Head-to-head reliability
Saturn L200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Saturn L200 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 L200 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The L200 has 0 complaints and 4 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports over ten years. The Silverado's higher complaint rate and serious engine, brake, and transmission issues make it riskier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn L200 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn L200
The Saturn L200 is a small sedan with no owner complaints filed with NHTSA over the one year of data provided, so there is no reported pattern of recurring failures from drivers. However, it does have four recalls covering brake lights, seat belts, windshield wiper motor, and ignition module, which are safety-related systems. In ownership terms, the lack of complaints could mean fewer day-to-day problems, but the recalls still require attention. A buyer should verify that all recall repairs have been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of owner complaints—5,105 over ten years, averaging about 511 per year. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of rough running, loss of power, transmission problems, and braking issues. There are also 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and one death reported, plus 100 recalls. This suggests that while many Silverados are on the road, some owners experience serious and sometimes dangerous failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn L200 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Saturn L200
No component data available.
A recall exists for the brake light system, which could mean the lights may not work properly, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Buyers should confirm this recall was fixed.
A seat belt recall indicates a possible defect in the restraint system, which is critical for occupant protection in a crash. Check that the recall repair was performed.
A recalled wiper motor could fail, reducing visibility in bad weather. This is a safety concern, so verify the fix.
An ignition module recall suggests a risk of stalling or no-start conditions. Ensure this recall has been addressed to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report issues like excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation (P2463) requiring dealer service, and engine problems that can cause loss of power. These can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, sometimes with low mileage. This can leave a driver stranded or cause a crash.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of motive power, steering, and brakes. These are serious safety failures.
Owners report severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal feels firm but the vehicle does not stop as expected. This directly affects the ability to stop safely.
“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 L200 — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
The risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN SEVERE WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY W…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL…
The risk: FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATIO…
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 L200 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saturn L200 has far fewer issues per year—zero complaints versus about 511 per year for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, this means a Silverado buyer is much more likely to encounter reported engine, transmission, electrical, and brake problems. The L200's main concerns are limited to its four recalls, which should be checked.
Key differences
- The Saturn L200 has 0 complaints and 4 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls over ten years.
- Silverado owners report serious engine issues like diesel particulate filter soot accumulation and loss of power, which are not reported for the L200.
- Silverado complaints include sudden loss of braking and transmission shifting into neutral, leading to 117 crash-related reports and 104 injuries; the L200 has no such reports.
- The L200's recalls cover brake lights, seat belts, wiper motor, and ignition module, while the Silverado's recalls include tailgate latches, steering, seat belt anchors, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Check for open recalls on the brake lights, seat belts, wiper motor, and ignition module—unfixed recalls can be a safety risk.
- Inspect the windshield wipers and ignition system for proper operation, as these were recalled and may still have issues if not repaired.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for stored codes like P2463 (diesel particulate filter soot) on diesel models—these can indicate costly repairs.
- Test the brakes and transmission carefully: look for a firm brake pedal with poor stopping, or any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, which owners have reported.
Before you buy
- For both vehicles, run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to confirm all recalls are repaired.
- On the Silverado, have a mechanic scan for engine and transmission codes, and check the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- On the Silverado, test-drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission slipping or brake problems.
- On the Saturn L200, verify that the brake lights, seat belts, wipers, and ignition work properly, and ask for recall repair paperwork.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying either vehicle.
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 L200 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn L200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Saturn L200 total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Saturn L200 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Saturn L200 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Saturn L200
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE