Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Montana vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Pontiac Montana 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 Montana vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Montana averaged 138 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 100 recalls versus 35 for the Montana. Both have serious reported issues, but the Silverado's higher rates suggest more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Montana or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Montana
The Pontiac Montana is a minivan that owners report living with a steady stream of mechanical and electrical problems. Over five years, it averaged 138 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the engine, electrical system, and structure. Owners frequently describe recurring head gasket failures, dashboard gauges that stop working, and fuel leaks. These problems can lead to expensive repairs and safety concerns, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, generated an average of 510.5 complaints per year. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake issues. Some of these failures occur at very low mileage, even on new trucks. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it has a high rate of reported problems that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Montana | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 690 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 90 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 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.
Pontiac Montana
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING156
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 03STRUCTURE71
- 04FUEL SYSTEM66
- 05POWER TRAIN55
Owners report repeated head gasket failures, sometimes needing replacement every year, which can cause overheating and costly engine damage. This is a major concern because it can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include instrument panel gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature) failing intermittently, and brake lights or headlights blowing out repeatedly. These issues can affect safety and are frustrating to diagnose and fix.
There are reports of rear axles becoming dislodged while driving, as well as door brackets fracturing and causing injuries. These structural failures pose serious safety risks and should be inspected carefully.
Owners describe strong fuel odors and leaks from a fractured fuel neck, which can lead to fire hazards. Some vehicles were recalled for this, so checking for open recalls is critical.
“REPEATED DRIVING WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF THE INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR ANTENNA CAUSES SOME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE INDICATORS TO TURN ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE "BATTERY" AND "AIRBAG" INDICATORS TURN ON AND CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD FR…”
“I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET ON MY 2004 PONTIAC MONTANA EVERY YEAR AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE GASKET REPLACED I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER SINCE I HAVE REPLACED IT 2 TIM…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes at highway speeds. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, which can cause loss of control. This is a serious safety issue that can happen with very low mileage.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as other electrical glitches. These failures can be dangerous and may be hard to predict.
Reports of brakes becoming inoperable or losing effectiveness, sometimes accompanied by other system failures. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 Montana — 35 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
The risk: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
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
Pontiac Montana or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Montana has far fewer complaints per year (138) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but both have serious reported issues. The Montana's problems tend to be recurring mechanical and electrical faults, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine, transmission, and brake failures. In practice, the Montana may be cheaper to maintain but still risky, whereas the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent and potentially severe problems.
Key differences
- The Pontiac Montana averages 138 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Montana owners frequently report head gasket failures and fuel leaks, whereas Silverado owners report engine power loss and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to 35 for the Montana over 5 years, suggesting more widespread safety-related issues.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado has more than double the injuries (104 vs. 90) and far more complaints overall.
- Check for coolant leaks or overheating signs, as head gasket failures are commonly reported and can be expensive to fix.
- Inspect the fuel filler neck and undercarriage for fuel odors or leaks, which owners say can lead to dangerous fuel spills.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine pinging or loss of power, which owners report as signs of serious engine issues.
- Check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially during low-speed maneuvers, as this is a reported safety hazard.
Before you buy
- Ask for a complete maintenance history, focusing on head gasket repairs for the Montana and transmission/engine service for the Silverado.
- Run the VIN on the NHTSA website to confirm all recalls have been performed, especially fuel system recalls for the Montana and brake/transmission recalls for the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, including a compression test for the Montana and a transmission scan for the Silverado.
- During the test drive, pay attention to dashboard gauges, brake response, and any unusual noises or shifting behavior.
- Check for signs of structural damage or repairs, such as rear axle integrity on the Montana and frame/underbody condition on the Silverado.
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 Montana or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Montana vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Pontiac Montana total complaints
- 690
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Pontiac Montana total recalls
- 35
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Pontiac Montana avg complaints/year
- 138.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Montana
- Pontiac Montana top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE