Head-to-head reliability
Saturn VUE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Saturn VUE 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 VUE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The VUE has 2407 complaints over 9 years (267/yr) vs Silverado's 5105 over 10 years (511/yr). VUE owners report electrical and transmission failures, while Silverado owners face engine and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn VUE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn VUE
The Saturn VUE, a compact SUV sold until 2010, shows a high complaint rate of about 267 per year, with electrical and powertrain issues dominating. Owners report intermittent warning lights, loss of power, and transmission failures that can make the vehicle undriveable. Airbag and steering problems add to safety concerns, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a maintenance history.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a higher annual complaint rate of about 511, but many complaints center on engine and powertrain issues, including severe engine failures and transmission problems. Electrical and brake issues also appear, with reports of sudden loss of braking and power. Despite its popularity, the Silverado shows significant reliability concerns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn VUE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,407 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 108 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 VUE
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM707
- 02POWER TRAIN661
- 03AIR BAGS319
- 04STEERING288
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING151
Owners report intermittent 'Stabilitrak' warnings and loss of power while driving, which can lead to loss of control. These issues are often not reproducible, making diagnosis difficult.
Transmission failures are common, with reports of losing reverse gear and limited forward speeds (10-40 mph), making the vehicle unsafe for highway use.
Airbags can deploy unexpectedly, such as after a tire blowout, without a collision, posing a risk of injury and indicating a potential sensor or system malfunction.
Power steering problems cause a tugging feeling in the wheel and difficulty steering, which can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.
“THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WHEN A MESSAGE STATING "STABILITRACK OFF" APPEARED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I CONTINUED DRIVING WITH THE MESSAGE AND PARKED AS NORMAL.THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE CAR THE MESSAGE WAS GONE. SEVERAL MONTHS LAT…”
“WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Severe engine failures, including complete loss of power and loud pinging noises, have been reported, sometimes at low mileage. Diesel models face repeated DPF soot accumulation issues requiring dealer service.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, and there are reports of hesitation and loss of drive, which can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power, often accompanied by warning messages. These failures are critical and can lead to crashes.
Brake systems can fail to stop the vehicle normally, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effectiveness, increasing stopping distances and crash risk.
“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 VUE — 10 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSIN…
The risk: ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
The risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVE…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
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: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Own…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
The risk: IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASON…
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 VUE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Saturn VUE has fewer complaints per year (267) than the Chevrolet Silverado (511), but both have serious safety-related issues. The VUE's problems are more concentrated in electrical and transmission areas, while the Silverado's engine and brake failures can be catastrophic. In practice, the VUE may be less problematic on a per-year basis, but both require thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Saturn VUE has more electrical system complaints (707) than the Silverado (982), but the Silverado has far more engine complaints (1698 vs 151).
- The Silverado has a higher rate of brake-related complaints (691) compared to the VUE (not in top 5), indicating a more serious safety concern.
- The VUE has a higher number of airbag complaints (319) than the Silverado (not in top 5), suggesting potential airbag deployment issues.
- The Silverado's engine failures often involve complete loss of power, while the VUE's powertrain issues are more about transmission failure.
- Check for any history of 'Stabilitrak' or electrical warning lights, as these may indicate intermittent loss of power.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially reverse and acceleration, as failures are common.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any loss of power, as severe engine failures have been reported.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, as sudden loss of braking has occurred.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for steering, power, and brake anomalies.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and engine service.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential major repairs.
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 VUE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn VUE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Saturn VUE total complaints
- 2,407
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Saturn VUE total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Saturn VUE avg complaints/year
- 267.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Saturn VUE
- Saturn VUE top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE