Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VAH vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VAH 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 VAH vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo VAH has 1 complaint and 31 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The Volvo VAH's lone complaint is a transmission failure; Silverado issues include engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VAH or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VAH
The Volvo VAH is a heavy-duty truck, so its ownership experience is different from a typical family vehicle. Over ten years, it has just 1 complaint and 31 recalls, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. The single complaint describes a complete transmission failure, which the dealer blamed on water contamination from the air system. That suggests that while complaints are rare, when something goes wrong it can be serious and expensive.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over ten years, plus 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe issues like sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. This means a used Silverado buyer should expect to deal with more frequent and varied problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VAH | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 VAH
- 01POWER TRAIN1
The only owner complaint on file describes a complete transmission failure on a 2023 Volvo VAH. The dealer claimed water contamination from the air system caused it, even though the air dryer filter and entire air dryer unit had been replaced at an authorized Volvo dealer. For a buyer, this means a transmission failure can happen even with recent maintenance, and the cause may be disputed.
“My 2023 Volvo VAH experienced complete transmission failure. Dealer claims failure was caused by water contamination from air system. However: • Air dryer filter had been replaced at authorized Volvo dealer. • Entire air dryer unit had been replaced with new…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report serious engine problems, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had issues shortly after purchase, and a 2026 Silverado 3500 with a 6.6L Duramax diesel that had three separate diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events at low mileage. These can leave you stranded and lead to repeated dealer visits.
Complaints describe transmissions suddenly going into neutral, including one on a nearly new truck with less than 300 miles while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage. Another complaint mentions a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that had a transmission problem. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and instances where the engine shuts off while driving, displaying messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Complaints include a severe loss of normal braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and a truck that completely shut off in a parking lot, with all screens going blank and no acceleration. Brake problems are especially concerning because they directly affect your ability to stop.
“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 VAH — 31 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023-2024 VN, VHD, and VAH trucks. The steering gear fasteners may not be properly tightened.
The risk: Loose steering gear fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this reca…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is R…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
The risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2026 VAH trucks. The passenger seat belt anchor may fail due to inadequate floor reinforcement. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly A…
The risk: A seat belt anchor that fails will not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install a new weld nut and washer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2510…
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 VAH or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VAH has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints per year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7 complaints per year). In practice, this means a used Volvo VAH is likely to have fewer reported problems, but when issues occur they can be major, like the transmission failure noted. The Silverado has a much higher volume of complaints, including many for engines, transmissions, and brakes, so buyers should be prepared for more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Volvo VAH has only 1 complaint in 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints, with the Silverado averaging 822.7 complaints per year.
- The Volvo VAH has 31 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths; the Silverado has 101 recalls, 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Volvo VAH's only complaint is a transmission failure linked to water contamination from the air system; Silverado complaints cover engines, transmissions, electrical systems, and brakes, including sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- Silverado owners report serious safety issues like engine shutting off while driving and loss of braking, while the Volvo VAH complaint, though severe, is isolated.
- Check the transmission for any signs of water contamination or rough shifting, especially if the air dryer system has been serviced, as the one complaint involved transmission failure blamed on water from the air system.
- Inspect the air dryer unit and filter for proper function and recent replacement records, since the complaint noted these were replaced but failure still occurred.
- Listen for engine noises and check for diesel particulate filter issues if considering a Duramax diesel, as one owner reported three soot accumulation events at low mileage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and check for any electrical glitches like warning messages or sudden shutdowns, as owners reported loss of braking and engine shut-offs while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the Silverado which has 101 recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission and air system on the Volvo VAH, and the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system on the Silverado.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and test drive to ensure no sudden power loss or brake problems.
- For the Volvo VAH, verify that the air dryer system has been properly maintained and ask about any transmission service history.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for your specific model year to see if common problems have been reported.
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 VAH | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1154 |
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 VAH or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VAH vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VAH total complaints
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo VAH total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo VAH avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VAH
- Volvo VAH top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE