Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki Grand Vitara 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
Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Grand Vitara averages 32 complaints per year with 29 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 104 injury reports versus 18 for the Grand Vitara. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume—about 32 per year over a decade—but the pattern shows recurring air bag and lighting problems. Owners frequently mention air bag recalls and long drives to dealers, plus repeated headlight bulb failures and electrical gremlins like overheating without heat. It's a simpler vehicle with fewer overall reports, but the issues that do appear can be safety-related and annoying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—roughly 510 per year—and a wide range of serious issues. Owners report engine and transmission failures, sudden brake loss, and electrical problems that can disable steering and power. With 100 recalls and one death reported, the data suggests a more complex vehicle with more frequent and severe problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Grand Vitara | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 324 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
- 01AIR BAGS107
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING75
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 04STEERING25
- 05POWER TRAIN22
Owners report air bag recalls and difficulty getting them fixed, with some driving long distances to dealers. This matters because air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, and recall repairs can be inconvenient.
Frequent headlight bulb burnouts are common, and some owners are told to replace entire headlight assemblies at high cost. This affects visibility and can lead to repeat expenses.
Complaints include overheating without heat and doors locking automatically with keys inside. These issues can leave you stranded or uncomfortable, and may be hard to diagnose.
Power steering pump belt tensioner problems and loose steering wheels are reported. This can make steering difficult or unpredictable, especially at low speeds.
“I OWN 2 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2010 & 2007 AND I GOT A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURE FOR TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR FIXING THE AIR BAG ISSUE RECALL CALLED DV SO I CHECKED AND THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALER IS A ONE OUR DRIVE SO I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE…”
“MY MOST RECENT INCONVENIENCE WITH MY SUZUKI RECALL TENSIONER WAS ON 2/5/2020, I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN WHEN MY VEHICLE'S BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT CAME OFF OF THE RECALL TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY. I COULD NOT TURN MY VEHICLE, THE ALTERNAT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause loss of power and expensive repairs, even on newer trucks.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds or while driving, creating a safety risk.
Complaints include sudden brake loss, inoperable steering, and loud engine pinging with loss of power. These electrical faults can disable critical systems, making the truck hard to control.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, sometimes shortly after starting a trip. This can lead to longer stopping distances and potential crashes.
“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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara — 29 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
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
Suzuki Grand Vitara or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has far fewer complaints per year (32 vs. 510) and fewer recalls (29 vs. 100). In practice, that means you're less likely to face frequent shop visits, but the Grand Vitara still has notable air bag and lighting issues. The Silverado's higher rate suggests more downtime and potentially more serious safety problems.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Grand Vitara averages 32 per year; Silverado averages 510 per year, a 15-fold difference.
- Safety-related reports: Grand Vitara has 23 crash-related complaints and 18 injuries; Silverado has 117 crash-related and 104 injuries, plus 1 death.
- Recalls: Grand Vitara has 29 recalls, mostly for seats; Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- Top issues: Grand Vitara complaints center on air bags and lighting; Silverado complaints center on engine, power train, and electrical systems.
- Check if the air bag recall has been performed—owners report long dealer waits and unresolved recalls.
- Inspect headlight assemblies for repeated bulb failures or signs of replacement; some owners were told to replace entire units.
- Test drive for transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for brake pedal firmness and stopping performance.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed, especially air bag recalls on the Grand Vitara and tailgate/brake recalls on the Silverado.
- Ask for service records showing regular maintenance and any engine, transmission, or electrical repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to steering feel, brake response, and any warning lights.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped, and confirm any software updates.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints, such as lighting, brakes, and transmission.
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 Suzuki Grand Vitara or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total complaints
- 324
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki Grand Vitara avg complaints/year
- 32.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Suzuki Grand Vitara top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE