Vehicle 1

Volvo S80

127 complaints · 37 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Volvo S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S80 averages 12.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 687.8. The Silverado has 98 recalls and 206 crash complaints, compared to the S80's 37 recalls and 8 crash complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Volvo S80
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryVolvo S80Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
127
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
37
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
8
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
12.7
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Volvo S80

1. STRUCTURE20
2. ENGINE19
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
5. WHEELS9

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has far more complaints per year (687.8) than the Volvo S80 (12.7), suggesting the Silverado may have more frequent issues. However, the S80 has a higher recall-to-complaint ratio, so buyers should check recall completion.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems per year, the Volvo S80 is likely a lower-risk choice. If you need a truck and can accept higher complaint volume, the Silverado may still suit you, but focus on its engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Silverado has 687.8 complaints/year vs S80's 12.7/year.
  • Silverado has 98 recalls vs S80's 37 recalls.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2056 complaints); S80's top is STRUCTURE (20).
  • Silverado has 206 crash complaints; S80 has 8.
⚠ Watch on Volvo S80
  • Check for structural integrity issues (20 complaints) and electrical system problems (16 complaints).
  • Verify all 37 recalls have been performed.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2056 complaints) and powertrain (1925 complaints) are frequent trouble areas.
  • Service brakes (1077 complaints) and electrical system (1263 complaints) also have high complaint counts.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For S80: inspect body panels and electrical components; test all lights and windows.
  • For Silverado: test engine performance, transmission shifting, and brake responsiveness.
  • Review service history for any engine or powertrain repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
Volvo S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Volvo S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado
Volvo S80 total complaints
127
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Volvo S80 total recalls
37
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Volvo S80 avg complaints/year
12.7
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Volvo S80
Volvo S80 top complaint area
STRUCTURE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Volvo S80Reliability & Problems

127 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Volvo S80 or Chevrolet Silverado?

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