Head-to-head reliability
Rivian EDV vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Rivian EDV 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
Rivian EDV vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EDV has 39 complaints over 5 years (7.8/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year), 233 crash-related, and 3 deaths. The EDV's issues center on seat belts and axles; the Silverado's on engine, brakes, and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rivian EDV or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Rivian EDV
The Rivian EDV is a purpose-built electric delivery van, often bought or leased in fleet quantities rather than as a personal family vehicle. Over five years, NHTSA logged 39 complaints, which is a low yearly average, but the pattern is concentrated: most complaints are about seat belts, with a smaller number about suspension and power train. Owners report parts like pretensioner cables and shift levers breaking during normal use, and some complaints mention injuries, so a buyer should focus on whether those specific parts have been fixed or replaced.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available in many configurations, and it has a very large complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, or about 823 per year. The complaints cluster around the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of stalling, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are also 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, so a used Silverado needs a careful mechanical and safety review before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rivian EDV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 39 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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.
Rivian EDV
- 01SEAT BELTS27
- 02SUSPENSION4
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING2
Owners report the seat belt pretensioner cable snapping or the anchor pulling apart from its plastic housing when buckling up. This matters because a broken pretensioner can reduce restraint performance in a crash, and the same defect has been reported repeatedly.
Complaints describe a vertical crack through the rear axle, found during inspection, extending most of the way up the axle width. A cracked axle can affect vehicle stability and is a serious structural concern for a used van.
Fleet operators report the shift lever breaking off or failing to select drive or reverse, sometimes leaving the vehicle stranded. This is a usability and safety issue because the driver may not be able to move the van out of traffic.
Some complaints mention missing passenger-side airbags in the jump seat area and an air conditioner that shuts off when the bulkhead door is closed. These are comfort and safety-equipment concerns, especially for trainers or passengers riding along.
“During normal operation of the this vehicle, the seatbelt pretensioner cable snapped when the driver attempted to buckle the seatbelt. This is where the lap belt portion is attached to the seat. The cable is frayed and breaks. This same defect has occurred on…”
“During operation the seatbelt connection to the pretensioner fell apart. There is a plastic housing that the seatbelt anchor is connected to. That metal anchor came apart from inside of the plastic housing and could not be reconnected. Vehicle will need a new…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that require dealer service. These can leave a driver stranded or force repeated repair visits, which is costly and disruptive.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power while moving, even at low speeds in parking lots. That kind of unexpected loss of drive can be dangerous in traffic or when pulling out.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, screens going blank, and messages telling them to return to neutral or press start. Electrical faults that affect braking or engine operation are high-risk because they can happen without warning.
Reports say the brake pedal stays firm but braking effect is reduced, and in some cases the truck shuts off completely while barely moving. Brake problems are among the most serious for any used vehicle, so a pre-purchase brake inspection is essential.
“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.
Rivian EDV — 7 recalls
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
The risk: A loose steering knuckle fastener could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 EDV vehicles. The driver's seat belt pretensioner cable may become damaged.
The risk: A damaged seat belt pretensioner cable may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update. In addition Rivian will inspect and replace the driver's seat belt pretensioner assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owne…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSA…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 EDV vehicles. The driver's seat belt pretensioner cable may become damaged.
The risk: A damaged seat belt pretensioner cable may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update. In addition Rivian will inspect and replace the driver's seat belt pretensioner assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owne…
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
Rivian EDV or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Rivian EDV has far fewer complaints per year, about 7.8 versus about 822.7 for the Silverado, and no reported deaths in the data. In practice, that means a used EDV is more likely to have a narrower set of known issues, while a used Silverado carries a much higher chance of encountering engine, brake, or electrical problems that need attention.
Key differences
- The Rivian EDV's complaints are concentrated in seat belts, with 27 of 39 complaints, while the Silverado's complaints are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- Rivian EDV owners report physical breakage of pretensioner cables and shift levers, whereas Silverado owners report stalling, sudden neutral, and loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths in the data, while the Rivian EDV has 0 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- The Rivian EDV has 7 recalls over 5 years, and the Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, so the Silverado has a much larger recall history to check.
- Inspect both front seat belt pretensioner cables and anchor housings for fraying, cracks, or separation, since owners report these breaking during normal buckling.
- Check the rear axle for any vertical cracks or welds, especially on the driver side, because owners found cracks extending most of the axle width.
- Test drive at low speed and listen for engine shutdown or hesitation, and watch for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dash.
- Check brake pedal feel and braking performance at a stop sign or parking lot speed, because owners report firm pedal with reduced braking effect.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full NHTSA recall history by VIN and confirm that seat belt pretensioner and axle recalls were completed on the Rivian EDV.
- For the Silverado, request service records for engine, transmission, and brake repairs, and scan for stored codes related to stalling or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that match your use, including stop-and-go traffic, parking lot maneuvers, and highway speeds.
- Have a independent mechanic inspect the Rivian EDV's seat belts, rear axle, and shift lever, and the Silverado's brakes, engine, and electrical system.
- Verify the vehicle's complaint and recall status on NHTSA's website using the VIN before negotiating a price.
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 | Rivian EDV | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 30 | 450 |
| 2022 | 7 | 1390 |
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 Rivian EDV or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rivian EDV vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Rivian EDV total complaints
- 39
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Rivian EDV total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Rivian EDV avg complaints/year
- 7.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Rivian EDV
- Rivian EDV top complaint area
- SEAT BELTS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE