Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Solstice vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Pontiac Solstice 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 Solstice vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Solstice averaged 145 complaints per year over 5 years, with 533 about air bags, while the Silverado averaged 510 per year over 10 years, led by 1,698 engine complaints. The Silverado also had 100 recalls and 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Solstice or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Solstice
The Pontiac Solstice is a low-volume two-seat sports car, so complaints are relatively few per year but heavily concentrated in one area. Over five years, owners filed 726 complaints, with 533 about air bags, often tied to ignition switch recalls and occupant sensor failures. Recalls cover ignition and air bag sensors, and owners report warning lights and non-deployment concerns. Living with one means staying on top of recall work and checking that safety systems function.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck with many more complaints simply because so many are on the road. Over ten years, 5,105 complaints average about 510 per year, led by engine and powertrain issues. Recalls are numerous and cover items like tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings. Owners report serious problems like sudden power loss and brake failure, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Solstice | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 726 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 145.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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.
Pontiac Solstice
- 01AIR BAGS533
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM76
- 03POWER TRAIN56
- 04SERVICE BRAKES52
- 05SEATS39
Owners frequently report the passenger air bag sensor light staying on, often after ignition switch recall repairs. Some say the system warns that air bags may not deploy, which is a major safety concern.
Complaints center on ignition switch recalls and subsequent warning lights, especially the passenger air bag sensor light. This can leave owners unsure whether safety systems are working.
A reported issue is rear differential fluid leaks appearing at low mileage, similar to earlier model years. This can lead to costly repairs if ignored.
Some owners describe random brake light failures, where lights either don't come on when braking or stay on when released. This can confuse other drivers and is a safety risk.
“I PUTCHASED THE CAR ON NOVEMBER 25, 2015 FROM CYNTHIA WALKER. THE VEHICLE HAD 30,000 MI, EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (I RECEIVED ALL PREVIOUS SERVICE RECORDS. IN AUGUST, 2016 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND…”
“MY SOLSTICE IS PART OF THE IGNITION RECALL ID # 102546 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. DURING THE REPAIR OF THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED OCT 13 2014.AND AFTER THE CAR WAS BROUGHT OUT TO ME I NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT HAD CAME ON. I NOTIF…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can strand drivers and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, sometimes at low speeds. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of steering assist. These are serious safety issues.
Owners describe brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, and in some cases brakes and steering become inoperable. This pattern suggests potential hydraulic or electronic brake problems.
“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 Solstice — 22 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
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 replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later v…
The defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year…
The risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should cont…
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 Solstice or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Solstice has far fewer complaints per year (about 145) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), but the Solstice's complaints are heavily concentrated in air bags and electrical issues. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems overall, including severe engine, powertrain, and brake failures. In practice, the Solstice may have fewer total issues, but both require careful inspection and recall checks.
Key differences
- The Solstice has 726 complaints over 5 years, mostly about air bags, while the Silverado has 5,105 over 10 years, led by engine and powertrain issues.
- Solstice owners report air bag sensor lights and ignition switch recall problems; Silverado owners report sudden power loss, transmission shifting to neutral, and brake failure.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings; the Solstice has 22 recalls mainly for air bags and ignition.
- The Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries reported, while the Solstice has 0 deaths and 24 injuries, though both have crash-related complaints.
- Check for any active air bag or ignition switch recalls and confirm they have been repaired, as owners report sensor lights staying on after recall work.
- Inspect for rear differential leaks, especially around the seals, as owners report leaks at low mileage.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for any loss of power or transmission slipping.
- Verify brake function carefully, including pedal feel and stopping power, as owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they are fixed.
- Ask for a complete service history, especially for air bag sensor repairs on the Solstice and engine/transmission work on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Solstice's air bag system, ignition switch, and rear differential for leaks.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brake system for signs of failure or pending issues.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for power loss, shifting problems, or brake issues.
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 Solstice or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Solstice vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Pontiac Solstice total complaints
- 726
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Pontiac Solstice total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Pontiac Solstice avg complaints/year
- 145.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Solstice
- Pontiac Solstice top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE