Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo S60 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 S60 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S60 averages 29.6 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. S60 owners report electrical failures and brake loss, while Silverado owners face engine and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S60 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60, over a decade of ownership, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 30 per year, with electrical gremlins being the most common headache. Owners report sudden power loss, SRS warning lights, and brake failures that can be alarming. While not as high-volume as some rivals, the nature of these issues—especially electrical and braking—means buyers should expect potential visits to the dealer for intermittent problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, has a much higher complaint rate at over 500 per year, dominated by engine and powertrain issues. Owners describe catastrophic failures like sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake system malfunctions, often in newer models. This truck, while popular, shows a pattern of serious mechanical and electrical problems that could lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 296 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 S60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER61
- 03SERVICE BRAKES46
- 04STEERING32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
Owners report the SRS warning light illuminating, and in one case, a total loss of power, steering, and lights while driving at night. This suggests potential issues with the electrical system that could affect safety systems and basic vehicle operation.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking power, with the pedal going to the floor and a sound of air leaking. This indicates possible brake system failures that could lead to dangerous situations, especially in traffic.
A common issue is a squeaking and creaking steering wheel when cold, often related to the airbag spring or trim. While not a safety failure, it indicates a recurring quality problem that may require multiple repairs.
“The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) and 16V…”
“PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 VOLVO S60 - THE CAR AT INCIDENT DATE HAD 200 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON A CALIFORNIA FREEWAY - THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, STEERING, LIGHTS, ETC WHILE IN THE NUMBER 4 OF 7 LANE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE CAR WAS BLACKED OUT, NO…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues like excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer intervention. In some cases, the engine made loud pinging noises and lost power, leading to a complete loss of motive power.
There are reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be startling and dangerous. This points to transmission control problems that may require software or hardware fixes.
Complaints include sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even with a firm pedal, and instances where brakes and steering became inoperable at highway speeds. This suggests potential issues with brake boosters or electronic systems.
“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 S60 — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
The risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service 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 S60 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo S60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 500), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the S60's problems are still significant, especially electrical and brake failures. In practice, the Silverado owner is more likely to face major mechanical breakdowns, while the S60 owner may deal with intermittent electrical gremlins.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510 per year) than the S60 (30 per year), indicating a greater likelihood of problems.
- Silverado complaints are dominated by engine and powertrain failures, such as sudden loss of power and transmission slipping, while S60 issues are more electrical and brake-related.
- Both vehicles have brake complaints, but Silverado reports include severe loss of braking at highway speeds, while S60 reports include pedal going to the floor.
- The S60 has a steering issue with squeaking, while the Silverado has no such common complaint, but its electrical system can cause brake and steering failure.
- Check for any SRS or electrical warning lights, and have the battery and charging system tested, as electrical failures are common.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a hard stop from speed, to ensure no loss of power or unusual sounds.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the engine or transmission, as these are frequent problem areas.
- Test the transmission by driving at low speeds and uphill to ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls on either model.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems for the S60 and engine/transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Ask for service records to see if common issues have been addressed, such as brake repairs on the S60 or engine updates on the Silverado.
- Check online forums for model-specific issues to see if any patterns match the complaints you've read.
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 S60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 40 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 75 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 32 | 934 |
| 2020 | 32 | 0 |
| 2019 | 69 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 4 | 591 |
| 2017 | 15 | 0 |
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 S60 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo S60 total complaints
- 296
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo S60 total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo S60 avg complaints/year
- 29.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S60
- Volvo S60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE