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 has 38 complaints over 3 years (12.7/yr) vs Silverado's 5105 over 10 years (510.5/yr). C40 issues center on electronics and brakes; Silverado on engine and transmission. Both have recalls, but Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. 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 that owners report as having recurring electronic gremlins, from keyless entry failures to drivability issues. The most serious complaints involve sudden loss of power or unintended braking, which can be alarming in daily driving. While the total number of complaints is low, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting speed control and brakes—raises concerns about predictability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and long production run. Owners frequently report engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as transmission and electrical glitches. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests that while many trucks are reliable, a significant subset experiences major mechanical and safety-related failures.
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 | 38 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Volvo C40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION7
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report multiple recurring electronic defects, including keyless entry failures and drivability issues, sometimes leading to a complete loss of power or a vehicle that won't start. These issues can leave you stranded and often require multiple dealer visits.
The rear camera frequently fails to display an image or freezes, showing a 'camera temporarily unavailable' message. This happens often and can impair your ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of backing into something or someone.
One-pedal drive (OPD) can malfunction, causing the car to lurch forward after stopping or fail at speed. This unpredictable behavior can be startling and potentially dangerous, especially in traffic.
The automatic intervention rear brake can engage for no reason when backing up slowly, throwing the driver forward. This unintended braking could cause a rear-end collision or startle the driver.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes leading to complete engine failure. Diesel models experience frequent diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic or on a hill.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling at highway speeds. These are critical safety issues that can lead to loss of control.
Braking effectiveness can suddenly drop, with the pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This is a serious safety concern that has led 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.
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 — 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
Volvo C40 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo C40 has far fewer complaints per year (12.7 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls, but its issues are concentrated in safety-critical systems like brakes and speed control. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the frequency and severity of engine and transmission failures are concerning. In practice, the C40 may offer a more predictable ownership experience, but both have potential safety risks.
Key differences
- The C40's issues are mostly electronic and software-related, while the Silverado's are more often mechanical (engine, transmission).
- The C40 has a much lower complaint rate per year (12.7 vs 510.5), but its complaints often involve sudden loss of power or unintended braking.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs 3) and injuries (104 vs 3), reflecting its higher usage and severity of failures.
- The C40's backup camera is a common annoyance, while the Silverado's engine and transmission failures can leave you stranded.
- Check the rear camera operation thoroughly—it may freeze or show 'unavailable' frequently.
- Test the one-pedal drive and automatic braking in a safe area to ensure they don't malfunction.
- Listen for any abnormal engine noises and check for DPF-related warning lights, especially on diesel models.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting, and be wary of any sudden neutral events.
Before you buy
- For the C40: verify all software updates are current, especially for the camera and speed control.
- For the C40: test the backup camera multiple times, including after a cold start.
- For the Silverado: get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and transmission.
- For the Silverado: check the service records for any DPF or engine-related repairs.
- For both: review the NHTSA recall list and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 23 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1340 |
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
- 38
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo C40 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo C40 avg complaints/year
- 12.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo C40
- Volvo C40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE