Head-to-head reliability
Volvo C40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo C40 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
Volvo C40 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The C40 averages 13.3 complaints per year with 4 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The C40 has 3 crash-related reports and 3 injuries; the Silverado has 233 crash-related reports and 160 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo C40 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo C40
The Volvo C40 is a compact electric SUV with a relatively low complaint volume—about 13 per year over three years—but the complaints cluster around electronics, backup cameras, and speed control. Owners report recurring keyless entry and drivability defects, rear cameras that fail to display, and one-pedal-drive malfunctions that can cause lurching. There are also three crash-related reports and three injuries, plus recalls for airbag inflators and brakes, so while the overall count is small, the nature of the issues can affect daily safety and usability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 8,200 in ten years, averaging about 823 per year—and 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some problems can have severe consequences. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported issues, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo C40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 40 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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.
Volvo C40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION8
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
- 05POWER TRAIN5
Owners report recurring electronic glitches, keyless entry failures, and drivability defects, sometimes requiring dealer visits. One complaint describes a potentially catastrophic accident during parking, suggesting electrical faults can affect core functions.
The rear camera often fails to show an image when reversing, sometimes for over a minute, and can also trigger the automatic rear brake for no reason. This makes backing up unpredictable and could lead to collisions or sudden stops.
Drivers using one-pedal drive report about a dozen incidents where it malfunctioned, either failing at speed or lurching forward after stopping. This directly affects the driver’s ability to control speed smoothly and safely.
Complaints include a fire with black smoke from the door and soot inside, as well as unintended automatic rear braking. These are rare but serious events that a buyer should be aware of when inspecting the vehicle.
“Multiple recurring electronic, keyless entry, and drivability defects on my 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle was purchased used through Vroom and financed by UACC. Serious problems existed prior to the factory warranty expiration in April 2026.…”
“I am writing to bring to your attention a potentially catastrophic accident involving our leased C40 vehicle that happened on [XXX], 3:30pm. (ID [XXX] ) On the above mentioned date, my husband, [XXX] , was parking the C40 in a school parking lot to pick up ou…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems, even at low speeds like in a parking garage. This can cause a complete loss of power to the wheels, increasing crash risk.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features and leave the driver unable to control the vehicle.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and instances where the truck shut off and lost acceleration in a parking lot. Brake issues are especially dangerous because they directly affect stopping ability.
“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.
Volvo C40 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
The risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for thi…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
The risk: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Ca…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Volvo C40 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo C40 has far fewer complaints per year (about 13 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the C40’s lower volume means fewer chances of encountering a problem, but the issues it does have—like backup camera failures and one-pedal-drive glitches—can still be disruptive. The Silverado’s much higher complaint rate and severity of engine, brake, and power train failures make it a higher-risk used purchase unless thoroughly inspected.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo C40 averages about 13 complaints per year; Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Crash and injury reports: C40 has 3 crash-related and 3 injuries; Silverado has 233 crash-related and 160 injuries, showing the Silverado is involved in far more reported incidents.
- Common failure types: C40 issues center on electronics, backup cameras, and speed control; Silverado issues center on engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- Recalls: C40 has 4 recalls (airbags, brakes, electrical); Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, meaning more potential safety campaigns to track.
- Test the rear camera and automatic rear braking in reverse—look for missing images, delays, or unexpected braking.
- Check the one-pedal-drive system for smooth operation and any lurching or failure to decelerate when lifting off the accelerator.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any history of sudden shutdowns or 'Return to Neutral' messages during a test drive.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping power, and ask if the transmission has ever slipped or shifted into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- For the C40, test all electronics, especially the backup camera and one-pedal-drive, during a test drive.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system for signs of failure.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any warranty information, especially for the C40’s electrical components.
- Check NHTSA’s website for open recalls by VIN before purchase.
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 | Volvo C40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 24 | 450 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1390 |
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 Volvo C40 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo C40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo C40 total complaints
- 40
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo C40 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo C40 avg complaints/year
- 13.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo C40
- Volvo C40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE