Head-to-head reliability
Volvo C70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo C70 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 C70 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The C70 has 13.1 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5. C70 owners report doors unlatching, Silverado owners report engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo C70 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo C70
The Volvo C70 is a compact convertible/coupe that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of body and electrical gremlins rather than catastrophic mechanical failures. Owners report doors unlatching while driving, which is a serious safety concern, and electrical issues causing stalls. The low complaint volume (13.1 per year) suggests it's not a high-volume problem vehicle, but the nature of the reported issues—especially door latch failures—demands attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume (510.5 per year), dominated by engine and powertrain issues. Owners report sudden loss of power, stalling, and transmission failures, often at low mileage. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates systemic reliability problems that could lead to frequent repairs and safety incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo C70 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 131 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 C70
- 01STRUCTURE43
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 04POWER TRAIN14
- 05WHEELS10
Owners report doors unlatching while driving, even when locked, triggering door-open warnings and interior lights. This can happen at highway speeds, posing a risk of occupants falling out or being injured.
Electrical issues include stalling when the car hasn't been driven, and software problems with Sirius radio that can drain the battery or cause other malfunctions. These can leave you stranded.
Some owners report a whooping sound when accelerating and releasing the pedal, and stalling with oil light illumination. These could indicate transmission or engine problems that may require costly repairs.
“THE DOORS OPEN WHILE DRIVING. EVEN IF THEY ARE LOCKED. THE INFORMATION SYSTEM GIVES A MESSAGE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN OR PASSENGER DOOR OPEN AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME RECENTLY 4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING FROM KENT, OHIO TO NAPLES,…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, PASSENGER DOOR SUDDENLY COMES UNLATCHED. DOORS ARE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED WHEN DRIVING. THE INFORMATION SYSTEM REPORTS A DOOR OPEN, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF WITH THE DOOR VIBRATING BY THE WIND AT 70 MPH. ALSO, THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including sudden loss of power and stalling, often in newer models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel. Some require dealer intervention for excessive soot in the diesel particulate filter, indicating potential long-term durability issues.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Owners also report loss of motive power, which may be linked to engine or transmission failures.
Brake failures are reported, such as sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and loss of braking power at highway speeds. This is a critical safety issue 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.
Volvo C70 — 16 recalls
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO C…
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED…
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO C…
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A SOFT ANODIZED LAYER IN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY TRIGGER EARLY WEAR ON A RUBBER SEAL THAT CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID. IF AFFECTED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE WHEN APPLYING AND MAI…
The risk: THE CAPACITY TO BRAKE WILL GRADUALLY DETERIORATE FORCING THE DRIVER TO USE A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN COMPARED TO AN INTACT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DETERIORATION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED AND CERTAIN BRAKE LINES CLEANED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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 C70 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo C70 has far fewer complaints per year (13.1 vs 510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the door latch problem is a serious safety defect. The Silverado's high complaint volume and severe engine/brake failures suggest a higher likelihood of major repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- Volvo C70: doors can unlatch while driving, a unique and dangerous issue.
- Silverado: engine and transmission failures are common, including sudden loss of power.
- Silverado: brake failures reported, leading to loss of stopping ability.
- Volvo C70: electrical issues cause stalling, but less frequent than Silverado's engine problems.
- Test all door latches and locks to ensure they stay closed while driving.
- Check for any electrical issues like stalling or battery drain, especially after software updates.
- Inspect engine and transmission for signs of failure, such as unusual noises or hesitation.
- Test brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure they respond properly.
Before you buy
- For Volvo C70: have a mechanic inspect the door latch mechanisms and electrical system.
- For Silverado: check for any open recalls and get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine and transmission.
- For both: review NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you're considering.
- For Silverado: ask about any prior repairs for engine stalling or brake issues.
- For Volvo C70: test drive at highway speeds to see if doors stay closed.
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 C70 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo C70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo C70 total complaints
- 131
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo C70 total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo C70 avg complaints/year
- 13.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo C70
- Volvo C70 top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE