Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo S70 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 S70 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo S70 averaged 188 complaints per year with 74 about speed control, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year with 1,698 engine complaints. The Silverado also had 100 recalls and 117 crash-related reports, versus 4 recalls and 10 crash-related reports for the Volvo. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S70 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S70
The Volvo S70 is a used sedan that, based on owner complaints, demands attention to its electronic throttle system. Over one year, 188 complaints were filed, with 74 about vehicle speed control, often describing RPM surges, stalling, and limp modes. Electrical and engine cooling issues also appear, including no-start conditions and fuel pump failures. With 10 crash-related reports and 11 injuries, but no deaths, the data suggests a pattern of drivability problems that can surprise a buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume: 5,105 over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. Engine and power train complaints dominate, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. Brake and electrical issues also appear, including a report of severe braking loss. With 117 crash-related reports, 104 injuries, and 1 death, the data shows a wide range of potential problems across many model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S70 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 188 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 188.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 S70
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL74
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING24
- 04FUEL SYSTEM19
- 05GASOLINE17
Owners frequently report RPM surging, stalling, and unexpected acceleration due to a faulty electronic throttle module. This can make the car unpredictable at any speed, and some say the dealer did not fix it even after a recall.
Complaints describe the engine turning over but not starting, often traced to fuel pump or electrical faults. The ETS and check engine lights may come on, and the car can stall or lunge, which is both frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Reports include the ETS light illuminating and the electronic throttle system failing, leading to sudden RPM increases without pressing the gas. This can cause loss of control and requires costly repairs.
Owners report fuel pump failures that prevent the engine from starting, sometimes intermittently over months. This leaves the car stranded and requires replacement of the pump.
“I OWN A 2000 VOLVO S70 AND AM WAS EXPERIENCING RPM SURGING. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT VOLVO REPAIR SPECIALIST, SOUTHWEST AUTOMOTIVE, WHO IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE SURGING AS AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE PROBLEM, AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR TO A V…”
“**APPROX. INCIDENT DATE IS ACTUALLY ONGOING FOR PAST FOUR YEARS.*** I HAVE A 2000 VOLVO S70 WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2000 FROM VOLVO ATHENS, GA. DEALER. I CURRENTLY HAVE 190,000+ MILES. OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD CONSIST…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failures, including a 6.2L motor losing power and a 6.6L Duramax diesel suffering repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. These issues can strand a driver and lead to expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that cause loss of motive power. This can happen with very low mileage, leaving the truck unable to move.
Reports describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of power steering and brakes. These electrical faults can compromise control and safety.
Owners report braking effectiveness dropping sharply, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 S70 — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.
The risk: THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAI…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THERE COULD BE INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET WHICH COULD CAUSE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL NOT TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED.
The risk: THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
The risk: THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: ON VEHICLES WITH AN ORIGINAL OEM SWITCH, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE IF THE SWITCH HAS EEN DAMAGED AND REPLACE ONLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS…
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 S70 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo S70 has far fewer complaints per year (188 vs. 510.5), but its issues cluster around throttle and electrical faults that can cause stalling and surging. The Silverado's higher volume spans more systems, including engine, transmission, and brakes, with more crash and injury reports. In practice, the Volvo may have a narrower set of known problems, while the Silverado's problems are more varied and numerous.
Key differences
- The Volvo S70's top complaint is vehicle speed control (74 of 188), often linked to electronic throttle module failures causing surging and stalling; the Silverado's top complaint is engine (1,698 of 5,105), with reports of power loss and diesel soot buildup.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, including tailgate latches and brake fluid warning sensors, while the Volvo has 4 recalls over 1 year, including vehicle speed control and brake master cylinder.
- Crash-related reports are higher for the Silverado (117 vs. 10), and it has 1 death and 104 injuries, compared to 0 deaths and 11 injuries for the Volvo.
- Volvo owners describe recurring no-start and fuel pump issues, while Silverado owners report sudden transmission neutral and severe braking loss, indicating different safety-critical failure modes.
- Check for any history of electronic throttle module replacement or recall work; test drive at various speeds to feel for surging or hesitation.
- Listen for fuel pump priming and check for hard starting or intermittent no-start; a failing pump may not always set a code.
- Inspect for transmission issues by test driving at low speeds and uphill; ensure it does not slip into neutral or hesitate.
- Check brake function carefully, including pedal feel and stopping distance; look 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 Volvo's throttle and the Silverado's tailgate and brake sensors.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the brand, focusing on the Volvo's throttle body and fuel pump and the Silverado's transmission and brake system.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate conditions that trigger reported surging, stalling, or braking loss.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter if equipped, and for any transmission or engine repairs.
- Scan for stored trouble codes even if no warning lights are on, as some issues like fuel pump failures may not always trigger a light.
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 S70 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo S70 total complaints
- 188
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo S70 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo S70 avg complaints/year
- 188.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S70
- Volvo S70 top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE