Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VN vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VN 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 VN vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo VN has only 7 complaints over 10 years (0.7/yr) and 38 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. Silverado owners report severe engine, transmission, and brake failures, whereas VN issues are mostly window leaks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VN or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VN
The Volvo VN is a heavy-duty commercial truck with a relatively low complaint rate, averaging less than one per year over the past decade. Owners report persistent water leaks around windows, which can lead to interior damage and mold. Electrical system issues, including a recall for braking software, and structural concerns about the same leaks are notable. While the VN has many recalls, the actual complaints are few, suggesting that most issues are addressed through recalls rather than causing widespread owner frustration.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, averaging over 500 per year. Owners frequently report serious engine problems, such as excessive soot in diesel particulate filters and sudden loss of power, as well as transmission failures that cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly. Electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering, creating dangerous situations. With over 100 recalls and multiple crash-related incidents, the Silverado shows a pattern of significant 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 VN | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 VN
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03TIRES1
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report that every window leaks, causing water stains on upholstery and interior damage. This is a known issue that Volvo attempted to address with a recall in 2019, but some owners still experience it.
There is a recall for electrical system and service brakes (NHTSA 24V790000) that may affect braking performance. Owners also report odometer fraud, which is a separate issue but indicates potential tampering with the vehicle's electronics.
The same window leak issue is categorized under structure, emphasizing that the problem is with the body sealing, not just the glass. This can lead to rust and further deterioration if not fixed.
“Every window in this truck leaks. The upholstery is water stained around and underneath every window. This , I found out is a common problem for Volvo trucks. Volvo knows about this problem as they had a recall in 2019 for this very problem. Volvo Corp office…”
“This Person hit my SUV and would not Stop, USDOT # 923849 I had to chase him down for a mile before he stopped. He destroyed my New Car 2025 Subaru Forester. I would like this person NOT be able to drive a BIG RIG again.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters (P2463) requiring dealer intervention, and sudden loss of motive power while driving, which can be dangerous.
Transmission issues are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can lead to loss of control.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as abnormal engine noises. These issues are critical because they compromise vehicle control.
Brake problems are frequently reported, including a severe loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm. This is a major 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 VN — 38 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems"…
The risk: The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
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 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems"…
The risk: The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
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.
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 VN or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VN has far fewer complaints per year (0.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported issues. However, the VN's recalls are numerous, and the Silverado's complaints are more severe, involving loss of control. In practice, the VN may be more reliable in terms of day-to-day issues, but the Silverado's problems are more likely to be safety-critical.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo VN averages 0.7 complaints per year, while Silverado averages 510.5 per year.
- Severity: Silverado complaints often involve loss of power, braking, and steering, whereas VN complaints are mostly about water leaks.
- Recalls: VN has 38 recalls, Silverado has 100, but VN's recalls are less frequent per year.
- Crash and injury reports: Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, while VN has only 1 crash and 1 injury.
- Inspect all windows and interior for water stains or mold, as leaks are a common issue.
- Check for any open recalls, especially the electrical system and service brake recall (24V790000).
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- For the Volvo VN: ask for service records showing any window leak repairs and verify that all recalls have been performed.
- For the Silverado: request a diagnostic scan for any stored codes related to engine, transmission, or brakes.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- Check the vehicle history report for any reported accidents or odometer discrepancies.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle's electrical system, especially for the Silverado, to ensure no intermittent failures.
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 VN | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 3 | 934 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 2 | 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 VN or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VN vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VN total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo VN total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo VN avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VN
- Volvo VN top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE