Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V90cc vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo V90cc 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 V90cc vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo V90cc has 13 complaints over 10 years (1.3/year) and 19 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, versus 1 and 3 for the Volvo. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V90cc or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V90cc
The Volvo V90cc is a low-volume wagon with only 13 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1.3 per year. Owners report electrical glitches like brake failure warnings, water leaks damaging electronics, and a tailgate that can close unexpectedly. Recalls cover brakes and rear visibility software. Overall, it's a niche vehicle with few but potentially serious issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume truck with 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. Owners report major engine and transmission problems, including sudden power loss and brake failures. With 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, it's a much more problematic vehicle in terms of frequency and severity.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V90cc | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 V90cc
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 03STRUCTURE3
- 04SERVICE BRAKES2
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
Owners report sudden 'Brake Failure - Stop Safely' warnings that can lock the parking brake, prevent the car from coming out of Park, and stop the engine from turning off. Water leaks from the sunroof can also damage electrical components, causing the car to die while driving.
The automatic tailgate can close unexpectedly, striking owners on the head or shoulder even when no one is near the key fob or button. This is a physical injury risk, especially for those with medical conditions.
Moisture in the rear tail lights can trigger 'brake malfunction' errors and deactivate the brake light, making the car intermittent and unsafe to drive in rain. This is a recurring issue that resolves only when the moisture dries.
The Sensus navigation system can freeze or display a blank window, blocking navigation and other information. Recovery often requires stopping the car and waiting 5-20 minutes, which is frustrating and distracting.
“Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 2:30pm Car reports "Brake Failure - Stop Safely" Driver does so, and-- -Parking Brake Sets -Car will not come out of Park -Engine can not be turned off -Rear lift gate cannot be opened by any means First attempt at a tow fails – parking…”
“Gaps in the sunroof seal caused water to drain from the sunroof to the interior, electrical panel, firewall panel of the car and batteries. All electrical components are damaged because of the water. My car died on a very busy road on Dec. 31, 2024. It is an…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, which can cause loss of control. This is a serious safety concern and often occurs with very low mileage.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, or loss of steering and brakes at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures that can lead to crashes.
Brake failures are reported, including a firm pedal with reduced braking effect and complete loss of brakes. This is a life-threatening issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 V90cc — 19 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
The risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for thi…
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 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…
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 V90cc or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo V90cc has far fewer issues per year (1.3 vs. 510.5), but its problems can be serious, like brake failures and tailgate injuries. The Chevrolet Silverado has a much higher volume of complaints, with frequent engine, transmission, and brake failures that can be catastrophic. In practice, the Volvo is less likely to leave you stranded, but the Silverado's issues are more widespread and severe.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo averages 1.3 per year vs. Silverado's 510.5, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Crash-related complaints: Silverado has 117 vs. Volvo's 1, indicating far more safety incidents.
- Injuries: Silverado reports 104 injuries vs. Volvo's 3, showing a higher risk of harm.
- Recalls: Silverado has 100 recalls vs. Volvo's 19, meaning more frequent safety fixes.
- Check for water leaks around the sunroof and interior, as these can damage electrical components and cause sudden brake failures.
- Test the automatic tailgate multiple times to ensure it doesn't close unexpectedly, and inspect for any signs of previous impact.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking sounds, and check for any loss of power or transmission slipping during a test drive.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal or reduced braking, and ask about any prior brake-related repairs or recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's many recalls.
- For the Volvo, inspect the sunroof seals and test all electrical functions, including the tailgate and brakes.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine, transmission, and brake systems for signs of failure.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including rain for the Volvo and highway speeds for the Silverado.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any brake, engine, or electrical 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 V90cc | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 7 | 591 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 V90cc or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V90cc vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo V90cc total complaints
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo V90cc total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo V90cc avg complaints/year
- 1.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V90cc
- Volvo V90cc top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE