Head-to-head reliability
SAAB 9 7X vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the SAAB 9 7X 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
SAAB 9 7X vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Saab 9-7X averages 34.2 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year with 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries. The Silverado also has 100 recalls versus 11 for the Saab. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the SAAB 9 7X or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
SAAB 9 7X
The Saab 9-7X is a rebadged SUV that generates relatively few complaints—about 34 per year over five years—with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. Owners most often write about exterior lighting that misbehaves, electrical gremlins like burning smells from window switches, and fuel-system issues such as inaccurate gas gauges and gasoline odors. Living with one means staying on top of small but annoying faults, especially anything electrical or fuel-related, because those are the patterns that show up repeatedly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume—roughly 510 per year over ten years—and the data includes 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and one death. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing serious events like sudden power loss, transmission slipping into neutral, and braking that feels firm but does not stop the truck. For a buyer, this means the Silverado demands a more thorough mechanical inspection and a higher budget for potential repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | SAAB 9 7X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 171 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
SAAB 9 7X
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING49
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM43
- 03FUEL SYSTEM41
- 04GASOLINE37
- 05VISIBILITY12
Owners report headlights that point the wrong way, with one side brighter than the other, or that suddenly go out entirely—including high beams—while driving at night. This matters because poor lighting makes your vehicle harder for others to see and can leave you without warning on a dark road.
Complaints describe burning smells coming from window switches or door modules, and some vehicles were recalled for power window controls. A burning smell is a serious warning sign that should be checked immediately, as it can point to an electrical short or fire risk.
The gas gauge may read inaccurately or stop working altogether, leading owners to run out of fuel—sometimes with children in the car. Others notice a strong gasoline odor while driving uphill, which could indicate a leak or vapor issue that needs prompt attention.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-7X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS BRIGHTER THAN THE LEFT ONE, WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WOULD POINT DOWNWARD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO SEE THE VEHICLE AND FOR THE CONTACT T…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SET ON AUTOMATIC MODE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY WENT OUT AND I TRIED TO TURN THEM TO THE REGULAR ON POSITION AND THEY DID NOT COME ON, THE HIGH BEAMS DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND FR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel that repeatedly clogged its particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These are not minor nuisances; they can strand you and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and a new truck with under 300 miles losing power. Transmission or drivetrain failures like these can leave you unable to move and may create a safety hazard in traffic.
Drivers describe a sudden loss of normal braking where the pedal stays firm but the truck does not stop, as well as electrical faults that can disable steering and brakes at speed. Brake and electrical failures are among the most dangerous because they remove your ability to control the vehicle.
“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.
SAAB 9 7X — 11 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a sho…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be don…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlam…
The risk: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this reca…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
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
SAAB 9 7X or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saab 9-7X has far fewer complaints per year—about 34 versus 510 for the Silverado—and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado shows 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries. In practice, that means the Saab is likely to need less frequent attention for major safety-related faults, though both vehicles have their own recurring issues.
Key differences
- The Saab 9-7X averages about 34 complaints per year with zero crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages about 510 per year with 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries.
- Saab owners most often report lighting, electrical, and fuel-gauge problems; Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 11 for the Saab, covering areas like tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Saab complaints include burning smells from window switches and gasoline odors, while Silverado complaints include sudden power loss and inoperable steering and brakes at speed.
- Check both headlights for uneven brightness, downward aim, or intermittent failure—especially automatic mode—since owners report them going out without warning.
- Test the gas gauge for accuracy and smell for gasoline odors, particularly after driving uphill, as these are common complaints.
- Listen for loud pinging or knocking from the engine and watch for loss of power, as owners report engine failures and diesel particulate filter clogging.
- Test the brakes for a firm pedal that does not stop the truck normally, and check for any warning messages about brake or steering systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Saab's power window and headlight recalls and the Silverado's brake and steering recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Saab's lighting system, window switches, and fuel gauge sender unit before purchase.
- For the Silverado, pay for a diagnostic scan and a road test that includes braking from highway speed and slow uphill driving to check for transmission slipping.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on engine and transmission service for the Silverado and electrical repairs for the Saab.
- Test all lights, windows, and the fuel gauge yourself during a test drive, and note any burning smells or unusual noises.
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 SAAB 9 7X or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- SAAB 9 7X vs Chevrolet Silverado
- SAAB 9 7X total complaints
- 171
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- SAAB 9 7X total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- SAAB 9 7X avg complaints/year
- 34.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- SAAB 9 7X
- SAAB 9 7X top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE