Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo V60 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 V60 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The V60 averages 5.8 complaints per year with 1 crash and 1 injury, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 233 crashes and 160 injuries. The V60 has 32 recalls versus 101 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V60 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 is a luxury wagon with a relatively low complaint volume: 58 complaints over 10 years, averaging 5.8 per year. Recalls are more frequent at 32, but only 1 crash and 1 injury are reported, with no deaths. Owners report electrical and brake issues that can strand them, plus sunroof and mirror problems. Overall, it appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but the electrical failures can be serious.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. It has 101 recalls, 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The most common complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, often with sudden shutdowns or loss of braking. This suggests a much higher rate of reported issues than the Volvo.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 V60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02SERVICE BRAKES13
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report the high-pressure fuel pump failing, which shuts the car down and leaves them stranded; some also say the vehicle cannot be manually shifted into neutral. This is a safety risk because it can happen in traffic.
Complaints include premature brake control module failure at around 55,000 miles, causing trouble codes and braking problems. Another owner reported failure to accelerate and a low battery indicator, suggesting electrical gremlins affecting braking.
Owners describe an exploding sunroof while driving at highway speed, which can startle the driver and create a hazard. Rearview mirrors also drift downward over time, requiring frequent manual adjustment.
Some report the car unexpectedly 'free wheels' and suspect a software problem, which could lead to loss of control. Others note the interior rearview mirror slowly points down, forcing drivers to readjust it every few hundred miles.
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can happen with very low mileage, even under 300 miles.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Others describe the engine shutting off while driving, which is dangerous and can leave the vehicle unresponsive.
Braking issues appear in complaints, including loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, with screens going blank. These events can happen at low speeds but still pose a risk.
“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 V60 — 32 recalls
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…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, 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 fai…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view 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 February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's numb…
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
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 V60 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V60 has far fewer complaints per year (5.8 vs. 822.7) and fewer crash, injury, and death reports. In practice, this means a used V60 is likely to generate fewer owner-reported problems, though it still has serious electrical and brake complaints. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering issues, especially with the engine and transmission.
Key differences
- The Volvo V60 averages 5.8 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo V60 complaints often involve electrical fuel pump failures and brake module issues, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, compared to 1 crash, 1 injury, and 0 deaths for the Volvo V60.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 recalls versus 32 for the Volvo V60, covering areas like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Check for high-pressure fuel pump failure symptoms: stalling, inability to shift into neutral, or stored trouble codes. Ask for service records.
- Inspect the sunroof for cracks or previous replacement, and test the rearview mirror memory function; owners report mirrors drifting downward.
- Test drive for sudden engine shutdown or transmission slipping into neutral, especially at low speeds or in parking lots. Look for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
- Check for brake performance issues: a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and any history of brake control module or electrical repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on electrical, brake, and engine repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who knows the model, including scanning for stored trouble codes.
- For the Volvo V60, specifically test the sunroof, rearview mirror memory, and fuel pump operation during a test drive.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden shutdowns or transmission issues.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database with the VIN.
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 V60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 6 | 527 |
| 2023 | 3 | 450 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 6 | 961 |
| 2020 | 18 | 868 |
| 2019 | 3 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 6 | 1154 |
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 V60 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo V60 total complaints
- 58
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo V60 total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo V60 avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V60
- Volvo V60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE