Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo S90 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 S90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The S90 averages 6.2 complaints per year with 0 injuries, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 104 injuries and 1 death. The S90 has 26 recalls; the Silverado has 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of 6.2 complaints per year over the past decade, suggesting a relatively small number of reported issues. Owners most often complain about unknown or other problems, electrical glitches, and brake vibrations, but the car has zero reported injuries or deaths in the data. Recalls cover brakes, electrical software, windshield, and backup prevention software. Overall, it appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but buyers should still check for specific recurring faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 510.5 per year—and 100 recalls over the same period. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with 104 injuries and one death reported. Owners describe serious issues like sudden loss of braking, engine pinging, and transmission problems even on very new trucks. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it has a higher volume of reported safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 62 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 S90
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 03SERVICE BRAKES8
- 04LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES6
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
Owners report vibrations that may not be resolved by routine service, and TPMS malfunctions that can cause the vehicle to drive poorly. These vague issues can be hard to diagnose and may lead to repeated dealer visits.
A common complaint is the fuel door failing to open, which can leave you stranded at the pump. This is a software or actuator problem that may require dealer attention.
Owners describe violent steering wheel shake when braking, often requiring multiple brake rotor replacements. This can affect stopping confidence and lead to costly repairs.
Rear doors may fail to open from inside or outside due to a door lock actuator issue. This is a safety concern because it can trap passengers in an emergency.
“I PERSONALLY, BACK IN AUGUST OF 2016 ORDERED A NEW 2017 VOLVO S90 T5 INSCRIPTION, AND TOOK DELIVER IN NOVEMBER 2016. I BEGAN NOTICING A LITTLE VIBRATION AROUND JULY TIME FRAME BUT AFTER THE VEHICLE FIRST MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIDN'T FEEL IT AS MUCH.…”
“TPMS system total malfunction. Wife started out of our garage for work and noticed that the vehicle wasnt driving right and fortunately stopped and back down our driveway back toward the garage. Called me out and I went around the vehicle and witnessed the ri…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of new Silverados report engine pinging, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may indicate premature wear.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems even at low mileage. This can cause loss of control and expensive repairs.
Reports of severe braking loss where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, and loss of steering and brakes at highway speed. These are serious safety defects that could lead to a crash.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking and inoperable brakes after engine pinging. This is a critical safety issue that needs 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 S90 — 26 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
The risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All r…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 S90 vehicles. The windows may be improperly secured and detach.
The risk: Windows that detach can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. In addition, the front windshield may not properly support a passenger air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windows, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10307.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
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 S90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo S90 has far fewer complaints per year (6.2 vs. 510.5) and no reported injuries or deaths, while the Silverado has 104 injuries and one death. In practice, this means the S90 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the Silverado's issues are more severe and safety-related. Buyers prioritizing lower reported issue frequency may lean toward the S90.
Key differences
- The Volvo S90 averages 6.2 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 104 injuries and 1 death in the data, while the S90 has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, indicating more severe outcomes reported for the Silverado.
- Volvo S90 owners commonly report brake vibration and door lock failures, while Silverado owners report engine pinging, transmission slipping, and sudden brake loss.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 26 for the S90, covering areas like tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warning.
- Check for steering wheel vibration when braking, as owners report needing multiple brake rotor replacements.
- Test all rear doors from inside and outside to ensure the lock actuators work, since failures can trap passengers.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power, especially on 6.2L or Duramax models, as owners report these symptoms.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds for any sudden loss of braking or firm pedal with poor stopping, a reported safety defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially brake and electrical recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, including rotors and brake fluid, on both vehicles.
- For the Volvo S90, test the fuel door release and all door locks, and check for any vibration during a test drive.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for engine fault codes, test the transmission for smooth shifting, and verify the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any previous complaints or repairs were addressed.
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 S90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 36 | 591 |
| 2017 | 16 | 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 S90 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo S90 total complaints
- 62
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo S90 total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo S90 avg complaints/year
- 6.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S90
- Volvo S90 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE