Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo V70 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 V70 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The V70 averages 54 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. The V70 often has transmission and stalling issues, whereas the Silverado faces engine and brake failures. Both have recalls, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V70 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V70
The Volvo V70, a mid-size wagon popular for family use, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 54 per year over the last decade. Owners frequently report transmission issues, stalling, and electrical glitches, including a fire incident. While not as numerous as some trucks, these problems can be serious and costly, affecting daily drivability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, reflecting its popularity and widespread use. The dominant issues are engine problems, especially with newer models, and transmission failures, along with electrical and brake concerns. These can lead to sudden loss of power or braking, posing significant safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V70 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 537 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 V70
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL88
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM71
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
- 05FUEL SYSTEM59
Owners report transmission failures causing jerking, slipping, and even rolling backward on hills, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Stalling at various speeds due to throttle body modulator failure is a common complaint, leading to sudden loss of power.
Electrical issues range from SRS warning lights to a reported car fire, indicating potential safety hazards.
Engine can suddenly lose power, enter limp mode, or shut off without warning, often linked to sensor failures.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE GEARS WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN A LOWER GEAR. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER STATE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF HE DID NOT AGGRESSIVELY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING UP HILL, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE FAILURE WAS A NORMAL CHARACT…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many complaints involve engine failures, including excessive soot in diesel particulate filters and sudden loss of power, sometimes at highway speeds.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral, especially when climbing hills, which can leave drivers stranded.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights, posing serious safety risks.
Brake failures, such as sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, are reported, often linked to electrical issues.
“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 V70 — 46 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 IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED…
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED OR AT ALL, AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A METAL SHIM IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.
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 V70 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V70 has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Silverado (about 510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both have serious safety-related problems. In practice, the V70 may offer more predictable reliability, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent and can be catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the V70.
- Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss at highway speeds, while V70 owners more often face transmission and stalling issues.
- The V70 has a reported fire incident, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints and injuries.
- The Silverado's recalls include tailgate latch and brake fluid sensor issues, while the V70's recalls focus on airbags and seat belts.
- Check for transmission shuddering or failure to shift, especially when accelerating or climbing hills.
- Inspect the throttle body and electrical system for signs of stalling or warning lights, and look for any signs of previous fire damage.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for loss of power, especially in 6.2L or Duramax diesel models.
- Test brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages about brake or electrical system failures.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and throttle body on the V70.
- For the Silverado, check the engine for any signs of excessive soot or recent repairs, and test the brakes at various speeds.
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Ask for service records, especially for transmission and electrical repairs.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes hills and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
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 V70 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo V70 total complaints
- 537
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo V70 total recalls
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo V70 avg complaints/year
- 53.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V70
- Volvo V70 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE