Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo S40 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 S40 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the S40 had 306 complaints and 26 recalls, while the Silverado had 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls. The S40 averages about 31 complaints per year versus 511 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S40 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S40
The Volvo S40 is a compact sedan that, over 10 years, generated 306 complaints (about 31 per year) and 26 recalls. Owners report electrical gremlins like serpentine belt failures that cause sudden power loss, water leaks from the sunroof, and brake fires. These issues can be dangerous and expensive, so a used S40 needs a thorough inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that racked up 5,105 complaints (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls over the same period. Common owner reports include engine problems such as rough running and diesel particulate filter issues, plus transmission failures that cause sudden loss of power. Brake and electrical faults are also frequent, making reliability a major concern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 306 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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 S40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 02SERVICE BRAKES40
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING31
- 04HYDRAULIC30
- 05AIR BAGS29
Owners report serpentine belt breakage leading to sudden loss of acceleration and stalling, as well as water pouring in from the sunroof during rain. These faults can strand you or cause electrical shorts, so check belt condition and sunroof seals.
A reported brake fire occurred between the brake pad and rotor on the rear passenger side, destroying the caliper and pads. This indicates potential overheating or dragging brakes, so inspect the rear brakes for uneven wear or heat damage.
Owners describe burning smells and smoke from the engine bay, often traced to a failed A/C compressor clutch that shuts down cooling and defrost. This can lead to overheating and costly repairs, so test the A/C and check for coolant leaks.
The same brake fire complaint also falls under hydraulic, pointing to brake fluid or caliper issues. A dragging caliper can cause a fire, so have the brake system pressure-tested and inspect for fluid leaks.
“MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE ON 6/6/2014 AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/20/2014 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PUL…”
“ON OR ABOUT 12/04/2019 DURING A FLASH RAIN STORM LAST WINTER, MY HUSBAND AND I WAS HEADED HOME ON THE 215 FWY NORTHBOUND IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA WHEN THE CENTER DOME AREA AND THE ELECTRIC SUNROOF INSIDE OUR CAR BEGIN POURING IN HUGE AMOUNTS OF VERY COLD RAIN WA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 models report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause loss of power and require dealer repairs, so check for recall work and service history.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and the same 6.2L engine failure affecting power delivery. This can leave you without acceleration, so test-drive at low speeds and listen for unusual noises.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and at 70 mph a loud pinging sound followed by loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These are serious safety issues, so have the brake and electrical systems scanned for faults.
The same braking loss complaint appears under service brakes, where the pedal remained firm but braking was ineffective. This suggests a hydraulic or booster failure, so inspect brake fluid level and test emergency stopping.
“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 S40 — 26 recalls
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 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
The risk: POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458…
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. A SECTION OF THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY VULCANIZED (CURED) AND DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE FAILS, A SUDDEN RUPTURE OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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…
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 S40 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo S40 has far fewer complaints per year (about 31 vs. 511 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (26 vs. 100). In practice, the S40 may be less likely to leave you stranded, but its reported electrical and brake fires are still serious. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The Volvo S40 averages about 31 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 511 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo S40 owners report electrical failures like serpentine belt breakage and sunroof leaks, whereas Silverado owners report engine failures and transmission slipping into neutral.
- Brake issues on the S40 include a reported brake fire, while Silverado brake complaints describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 26 for the S40, covering items like tailgate latches and seat belt anchors, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Check the serpentine belt for cracks or glazing, as a broken belt can cause sudden power loss.
- Inspect the sunroof seals and drain tubes for leaks that can pour water into the cabin during rain.
- Listen for loud pinging or knocking from the engine, especially in 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax models, which may indicate internal failure.
- Test the brakes for a firm pedal with poor stopping power, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Silverado's tailgate and seat belt issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Volvo S40's electrical system, including the serpentine belt, sunroof drains, and brake components for signs of overheating.
- For the Silverado, scan the computer for engine and transmission codes, and check for diesel particulate filter soot accumulation if equipped with a Duramax.
- Test-drive both vehicles under various conditions: highway speeds, uphill, and braking from speed to reproduce reported symptoms.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on oil changes, brake fluid flushes, and any prior repairs related to the complaints listed.
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 S40 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo S40 total complaints
- 306
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo S40 total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo S40 avg complaints/year
- 30.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S40
- Volvo S40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE