Head-to-head reliability
Polestar Polestar 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Polestar Polestar 3 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
Polestar Polestar 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Polestar has 39 complaints per year and 6 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510 complaints yearly with 100 recalls. Owners report sudden power loss and brake failures in both, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Polestar Polestar 3 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Polestar Polestar 3
The Polestar Polestar 3 is a relatively new electric SUV, with complaints concentrated in its first two years. Owners report frequent software and electrical gremlins that can immobilize the vehicle or disable safety systems, along with issues with the high-voltage charging system and forward collision avoidance. While the number of complaints is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of the failures—often sudden and safety-related—makes it a vehicle that demands patience and a close relationship with the dealer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running, high-volume pickup with a decade of complaints, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including diesel particulate filter clogging and sudden loss of power, as well as electrical and brake failures that can occur without warning. With 100 recalls and over a hundred crashes reported, the Silverado's reliability record is concerning, especially for a vehicle expected to handle heavy work.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Polestar Polestar 3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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.
Polestar Polestar 3
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION8
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
Owners report repeated software and firmware failures that cause loss of essential functions, including air conditioning and complete vehicle immobilization. The car may need to be taken out of service multiple times for software-related issues.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds and loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with multiple safety system failures. This can force drivers to merge across lanes to reach the shoulder, creating a serious hazard.
The high-voltage charging system has failed repeatedly, preventing normal charging, and some vehicles have entered 'turtle mode' with drastically reduced speed, unable to climb hills, leaving families stranded in unsafe situations.
The vehicle displays dozens of error messages indicating that safety systems are unavailable, and persistent warning lights suggest that the backup camera and sensors may not be reliable when needed.
“To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint to formally alert the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to what I believe is a recurring and potentially dangerous defect in the Polestar 3 — specifically, a failure of the air conditioning syste…”
“My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor failing within a few thousand miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging requiring repeated dealer visits. These problems can leave families stranded far from home.
Sudden loss of power, such as the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, is reported. This can be dangerous in traffic and indicates potential transmission or drivetrain defects.
Electrical failures have caused sudden loss of braking and steering while driving at highway speeds, accompanied by loud engine noises. These are critical safety issues that can lead to crashes.
Brake failure is a recurring theme, with the brake pedal firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, and in some cases complete loss of braking ability. This is a direct safety hazard.
“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.
Polestar Polestar 3 — 6 recalls
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 hybrid electric vehicles. Fluctuations in the 12-volt system may have damaged the High to Low Voltage Converter Module (HLCM).
The risk: A damaged HLCM reduces the system's ability to convert energy, causing a sudden loss in drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the High to Low Voltage Converter Module (HLCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recal…
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain Polestar 3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polesta…
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 vehicles. The panoramic glass sunroof may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: A detached glass sunroof can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Polestar will replace the panoramic glass sunroof, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is RP1060.
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 vehicles. Water may damage the electrical connectors between the engine bay and front bumper cable harnesses.
The risk: Damage to harnesses can cause various electrical malfunctions, such as a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Polestar will replace the bumper harness and the inline front bumper/engine bay connector on the engine bay harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-…
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
Polestar Polestar 3 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Polestar Polestar 3 has far fewer complaints per year (39 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls, but its issues are concentrated in software and electrical systems that can disable the vehicle. The Silverado's problems are more numerous and include engine and brake failures that are equally serious. In practice, the Polestar may require more frequent dealer visits for software updates, but the Silverado's higher volume of safety-related complaints suggests a higher risk of being stranded or involved in a crash.
Key differences
- The Polestar has a much lower complaint rate (39/yr) compared to the Silverado (510/yr), but its issues are often software-related and can cause sudden loss of propulsion.
- The Silverado's top problems are engine and powertrain failures, including diesel particulate filter clogging and sudden loss of power, which are more mechanical in nature.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the Polestar's are more about software and charging, while the Silverado's can lead to brake and steering failure.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) compared to the Polestar (4 crashes, 1 injury), indicating more severe real-world consequences.
- Check for any pending software updates and ask about the vehicle's history of immobilization or 'turtle mode' incidents.
- Inspect the high-voltage charging system for error messages and ensure it charges reliably, as owners report failures as early as 511 miles.
- Ask about any engine or transmission repairs, especially if the vehicle has a 6.2L or Duramax diesel, and verify that diesel particulate filter issues have been resolved.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at highway speeds, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or electrical systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Polestar, request a demonstration of the charging system and ask about software update history.
- For the Silverado, inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of leaks or unusual noises, and review maintenance records for DPF cleaning.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to assess braking and acceleration.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with electric vehicles or diesel trucks, respectively.
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 | Polestar Polestar 3 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 78 | 150 |
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 Polestar Polestar 3 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Polestar Polestar 3 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Polestar Polestar 3 total complaints
- 78
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Polestar Polestar 3 total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Polestar Polestar 3 avg complaints/year
- 39.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Polestar Polestar 3
- Polestar Polestar 3 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE