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 5.7 complaints per year with 1 crash-related report, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with 117 crash-related reports. The Silverado also has 100 recalls versus 32 for the V60. 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 wagon that sees relatively few complaints for its class, averaging about 5.7 per year over a decade. Owners report a mix of electrical gremlins, brake problems, and sunroof issues, with some complaints describing sudden loss of power or brake function. Recalls are frequent (32), covering electrical software, seat belts, and wiring. Overall, it appears to have a lower volume of reported issues, but the ones that occur can be serious.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—over 5,100 in ten years, averaging 510 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with many owners reporting loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. There are also 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries reported. Recalls are numerous (100), including tailgate latches, steering, and brake fluid warnings.
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 | 57 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 V60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02SERVICE BRAKES12
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER7
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report high-pressure fuel pump failures that shut the car down and leave them stranded, as well as software glitches causing the car to 'free wheel.' These issues can be dangerous because they may happen without warning and affect drivability.
Complaints include brake loss linked to sunroof drain clogs flooding electronics, and failure to accelerate with low battery warnings. Brake problems are especially concerning because they directly impact stopping ability.
Owners describe exploding sunroofs and rearview mirrors that don't return to saved positions after reversing. These issues can be startling and affect visibility, though they are less likely to cause a crash.
Fuel pump failures are reported, leading to sudden stalls. This can leave a driver stranded in traffic, posing a safety risk.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failures, including loss of motive power and abnormal noises, sometimes with low mileage. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems, which can cause loss of control. These issues often occur at low speeds but can also happen at highway speeds.
Owners describe severe loss of braking and inoperable steering, along with engine pinging and loss of power. These electrical faults can disable critical systems, increasing crash risk.
Brake pedal may remain firm but braking effectiveness is reduced, and some report total brake failure. This is a major safety concern, especially at speed.
“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) 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 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 Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loo…
The risk: If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1…
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…
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 V60 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V60 has far fewer complaints per year (5.7 vs. 510.5) and fewer crash-related reports (1 vs. 117). In practice, this means a used V60 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but any that occur can still be serious. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering issues, particularly with the engine and transmission.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 90 times more complaints per year than the V60, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- The V60's complaints often involve electrical and brake problems, including fuel pump failures and sunroof-related flooding.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while the V60 has 1 crash-related and 1 injury.
- Recalls are more frequent on the Silverado (100 vs. 32), covering critical areas like steering and brakes.
- Check for sunroof drain clogs or water damage in the electronics, as owners report flooding leading to brake and airbag failures.
- Test the high-pressure fuel pump and electrical system for signs of failure, such as stalling or difficulty shifting into neutral.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power, especially in 6.2L and diesel models.
- Test the transmission for sudden shifts into neutral and verify brake function, as owners report severe brake loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components listed in complaints.
- For the V60, specifically inspect the sunroof drains and electrical system for water damage.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation, engine noises, and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, brake, and transmission services.
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 | 150 |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 6 | 934 |
| 2020 | 18 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 1 | 591 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 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
- 57
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo V60 total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo V60 avg complaints/year
- 5.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V60
- Volvo V60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE