls, many complaints involve serious safety risks like stalling or unintended acceleration. Buyers should be aware of these patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Alero | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,534 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 306.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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.
Oldsmobile Alero
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM515
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING315
- 03SERVICE BRAKES236
- 04HYDRAULIC205
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING177
Owners report that the ignition can be turned off and the key removed while the car is still in drive, and that windshield leaks can cause electrical shorts leading to stalling. These issues can leave you stranded or cause loss of control.
Complaints include turn signals that fail intermittently and starting problems linked to the ignition. Faulty lighting reduces visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets.
Some owners describe the engine stalling while driving, which causes the power brakes and steering to fail, making it hard to stop or steer. This is a serious safety concern.
There are reports of engine stalling and cooling system problems that can lead to breakdowns. These issues may require costly repairs and affect reliability.
“I OWN A 2004 ALERO OLDSMOBILE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2008. IT LATER ONLY HAD ONE RECALL WHICH WAS FOR THE IGNITION ISSUES. WHILE THE CAR IS ON AND IN DRIVE THE KEY IS STILL ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR STILL REMAINS ON AND IN DRIVE.…”
“NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSE TO LEAK ON EQUIPMENT UNDER INSIDE AND OUT DASHBOARD WITCH CAUSED EROSION AND DEFECTS TO OTHER OPERATING EQUIPMENT LEAD TO CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING,SOME OPERATIONS OF WILL WORK, SOME WON'T. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failures, including loss of power and loud pinging noises, sometimes requiring major repairs. Diesel models have had repeated exhaust filter problems. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive fixes.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds or while driving, increasing crash risk.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assistance and engine stalling, with warning messages appearing. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Some owners experience a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. This could lead to collisions, especially in emergencies.
“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.
Oldsmobile Alero — 17 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
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
Oldsmobile Alero or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Alero has fewer complaints per year (about 307) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Alero's problems often stem from aging electrical and ignition faults, while the Silverado's issues are more frequent and involve major components like the engine and transmission. In practice, the Alero may be cheaper to buy but could require more frequent repairs, whereas the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of costly breakdowns.
Key differences
- The Alero has multiple ignition recalls and complaints of keys being removed while driving, while the Silverado has tailgate and seat belt recalls.
- Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures at low mileage, whereas Alero complaints often involve electrical shorts from leaks and stalling.
- The Alero averages fewer complaints per year but has a higher proportion of crash-related complaints (76 out of 1534) compared to the Silverado (117 out of 5105).
- Brake issues in the Alero often stem from engine stalling, while Silverado brake complaints involve sudden loss of braking power with a firm pedal.
- Check for ignition problems: ensure the key cannot be removed while the car is running and that the ignition switch has been replaced under recall.
- Inspect for water leaks around the windshield and dashboard, as these can cause electrical shorts and stalling.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine pinging or knocking, and check for transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for brakes and tailgate, have been performed, and check for warning lights related to brakes or engine.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed, especially ignition for Alero and brake/tailgate for Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and ignition on the Alero, and the engine/transmission on the Silverado.
- Test all lights, turn signals, and brakes during a test drive, noting any intermittent failures.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with Duramax, and for the Alero, check for coolant leaks and stalling.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if there are gaps or repeated repairs for the same issue.
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 Oldsmobile Alero or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Alero vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Oldsmobile Alero total complaints
- 1,534
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Oldsmobile Alero total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Oldsmobile Alero avg complaints/year
- 306.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Alero
- Oldsmobile Alero top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE