Head-to-head reliability
Saturn SKY vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Saturn SKY 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 SKY vs Chevrolet Silverado: The SKY has 129 complaints per year, mostly airbag and brake sensor issues, while the Silverado has 510 per year, with engine and powertrain failures. The SKY has 18 recalls, the Silverado 100. Choose the SKY for fewer issues, but beware of airbag costs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn SKY or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn SKY
The Saturn SKY is a niche two-seat roadster that, in ownership terms, means frequent trips to the shop for airbag and brake system issues. Owners report the 'Service Airbag' light coming on due to a failed passenger weight sensor, often requiring a full seat replacement. Brake problems are also common, with the electronic brake control module (EBCM) failing and triggering warning lights. Electrical gremlins, like the ignition key not turning, add to the frustration, making it a vehicle that demands patience and a healthy repair budget.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, in ownership terms, is a workhorse but not without its share of serious mechanical and electrical failures. Owners report engine issues such as excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters and sudden loss of power, sometimes accompanied by brake and steering failure. Powertrain problems, including the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral, are also prevalent. With a high volume of complaints and recalls, the Silverado requires careful inspection and a willingness to deal with potential major repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn SKY | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 516 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 SKY
- 01AIR BAGS366
- 02SERVICE BRAKES83
- 03HYDRAULIC62
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
- 05SEATS30
The most common issue is the 'Service Airbag' light illuminating due to a faulty passenger weight sensor in the seat. Owners report that the fix often involves replacing the entire seat, costing around $948, and that the airbag may be inoperative until repaired.
The electronic brake control module (EBCM) is a frequent failure point, with owners seeing warning lights and sometimes losing braking assist. Replacement costs can be around $1300, and the issue is often linked to the airbag system failures.
Electrical problems include the ignition key not turning, which can leave the car unable to shut off, and issues with the airbag sensor wiring. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated dealer visits.
“FIRST INCIDENT HAPPEN WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK. I GOT INTO A PARKING PLACE AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK. THEN WENT TO SHUT OFF THE CAR BY TURNING THE KEY. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND SO I COULD NOT TURN MY CAR OFF. I HAD TO CUT THE CAR OFF BY OPENING THE HOOD A…”
“SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE ASSESSMENT WAS THAT THE PASSENGER WEIGHT SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AT A COST OF $948. THE FAILURE IS TO THE SENSOR TAPE AFFIXED TO THE BOTTOM…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report serious engine issues such as excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters (P2463) requiring dealer intervention, and sudden loss of motive power with loud pinging sounds. These problems can leave you stranded and often require major repairs.
Transmission problems are common, including the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which is a safety hazard. Owners also report loss of power and drivability issues that can occur at low mileage.
Electrical failures can lead to a sudden loss of braking effectiveness and steering control, as reported by owners. These issues are often accompanied by warning lights and can be dangerous, requiring immediate attention.
“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 SKY — 18 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later v…
The defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year…
The risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should cont…
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 SKY or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saturn SKY has fewer complaints per year (129.0) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the SKY's problems are concentrated in airbags and brakes, which are safety-critical, while the Silverado's issues are more varied and include engine and transmission failures. In practice, the SKY may require less frequent but still costly repairs, while the Silverado might need more frequent and potentially more expensive fixes.
Key differences
- The Saturn SKY has a much lower complaint rate per year (129.0) than the Silverado (510.5), but its issues are heavily focused on airbag and brake systems.
- The Silverado's top problems are engine and powertrain failures, which can be more severe and costly, including sudden loss of power and transmission issues.
- The SKY's airbag sensor failures often require seat replacement, while the Silverado's electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100) compared to the SKY (18), indicating more widespread safety concerns.
- Check the 'Service Airbag' light: if it's on, the passenger weight sensor may be faulty, requiring a costly seat replacement.
- Inspect the ignition key operation: if it sticks or won't turn, it could be an electrical issue that leaves you unable to shut off the car.
- Listen for loud pinging from the engine and check for loss of power, which could indicate a serious engine or electrical problem.
- Test the brakes and steering at speed: any warning lights or loss of function could point to an electrical failure that is dangerous.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic scan for airbag and ABS codes on the Saturn SKY, especially for the passenger weight sensor and EBCM.
- On the Silverado, check the transmission for smooth shifting and test for any unexpected neutral shifts during a test drive.
- Review the recall history for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and diesel particulate filter if applicable.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with these models.
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 SKY or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn SKY vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Saturn SKY total complaints
- 516
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Saturn SKY total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Saturn SKY avg complaints/year
- 129.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Saturn SKY
- Saturn SKY top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE