Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo EX40 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 EX40 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EX40 has 3 complaints and 4 recalls over 2 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports over 10 years. The EX40's rare issues include brake and power failure; the Silverado's frequent issues include engine and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX40 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV with very few complaints—only 3 over 2 years—but those complaints describe serious sudden failures: brakes failing, power steering loss, and the vehicle shutting down while driving. Four recalls, including two for brake software and two for rear camera software, suggest ongoing electronic glitches. For a buyer, this means low overall complaint volume but potentially high-severity incidents when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint history: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, including 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death. The most common issues are engine and powertrain problems, often leaving drivers stranded or losing power. With 100 recalls, this truck demands careful inspection and a thorough service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 EX40
- 01SERVICE BRAKES2
- 02POWER TRAIN2
- 03STEERING1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report that tapping the brakes can cause complete brake failure, with all warning lights flashing and messages like 'Stop Safely Brake Failure.' This is terrifying in traffic and could lead to a crash if it happens at speed.
Complaints describe the vehicle losing power while driving, with steering and hazard lights going dead and wipers turning on by themselves. One owner had this happen twice, including 15 minutes after leaving the dealership.
Along with brake failure, owners report losing power steering simultaneously, making the car hard to control. This combination of brake and steering loss is a serious safety concern.
The electrical system appears tied to the power loss incidents: when the car shuts down, hazard lights and steering assist fail, and wipers activate unexpectedly. This suggests a software or control module fault that can disable multiple systems at once.
“I was driving on the freeway in traffic, thankfully going about +/- 25 mph and had to stop/slow down. When I tapped the breaks, they completely failed. All warning lights in the car immediately came on including the warning 'Stop Safely Break Failure'. I pres…”
“Applied the brake while approaching a crosswalk and suddenly multiple warning notifications appeared on dashboard (brake failure, collision avoidance system not functioning, etc) and every warning light started flashing. Lost power steering and brakes. Had to…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures on relatively new trucks, including a 6.2L motor that failed on a family vacation and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and complete loss of motive power at highway speeds. This can happen with very low mileage, even under 300 miles.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but no stopping power, and at 70 mph, a loud pinging sound followed by loss of engine power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Brake problems include a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop normally. This is especially dangerous in traffic or when approaching a stop sign.
“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 EX40 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fai…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's numb…
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 EX40 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX40 has far fewer issues per year (1.5 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5 complaints/year). In practice, this means the Silverado is much more likely to experience a wide range of problems, including crashes and injuries, while the EX40's rare complaints tend to be severe but less frequent.
Key differences
- The Volvo EX40 has only 3 complaints and 0 crashes, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 117 crashes, and 1 death.
- Volvo EX40 complaints center on sudden brake failure, power loss, and steering loss, often with multiple warnings at once.
- Chevrolet Silverado complaints most often involve engine and powertrain failures, including loss of power and transmission shifting to neutral.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 4 for the EX40, covering issues like tailgate latches, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- Test the brakes at low speed and listen for any warning chimes or dashboard messages about brake failure or power assist.
- Check for any history of power loss or electrical glitches, including whether the car has had software updates for the brake control module.
- Inspect for engine issues like excessive soot in the diesel particulate filter or rough running, especially on 6.2L and 6.6L engines.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement and check for any loss of braking or steering assist during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially brake and camera software updates for the EX40 and tailgate/seat belt recalls for the Silverado.
- For the EX40, ask the seller to demonstrate that brakes and steering work flawlessly, and check for any stored fault codes.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system, and scan for any pending trouble codes.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Consider an extended warranty for the Silverado due to its high complaint and recall volume, and for the EX40 to cover potential electronic failures.
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 EX40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
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 EX40 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo EX40 total complaints
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo EX40 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo EX40 avg complaints/year
- 1.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX40
- Volvo EX40 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE