Head-to-head reliability
Saturn AURA vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Saturn AURA 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
Saturn AURA vs Chevrolet Silverado: The AURA averages about 358 complaints per year over 4 years, while the Silverado averages about 511 per year over 10 years. The AURA has 16 recalls and the Silverado 100. Both show serious steering, brake, and powertrain reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn AURA or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn AURA
The Saturn AURA is a mid-size sedan that owners report living with a range of electrical, steering, and transmission problems. Complaints average about 358 per year over four years, with power steering loss and brake-light/gear-shift confusion being common themes. Recalls cover wiring, transmission gear indication, and electric power steering, so many failures may have a known fix. For a first-time buyer, the AURA can be affordable but needs a careful check of these systems before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume, averaging about 511 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report engine and transmission problems, including sudden power loss, rough running, and brake issues. With 100 recalls, many components have been addressed, but the sheer number of complaints suggests ongoing reliability concerns. A used Silverado can be capable, but a thorough inspection and recall check are essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn AURA | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,432 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 358.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 30 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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.
Saturn AURA
- 01STEERING387
- 02POWER TRAIN373
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM256
- 04SERVICE BRAKES213
- 05AIR BAGS149
Owners report the power steering suddenly failing while driving, making the car very hard to turn, especially at speed. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning and may be covered under a special coverage adjustment or recall.
Complaints include the transmission failing to shift properly, jerking, and the gear shifter moving out of Park without the brake pressed. These issues can lead to unexpected movement or loss of control, and they are often linked to brake-light and cruise-control problems.
Owners report brake lights illuminating randomly, the vehicle stalling without warning, and pulling to one side during turns. These electrical glitches can affect brake lights, cruise control, and even steering, making the car unpredictable.
Complaints describe brake lights staying on constantly, traction control alerts, and transmission jerking when accelerating. These symptoms can confuse other drivers and may indicate a brake-pedal sensor or wiring fault that needs prompt attention.
“The power steering completely failed while driving. This made the car very difficult to turn and because it happened at a high speed, if there had been an immediate need to swerve, it would not have been possible due to the power steering failure. It is not a…”
“THE CAR WAS EXITING THE OFFRAMP AT 70 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WILE TRYING TO EXECUTE A LEFT TURN WITH NO POWER STEERING. I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH SATURN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE RECALL WAS TURNED INTO A # 15356 SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTM…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including rough running, excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, and sudden loss of power. Some complaints involve low-mileage vehicles, which is alarming for a buyer expecting a dependable truck.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly going into neutral while driving, causing a loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds or in traffic and may leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as loud engine pinging and loss of steering and brakes. These electrical faults can disable multiple safety systems at once.
Complaints report the vehicle not stopping normally, with the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced. This can happen shortly after starting a trip and is a critical safety issue that needs immediate diagnosis.
“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.
Saturn AURA — 16 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position,…
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
The risk: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may no…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instruct…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position,…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power…
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to co…
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
Saturn AURA or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saturn AURA has far fewer complaints per year (about 358) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the AURA's issues are more concentrated in steering and electrical systems, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, transmission, and brakes. Neither is problem-free, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential for either.
Key differences
- The Saturn AURA has about 358 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 511 per year, so the AURA sees fewer owner-reported problems annually.
- AURA owners frequently report power steering failure and brake-light/gear-shift confusion, while Silverado owners report engine power loss, transmission going into neutral, and brake failure.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to 16 recalls over 4 years for the AURA, meaning the Silverado has had more widespread safety campaigns.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the AURA's are tied to steering and brake issues, while the Silverado's are tied to engine, brake, and electrical failures.
- Check for any history of power steering failure or warning lights, and confirm the electric power steering recall or special coverage was performed.
- Test the brake lights, cruise control, and gear shifter to ensure they work only when the brake pedal is pressed, as owners report random brake-light illumination and shifter problems.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for stored codes related to diesel particulate filter soot accumulation if it is a diesel model.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any sudden loss of braking or transmission slipping into neutral, as owners report these dangerous failures.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full NHTSA recall history and proof that all open recalls were completed on the specific vehicle.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the power steering, brakes, transmission, and electrical system for the AURA, or the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, deliberately test the brakes, steering, and gear shifter at low and moderate speeds to feel for any hesitation, jerking, or warning lights.
- Check for any aftermarket fixes or bypasses, especially on brake-light wiring or transmission sensors, which could hide a known problem.
- Request maintenance records and look for repeated repairs in the same area, which can signal a chronic issue rather than a one-time fix.
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 Saturn AURA or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn AURA vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Saturn AURA total complaints
- 1,432
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Saturn AURA total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Saturn AURA avg complaints/year
- 358.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Saturn AURA
- Saturn AURA top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE