Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo EX90 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 EX90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EX90 has 79 complaints over 2 years (39.5/year) and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 2 and 1 for the EX90. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90 is an electric SUV that, based on owner complaints, has a pattern of electrical and software-related failures. Many reports describe sudden loss of power, air conditioning failure, and warning messages, often at low mileage. There are also complaints of unintended movement when parked and a reversing issue. With 79 complaints over 2 years, the rate is about 39.5 per year, which is high for a new model but far lower than the Silverado's total.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has generated a large number of complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine and transmission problems, including sudden shutdowns and loss of power. Braking issues and electrical glitches are also common. The high complaint volume and 101 recalls suggest a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 79 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 EX90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
- 04POWER TRAIN11
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
Owners report frequent warning messages, system failures, and complete vehicle shutdowns, sometimes while driving. One complaint describes the air conditioning failing in high heat, leaving children in a dangerous situation. These electrical issues can strand drivers and affect safety.
Complaints include the vehicle moving on its own while parked and locked, traveling several feet. Another report describes air conditioning failure in extreme heat. These unpredictable events are concerning for a family vehicle.
Despite being electric, owners report repeated failures to start and sudden power loss at freeway speeds. One complaint describes a complete shutdown on a freeway. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Reports include a vehicle reversing when drive was selected, causing a crash into a pole. Another complaint mentions complete vehicle failure with air conditioning loss. These issues suggest problems with drive selection and overall powertrain reliability.
“My 2026 Volvo EX90, with approximately 3,000 miles, experienced a complete vehicle failure while being used as our family vehicle in Phoenix, Arizona. While my nanny was driving my two young children, including my [XXX], the air conditioning stopped functioni…”
“Ongoing Software Issues From shortly after delivery through now, the vehicle experiences frequent and recurring warning messages and system failures, including but not limited to: Suspension system warnings Driver assistance and self-driving feature failures…”
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' and 'Press Start'. Diesel models have had repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, unintended neutral engagement, and transmission issues. One owner reported the vehicle going into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage. Such failures can cause loss of control.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, engine shutdowns while driving, and blank screens. One complaint noted the brake pedal was firm but braking was ineffective. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine control.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping. Another complaint describes the truck shutting off and losing acceleration in a parking lot. Brake failures are a serious safety concern.
“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 EX90 — 3 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. The bolts for the second-row free-standing seat may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10292.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving.
The risk: A loss of headlight function while driving can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The LPC software will be updated manually, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10298.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. A spindle nut may detach from the Power Operated Tailgate (POT) drive units, causing the tailgate to suddenly drop.
The risk: A tailgate that suddenly drops can hit a person, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the POT function until the repair is completed. Dealers will replace both POT drive units. Owner letters were mailed November 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's nu…
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 EX90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 39.5) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 822.7). However, the EX90's complaints often involve severe electrical and power loss issues, while the Silverado's higher volume includes a wide range of engine, transmission, and brake problems. In practice, the Silverado may have more frequent issues overall, but the EX90's problems can be equally dangerous.
Key differences
- The Volvo EX90 has 79 complaints over 2 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual rate for the Silverado.
- Volvo EX90 complaints often involve electrical system failures, unintended movement, and power loss, whereas Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 3 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints for the EX90.
- Both vehicles have reports of sudden power loss, but the EX90's are often linked to software and electrical issues, while the Silverado's are tied to engine and transmission components.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs or software updates, as owners report frequent warning messages and system failures.
- Test the air conditioning thoroughly and verify that the vehicle does not move when parked, as unintended movement has been reported.
- Inspect for engine issues, especially any signs of diesel particulate filter problems on diesel models, and check for transmission or brake repairs.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for sudden loss of power or braking, as these are commonly reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system and software on the Volvo EX90, and the engine, transmission, and brakes on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in conditions similar to your daily routine, including highway and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask the seller for any repair records, especially for recurring issues reported by other owners.
- Verify that all safety features, such as forward collision avoidance and braking, are functioning properly.
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 EX90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 120 |
| 2025 | 72 | 157 |
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 EX90 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo EX90 total complaints
- 79
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo EX90 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo EX90 avg complaints/year
- 39.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX90
- Volvo EX90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE