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: Over 10 years, the V70 averaged 53.7 complaints per year and had 46 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Silverado also reported 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 17 and 0 for the V70. 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 is a station wagon that, based on owner complaints, tends to develop transmission and throttle problems as it ages. Over 10 years, it averaged about 54 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, vehicle speed control, and electrical system. Owners report symptoms like jerking during acceleration, stalling, and occasional engine overheating. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the V70 still requires attention to these known trouble spots.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: over 8,200 complaints in 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe serious issues such as sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures, sometimes on very new trucks. With 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, these are not minor annoyances.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 V70
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL88
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM71
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
- 05FUEL SYSTEM59
Owners report transmission failure, with gears not shifting properly and the vehicle jerking during acceleration. In some cases, radiator fluid leaks into the transmission, leading to sluggish performance and the need for a new transmission. This can be expensive and may leave you stranded.
Complaints describe stalling at various speeds due to a failed throttle body modulator. Even after repair, the problem can persist, making the car unpredictable and potentially dangerous in traffic.
There are reports of car fires, including one total loss of a leased 2006 V70. Another owner experienced random overheating that cracked the radiator. Electrical faults can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
Owners report engine overheating warnings, sudden power loss, and the engine entering 'limp home mode.' The temperature sensor and cooling fans may be involved. Overheating can cause serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
“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 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WOULD LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND PERFORM SLUGGISH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CON…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Complaints include rough running and potential engine failure on 2026 models with the 6.2L motor, as well as diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on the 6.6L Duramax. These issues can occur at low mileage and may require dealer service, leaving you without your truck.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, and transmission problems. This loss of power can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
There are reports of sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and engine shutdowns while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can compromise safety and leave you stranded.
Complaints describe severe loss of braking, where the vehicle would not stop normally. In some cases, the truck shut off completely, and the driver had to restart it. Brake failures are a critical safety concern.
“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 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.
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 V70 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V70 has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means you are less likely to encounter frequent problems with the V70, but when issues arise, they can still be serious, such as transmission failure or electrical fires. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of experiencing significant problems, including engine shutdowns and brake loss.
Key differences
- The Volvo V70 averages about 54 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Volvo V70 complaints often involve transmission jerking and throttle body failures, whereas Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are more immediately dangerous.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, compared to 17 crash-related and 0 deaths for the V70, highlighting a more severe safety concern with the Silverado.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the V70 reports car fires, while the Silverado reports sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns, each with distinct safety implications.
- Check for transmission jerking or slipping during a test drive, and ask for service records related to transmission fluid leaks or repairs.
- Inspect the cooling system for signs of overheating, such as a cracked radiator or coolant leaks, and test the throttle response for any hesitation or stalling.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, and ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as warning messages or loss of power steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- For the Volvo V70, specifically ask the mechanic to check the transmission fluid condition and throttle body operation.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, have the mechanic test the brakes and scan for any stored error codes related to engine or transmission.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate potential issues like stalling or jerking.
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
- 8,227
- Volvo V70 total recalls
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo V70 avg complaints/year
- 53.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V70
- Volvo V70 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE