Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Grand AM vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Pontiac Grand AM 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
Pontiac Grand AM vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Grand AM averaged 399 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The Grand AM's top issue is electrical; the Silverado's is engine. Both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Grand AM or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Grand AM
The Pontiac Grand AM is a compact car with a mixed reliability record. Over six years, owners filed 2,391 complaints, averaging about 399 per year. Electrical problems dominate, often causing stalling or no-start conditions. Lighting and brake issues are also common, and there are 14 reported deaths in crash-related complaints.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Engine and power train issues are most frequent, with many reports of stalling, transmission problems, and brake loss. Despite 101 recalls, serious failures continue to be reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Grand AM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,391 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 154 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 398.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 135 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 3 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.
Pontiac Grand AM
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM834
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING489
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING293
- 04SERVICE BRAKES286
- 05HYDRAULIC237
Owners report stalling while driving, random no-start conditions, and security sensor lights illuminating. These can leave you stranded or cause a crash, as one owner stalled at 10 mph and hit a curb.
Brake lights and other lights may work intermittently, making it hard to know if they're out. This is a safety risk because other drivers may not see your intentions.
Complaints include engine overheating and cooling failures. These can lead to expensive repairs and breakdowns if not addressed.
Owners report brake problems, sometimes with hydraulic issues. Brake failure is dangerous and should be inspected immediately.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE SECURITY SENSOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message. Diesel models have repeated exhaust filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power. One owner with under 300 miles had the truck go into neutral in a parking garage.
Reports include sudden loss of braking assist and engine shut-off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and instances where the truck shut off completely during low-speed maneuvers.
“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.
Pontiac Grand AM — 32 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: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FRACTURE UNDER HIGH LOADS THAT CAN OCCUR IN SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS.
The risk: IF THE BOLT FRACTURE, THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE COULD DETACH FROM THE KNUCKLE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING COULD OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND THE DRIVER MAY…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
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 — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Pontiac Grand AM or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Grand AM has far fewer complaints per year (about 399) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means the Grand AM may have fewer reported issues overall, but both have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher annual rate suggests more frequent problems, especially with engines and transmissions.
Key differences
- The Grand AM's top complaint is electrical (834), often causing stalling or no-starts, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (2,521), with reports of shutdowns and diesel filter issues.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate per year (823 vs. 399), meaning more owners report problems annually.
- The Grand AM has 14 deaths in crash-related complaints, while the Silverado has 3, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints overall (233 vs. 154).
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 32 for the Grand AM, indicating more widespread safety defects addressed by the manufacturer.
- Check for intermittent brake lights and other exterior lights; have someone operate them while you watch.
- Test the ignition and security system: try starting the car multiple times and look for a security light on the dashboard.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or transmission slipping; these are common complaints.
- Check for brake performance: press the pedal firmly and ensure the truck stops smoothly without loss of assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were performed, especially for the Grand AM's ignition and lighting recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, on both vehicles.
- For the Silverado, check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, or diesel exhaust system.
- Test all lights, brakes, and safety features during a test drive, and ask about any recent repairs.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Pontiac Grand AM or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Grand AM vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Pontiac Grand AM total complaints
- 2,391
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Pontiac Grand AM total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Pontiac Grand AM avg complaints/year
- 398.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Grand AM
- Pontiac Grand AM top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE