Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo S80 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 S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S80 averages 12.8 complaints per year with 37 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The S80 has 8 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths; the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S80 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S80
The Volvo S80 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 128 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 13 per year. Owners report issues like water leaks causing mold, engine stalling, and electrical glitches that can affect acceleration. With 37 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints, it's a car that needs careful maintenance, but the lower complaint rate suggests fewer chronic problems than some rivals.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission failures, and electrical issues that can cause sudden loss of power or braking. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a truck that demands vigilance, especially in newer model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S80 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 128 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 S80
- 01STRUCTURE20
- 02ENGINE19
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
- 05WHEELS9
Owners report water leaks leading to mold on seat belts and condensation inside the cabin, which can cause health issues and costly repairs. Chrome trim on the steering wheel can delaminate, creating sharp edges that may cut hands.
Complaints include stalling while driving with no gas pedal response, sometimes resulting in collisions. Another owner reported loss of power and steering failure at low speeds, with warning lights flashing.
Owners describe sudden inability to accelerate, even with the pedal floored, and issues with the auto start/stop function causing delays or failure to restart. These glitches can leave you stranded or in dangerous situations.
Reports include the sunroof exploding and shattering while driving, and frustration with the start/stop system that must be manually disabled each time. These are unexpected failures that can be frightening and expensive.
“The contact owns a 2010 Volvo S80. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact's daughter informed the contact that there was mold on the front passenger's side seat belt. The contact stated that there was mold…”
“THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter issues causing repeated dealer visits. These can leave you stranded and are safety hazards.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can cause loss of control and potential accidents.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-offs with warning messages. These electrical faults can be terrifying and dangerous.
Braking problems include the vehicle not stopping normally and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Such failures increase crash risk, especially in traffic.
“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 S80 — 37 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 North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
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.
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 S80 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo S80 has far fewer complaints per year (about 13 vs. 823 for the Silverado), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means a used S80 may require less frequent attention for major failures, while the Silverado's high complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering serious problems.
Key differences
- The Volvo S80 averages about 13 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported issue frequency.
- Volvo S80 complaints often involve water leaks, mold, and electrical glitches, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, compared to 8 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the S80, highlighting higher safety-related reports for the truck.
- Recalls are more numerous for the Silverado (101 vs. 37), covering issues like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings, suggesting more widespread safety fixes.
- Check for water leaks and mold, especially around the sunroof, seat belts, and floorboards, as these are commonly reported and can cause health issues and electrical damage.
- Test the engine for stalling or hesitation during a test drive, and ensure the start/stop system functions correctly, as owners report sudden power loss and restart delays.
- Listen for engine noises and check for smooth transmission operation, as sudden shutdowns and neutral drops are reported; also test the brakes for firmness and stopping power.
- Inspect for electrical issues by testing all screens, warning lights, and the auto start/stop system, as failures can cause loss of braking and engine shut-off.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's fuel pump and collision warning recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Volvo S80 for water intrusion, mold, and electrical system health, including the start/stop feature.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for transmission slipping, engine stalling, and brake performance.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, and ask for documentation of any repairs related to engine, transmission, or brakes.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with the specific model to catch common issues.
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 S80 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S80 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo S80 total complaints
- 128
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo S80 total recalls
- 37
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo S80 avg complaints/year
- 12.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S80
- Volvo S80 top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE