Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VHD vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VHD 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 VHD vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo VHD has 0 owner complaints and 46 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VHD or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VHD
The Volvo VHD is a heavy-duty commercial truck, and over the past 10 years it has generated zero owner complaints to NHTSA. However, it has 46 recalls, covering areas like wheels, steering, and electrical software. For a buyer, this means there are no documented owner-reported failure patterns, but the high number of recalls suggests potential safety defects that were addressed by the manufacturer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission problems, with 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. This indicates a wide range of reliability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VHD | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 VHD
No component data available.
Recalls for lug nuts, bolts, and studs suggest possible wheel detachment risks. Buyers should ensure these fasteners are properly torqued and inspected.
Recalls for drag link connections, tie rod assemblies, and electric power assist indicate potential steering loss. This is critical for safety and should be checked by a mechanic.
A software recall could affect various electronic functions. Buyers should verify that all software updates have been applied.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, often with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Some also experience excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded or cause loss of power.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failures, sometimes at very low mileage. This can cause loss of control and expensive repairs.
Reports of sudden brake loss with a firm pedal, and engine shut-offs with blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners describe severe loss of braking ability, often accompanied by electrical issues. This is a major safety hazard that needs 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 VHD — 46 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VAH, 2026-2027 VN, VHD, VNL (4), and 2027 VNR (4) vehicles. The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.
The risk: Wheel detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control or create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect the wheel and hub mating surfaces, remove any masking material, and replace any worn components if necessary, free of charge. Owner no…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VOLVO VAH, VN, VHD, 2026-2027 VNL (4) and VNR (4) vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured with insufficiently tightened steering arms.
The risk: A loose steering arm can result in a loss of vehicle steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners between the steering arm and steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.
The risk: If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for thi…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Volvo VHD trucks equipped with snow plow lamp preparation kits. The snow plow headlights can be turned on without other exterior lights, and high beam indicator will not work when the snow plow high beams are on. As such, these vehic…
The risk: The driver may operate the vehicle with the snow plow headlights on but the marker and tail lamps off, reducing the vehicle's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is R…
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 VHD or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VHD has far fewer owner complaints per year (0 vs. about 823 for the Silverado), but it has 46 recalls compared to 101 for the Silverado. In practice, the Volvo VHD may have fewer reported day-to-day failures, but both vehicles have safety-related recall histories. The Silverado's high complaint volume suggests more frequent and varied problems.
Key differences
- The Volvo VHD has 0 owner complaints, while the Silverado has 8,227, indicating far more reported problems with the Silverado.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, whereas the Volvo VHD has none reported.
- The Volvo VHD's recalls focus on wheels, steering, and electrical software, while the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings.
- Silverado owners report specific failures like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission issues, while Volvo VHD has no complaint text to detail failure patterns.
- Check for any open recalls, especially on steering linkages and wheel lug nuts, as these could affect control.
- Inspect the electrical system and software updates, as a recall exists for software that may impact various functions.
- Test drive and listen for engine stalling or hesitation, and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Inspect brake function carefully; reports of sudden brake loss with a firm pedal are alarming and should be addressed before purchase.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- For the Volvo VHD, have a mechanic inspect steering components, wheel fasteners, and ensure all software recalls are performed.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, checking for engine shutdowns, transmission slipping, and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission services.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific model.
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 VHD | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 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 VHD or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VHD vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VHD total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo VHD total recalls
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo VHD avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VHD
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE