Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki RENO vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Suzuki RENO 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 RENO vs Chevrolet Silverado: The RENO averaged 43 complaints per year over 4 years, while the Silverado averaged 510 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 100 recalls and 104 injuries, compared to 10 recalls and 10 injuries for the RENO. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki RENO or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki RENO
The Suzuki RENO is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over four years, it averaged about 43 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, air bags, and electrical system. Many owners report persistent engine lights, transmission jerking, and headlights that fail without warning. These problems often appear soon after purchase and can be costly to fix.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a much higher complaint rate—about 510 per year over ten years. The most frequent trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe serious issues like sudden loss of braking, engine failure, and transmission problems, sometimes on brand-new trucks. With 100 recalls and 104 injuries reported, it's clear that some Silverado owners face significant safety and reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki RENO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 173 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 43.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 RENO
- 01POWER TRAIN66
- 02AIR BAGS48
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING25
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
Owners report the car jerking when shifting gears, even with an automatic transmission, and the check engine light coming on repeatedly. These symptoms often start within days or weeks of purchase and can worsen, leading to expensive repairs.
Complaints describe air bag failures in crashes, such as a tire blowout leading to a crash where air bags did not deploy. This is a critical safety issue that could increase injury risk in an accident.
The check engine light frequently illuminates, sometimes linked to simple issues like a loose gas cap, but also to more serious wiring problems. Owners also report sudden headlight failure, making night driving dangerous.
Headlights can stop working without warning, leaving only high beams functional. This is a common complaint and the subject of multiple recalls, so buyers should verify that recall repairs have been done.
“FROM DAY ONE, MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES IE, IT'S THE GAS CAP, THE MAN WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, (THE DEALER) TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED,SO MUCH, THEN HE TOOK OFF, AND LEFT MASSACHUSETTS AFTER SELLI…”
“I GOT MY CAR IN MAY, 2006. IT WAS BRAND NEW WHEN I BOUGHT IT, BUT IT WAS IN THE SHOP ONLY SIX DAYS AFTER. I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT MY CAR WOULD JERK WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS (ALTHOUGH IT WAS AN AUTOMATIC). OVER ABOUT A WEEK'S TIME, IT GOT MUCH WORSE AND I HAD…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including loss of power and abnormal noises, sometimes requiring dealer service for diesel particulate filter issues. These failures can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing a loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds or on the highway, creating a dangerous situation.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance and engine pinging, with warnings that brakes and steering become inoperable. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Reports of the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, making it hard to stop. This is a serious safety defect that could lead to 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 RENO — 10 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module whi…
The risk: If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners ma…
The defect: Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connec…
The risk: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK ON THE WIRING HARNESS.
The risk: INAPPROPRIATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLES AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES, STARTING AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007 AND CONCLUDING BY THE END OF JANUARY 2008;. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SU…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module whi…
The risk: If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners ma…
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 RENO or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Suzuki RENO has far fewer complaints per year (about 43) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). In practice, this means a RENO owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe, including brake and engine failures. If you prioritize lower overall complaint volume, the RENO looks better on paper, but both have notable safety-related problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the RENO, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported issues.
- Silverado complaints often involve severe safety failures like sudden brake loss and engine shutdown, while RENO issues are more often persistent annoyances like check engine lights and transmission jerking.
- The RENO has 10 recalls, many for headlights, while the Silverado has 100 recalls covering a wide range of systems including brakes, steering, and tailgates.
- Both vehicles have air bag and electrical complaints, but the Silverado's higher injury count (104 vs. 10) suggests more serious outcomes in crashes.
- Check for a history of transmission jerking or rough shifting, especially when accelerating from a stop.
- Test all exterior lights, including headlights and high beams, and confirm that any open recalls for headlight failure have been fixed.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, as sudden brake failure is a reported issue.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for any warning lights related to the engine or transmission, especially on newer models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- During a test drive, pay attention to how the car shifts, brakes, and accelerates, and note any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the tailgate latch and seat belts, as these are common recall areas.
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 RENO or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki RENO vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Suzuki RENO total complaints
- 173
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Suzuki RENO total recalls
- 10
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Suzuki RENO avg complaints/year
- 43.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki RENO
- Suzuki RENO top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE