Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo V40 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 V40 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The V40 has 80 complaints over 5 years (16/year) and 9 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. Both show brake issues, but the Silverado also has many engine and electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V40 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V40
The Volvo V40 is a compact wagon that, based on NHTSA data, shows a modest complaint volume of 80 over five years (about 16 per year) and 9 recalls. The most frequent owner complaints center on the braking system, particularly hydraulic and power-assist issues, with some reports of complete brake failure at low speeds or on cold starts. Engine and suspension problems also appear, including surging, stalling, and broken coil springs. For a used-car buyer, this suggests that while the V40 may not generate many complaints overall, the ones that do occur can involve safety-critical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates a much higher volume of complaints: 8,227 over ten years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. Owner reports frequently mention engine and power train problems, such as rough running, stalling, and transmission issues, as well as electrical glitches that can affect braking and engine shutoff. Brake complaints also appear, often tied to electrical or hydraulic faults. For a used buyer, the sheer number of complaints and recalls means that many Silverados have had multiple repair visits, and some issues can occur at very low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V40 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 80 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 V40
- 01SERVICE BRAKES32
- 02HYDRAULIC31
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
- 04SUSPENSION7
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
Owners report sudden, complete brake failure while backing up slowly, and weak brakes on cold winter mornings that require extra pedal pressure to stop. These are safety-critical failures that could lead to a crash even at low speeds.
The same brake failure complaints are also filed under hydraulic components, often involving power-assist vacuum hoses or lines. A loss of power assist makes the brake pedal very hard to push, greatly increasing stopping distance.
Owners describe engine surging at highway speeds with the A/C on, and stalling or near-stalling when idling at a stop. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause hesitation in traffic.
Reports include a thumping or clunking sound from the rear, traced to broken coil springs, sometimes at only 50,000 miles. Broken springs can affect handling and tire wear, and may be a recurring problem.
“ON APRIL 13, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM, I WAS BACKING MY V40 VOLVO 2004 WAGON OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE KOSSMAN GARAGE, LIBERTY AVENUE,PITTSBURGH, PA, GOING SLOWLY BECAUSE IT WAS A TIGHT SPACE, WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AT ALL. DESPITE PUSHING MY BRAK…”
“"2003 VOLVO V40 COLD START BRAKE FAILURE" ON COLD WINTER MORNINGS, WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING, AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED AND AS I BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE, THE BRAKE IS SO WEAK THAT I CANNOT EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE. I WOULD NEED TO PRESS THE BRAKE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that may leave the truck unable to accelerate. This can be dangerous in traffic or parking situations.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shutoff while driving with screens going blank. Electrical faults can disable critical safety features without warning.
Brake complaints often overlap with electrical issues, such as a firm pedal but ineffective braking, or the truck shutting off and losing braking ability. These failures can happen at low speeds or in parking lots.
“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 V40 — 9 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR I…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A V-CLAMP TO THE FUEL RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, MORE BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND/OR MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR I…
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 V40 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V40 has far fewer complaints per year (about 16) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (9 vs. 101). In practice, this means a used V40 is likely to need less frequent repair visits, but when problems do occur they can still involve brakes or engine stalling. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or electrical faults, sometimes at very low mileage.
Key differences
- The Volvo V40 has about 16 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, a roughly 50-fold difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo V40 complaints often involve brake failure on cold starts or while backing up, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and electrical faults affecting braking.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 9 for the V40, meaning the truck has had many more safety-related campaigns over its production run.
- Both vehicles have reports of brake problems, but the V40's are typically hydraulic or power-assist related, while the Silverado's are often tied to electrical system failures.
- Test the brakes on a cold start, especially in freezing temperatures, and listen for any weakness or unusual pedal feel; owners report brake failure under these conditions.
- Inspect the rear coil springs for cracks or breaks, and listen for a thumping or clunking noise from the rear suspension during a test drive.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or electrical glitches by test-driving at low speeds and in parking lots; owners report sudden shutoffs and loss of braking.
- Ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter if equipped with the Duramax diesel, as soot accumulation events have required dealer repairs at low mileage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, paying special attention to brake, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a brake system pressure test and a scan for stored error codes.
- For the Volvo V40, specifically test the brakes on a cold morning and inspect the rear suspension springs for cracks.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test-drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission issues, and verify all electrical functions.
- Confirm that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using the VIN.
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 V40 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V40 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo V40 total complaints
- 80
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo V40 total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo V40 avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V40
- Volvo V40 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE