Head-to-head reliability
Saturn Relay vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Saturn Relay 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 Relay vs Chevrolet Silverado: the Relay averaged about 41 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averaged about 823 per year over 10 years. The Relay’s top issue is service brakes; the Silverado’s is engine. Both show safety-related owner reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn Relay or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn Relay
The Saturn Relay is a minivan that owners report living with a pattern of brake and electrical gremlins. Over three model years, it drew 122 complaints—about 41 per year—with brakes, electrical, and hydraulic systems leading the list. Recalls cover steering, seats, and labels, and the sample complaints describe traction-control and stability-control failures, brake fade on downgrades, and sliding doors that fail to latch or fall off. For a first-time buyer, this means a cheap van that may demand frequent attention to safety-related systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume: 8,227 over ten years, or about 823 per year. Engine and power-train complaints dominate, followed by electrical and brake issues, and the sample reports include engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and diesel soot events on newer trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Silverado is a high-volume vehicle where serious failures appear in owner reports. Buyers should expect that some model years carry well-documented, potentially dangerous problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn Relay | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 122 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Saturn Relay
- 01SERVICE BRAKES46
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 03HYDRAULIC29
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES14
Owners report traction control engaging and knocking out stability control, plus brake pedal cavitation and fade after a few applications on a downgrade. This matters because stopping power can degrade when you need it most.
Complaints describe no-start conditions traced to the fuel relay, and recurring ABS and traction-control warning lights after wheel-sensor work. These issues can leave you stranded or disable safety aids.
The same traction-control defect appears under hydraulic complaints, where engagement disrupts stability control. A buyer should test the traction and stability systems and watch for warning lights.
Owners report power sliding doors that fail to latch or, in one case, fell off the van. This is a direct safety concern for passengers, especially children, and may be expensive to repair.
“I HAVE A 2006 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS AN EXECUTIVE DRIVEN CAR AND WAS PURCHASED WITH 400 MILES ON IT AND THE WARRANTY TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME. THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED IT WOULD KNOCK OUT THE STABILITY CO…”
“I WAS TRAVELING ON AZ STATE ROUTE 87 ON A 6 PERCENT DOWNGRADE. I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES FOR NO MORE THAN 3 TO 5 SECONDS AT A TIME, THIS OCCURRED OVER A 5 MINUTE TIME FRAME. ON THE THIRD APPLICATION THE BRAKES BEGAN TO CAVITATE VERY BADLY. T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Sample complaints include a 6.2L engine issue during a family trip and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Engine shutdowns while driving are also reported, which is a serious safety risk.
Owners describe a new Silverado suddenly going into neutral and losing power while driving slowly uphill. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move out of traffic.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and the engine shutting off while driving with messages to return to neutral. These electrical faults can disable both propulsion and braking assistance.
Complaints describe severe loss of braking and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, with screens going blank. Brake and power loss together make the vehicle hard to control.
“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 Relay — 6 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE I…
The risk: IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800…
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
Saturn Relay or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saturn Relay has far fewer complaints per year—about 41 versus 823 for the Silverado—but both show safety-related patterns. In practice, the Relay’s issues are concentrated in brakes, electrical, and doors, while the Silverado’s are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes. Fewer complaints per year does not automatically mean fewer problems, but the Relay’s smaller owner base and lower annual rate suggest a narrower set of recurring faults.
Key differences
- The Saturn Relay’s top complaint area is service brakes (46 complaints), with owner reports of traction control knocking out stability control and brake fade on downgrades.
- The Chevrolet Silverado’s top complaint area is engine (2,521 complaints), including engines shutting off while driving and diesel soot accumulation events.
- The Relay has 6 recalls over 3 years, while the Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward-collision warnings.
- The Relay’s sample complaints include a sliding door falling off, while the Silverado’s include sudden loss of braking and unintended neutral engagement.
- Check for ABS, traction-control, and stability-control warning lights, and test the brakes on a downgrade if possible—owners report cavitation and fade.
- Inspect both power sliding doors for proper latching and secure attachment, as owners report doors that fail to close or fall off.
- Look for any history of engine shutdowns or messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and verify all engine and fuel-pump recalls are completed.
- Test the brakes for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for electrical faults that can blank the screens or cut power while driving.
Before you buy
- Ask for a complete recall history and proof that all open recalls were performed on the specific vehicle.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored ABS, traction-control, and engine codes, and test-drive long enough to trigger warning lights.
- On the Relay, operate both sliding doors repeatedly and inspect latches and tracks for wear or misalignment.
- On the Silverado, verify the engine and transmission software updates and check for diesel particulate filter service records if equipped.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection focused on brakes, electrical grounds, and—on the Silverado—engine and transmission behavior.
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 Relay or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn Relay vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Saturn Relay total complaints
- 122
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Saturn Relay total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Saturn Relay avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Saturn Relay
- Saturn Relay top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE