Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Passat vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volkswagen Passat 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
Volkswagen Passat vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Passat has 188.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5. Passat owners report airbag and engine issues, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. Both have recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Passat or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat, in ownership terms, is a mid-size sedan that has been on the market for years, but its reliability record is concerning. Owners report a high number of complaints, particularly about airbags, engine issues, and electrical problems. Living with a Passat may involve dealing with warning lights, steering wheel control failures, and engine performance issues, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its capability, but its reliability is also under scrutiny. With a high volume of complaints, especially regarding the engine, powertrain, and brakes, owners face serious issues like sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. These can be safety hazards and lead to expensive repairs, making ownership stressful.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Passat | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,887 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 188.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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.
Volkswagen Passat
- 01AIR BAGS886
- 02ENGINE278
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM273
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER219
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM164
Owners report the clock spring failing, which disables the horn and steering wheel controls and triggers the airbag light. This indicates a potential airbag deployment issue in a crash.
Complaints include secondary air injection system faults (P0491) causing check engine lights and repeated diagnoses, as well as coolant leaking internally due to failed seals, which can lead to electrical damage and overheating.
Electrical issues stem from coolant breaching seals and damaging wiring, and also include sudden loss of acceleration without warning lights, leaving drivers stranded.
“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC…”
“My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m sti…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems like the 6.2L motor failing prematurely, and diesel models experiencing repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) soot accumulation, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are common, including sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, and loss of motive power.
Brake failures are reported, such as sudden loss of braking effectiveness even with a firm pedal, and complete brake and steering failure at highway speeds, posing serious safety risks.
“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.
Volkswagen Passat — 47 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswa…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
The risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208,…
The risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswa…
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
Volkswagen Passat or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Passat has fewer complaints per year (188.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both have significant problems, so buyers should weigh the nature of the issues and their own priorities.
Key differences
- Passat has a higher proportion of airbag complaints (886) vs Silverado's engine (1698) and powertrain (1453) issues.
- Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) than Passat (79 and 62), but Passat has more deaths (2 vs 1).
- Silverado's brake failures are more severe, with reports of complete loss of braking, while Passat's electrical issues often stem from coolant leaks.
- Passat's engine issues include secondary air injection and coolant leaks, while Silverado's include DPF clogging and sudden engine failure.
- Check for airbag light and test horn and steering wheel controls for clock spring failure.
- Inspect for coolant leaks or electrical issues, and ask about secondary air injection system repairs.
- Test brakes thoroughly, especially for sudden loss of braking, and check for any warning messages.
- Inspect engine for signs of failure, and ask about DPF issues if diesel, or engine replacement history.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic focusing on airbags, engine, and electrical systems for the Passat.
- For the Silverado, have the brakes, transmission, and engine checked, including a diagnostic scan for codes.
- Check NHTSA recall lists for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
- Take a thorough test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any hesitation, loss of power, or brake issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volkswagen Passat | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 17 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 45 | 591 |
| 2017 | 110 | 0 |
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 Volkswagen Passat or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Passat vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volkswagen Passat total complaints
- 1,887
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volkswagen Passat total recalls
- 47
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volkswagen Passat avg complaints/year
- 188.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volkswagen Passat top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE