Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo V90 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 V90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The V90 averages 3.4 complaints per year over 5 years with no crashes, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year over 10 years with 117 crashes and 1 death. The V90's issues are minor like taillight moisture, whereas the Silverado has serious engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V90
The Volvo V90, as a used luxury wagon, shows a relatively low complaint rate of about 3.4 per year over five years, with no crash, injury, or death reports. Owners report issues that are more annoying than dangerous, such as taillight moisture, electrical glitches, and occasional speed control quirks. The pattern suggests a vehicle that is generally reliable but may require attention to specific components, especially as it ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year over a decade, with numerous crash and injury reports. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain failures, often occurring at low mileage, along with electrical and brake problems. This indicates a vehicle with significant reliability concerns that could affect safety and ownership satisfaction.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 V90
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER3
- 05AIR BAGS2
Owners report rear taillight failures due to moisture incursion, which can lead to lights not working and failing safety inspections. This is a common issue that may require replacement at owner expense.
There are reports of hybrid battery failure in related models, showing a 'Hybrid System Failure' message and requiring complete battery replacement. This indicates potential high-cost electrical repairs.
Some owners experience wheel sensor failures that trigger a chain reaction of system failures (ABS, ESC, tire pressure monitoring), and others report surging acceleration when pressing the pedal, which can be dangerous.
Excessive windshield glare from the dashboard and heads-up display has been reported, causing distraction and even vertigo while driving, which is a safety concern.
“Rear taillight failure due to moisture incursion. No message appeared, but light failure was observed less than a month ago. Car is in for regular service now and item is being replaced at great personal expense, since it will not pass required safety inspect…”
“Rear taillight failure due to moisture incursion. No message appeared, but light failure was observed less than a month ago. Car is in for regular service now and item is being replaced at great personal expense, since it will not pass required safety inspect…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent engine failures, including catastrophic issues like loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, are reported. Some engines fail within a few thousand miles, leaving families stranded far from home.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and other drivetrain issues that can lead to loss of power. These are serious safety hazards.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as other critical system malfunctions, often accompanied by warning messages. These are life-threatening situations.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping properly. This is a critical safety defect that has led to crashes.
“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 V90 — 9 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 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 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 USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
The risk: A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Vo…
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 V90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V90 has far fewer complaints per year (3.4) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the V90 is likely to be more reliable and safer, with fewer unexpected breakdowns and safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The Volvo V90 has a complaint rate of 3.4 per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, a 150-fold difference.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the V90 has none.
- Silverado owners report engine and powertrain failures at low mileage, such as a 2026 model with 5,700 miles needing engine work, whereas V90 issues are more minor like taillight moisture.
- The V90's top issues are lighting and electrical, while the Silverado's are engine and powertrain, indicating more severe problems.
- Inspect the rear taillights for moisture or signs of failure, as this is a common issue that can lead to safety inspection failures.
- Check for any warning messages related to the hybrid system or wheel sensors, and have the electrical system thoroughly tested.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for any warning lights, as engine failures are common and can happen suddenly.
- Test the brakes carefully and look for any signs of brake system issues, such as low brake fluid or warning messages, due to reports of sudden brake loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- For the V90, test all exterior lights and check for moisture in the taillight assemblies.
- For the Silverado, take a thorough test drive including highway speeds and braking, and listen for any engine or transmission noises.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty, especially for the Silverado, to cover potential major repairs.
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 V90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 5 | 591 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 V90 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo V90 total complaints
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo V90 total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo V90 avg complaints/year
- 3.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V90
- Volvo V90 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE