Vehicle 1

Volvo VNL

15 complaints · 52 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Volvo VNL vs Chevrolet Silverado: The VNL has 15 complaints (1.5/year) and 52 recalls, while the Silverado has 6,878 complaints (687.8/year) and 98 recalls. The VNL's top issue is powertrain; the Silverado's is engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Volvo VNL
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryVolvo VNLChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
15
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
52
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
1
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
1.5
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Volvo VNL

1. POWER TRAIN5
2. STEERING3
3. ENGINE2
4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
5. SUSPENSION2

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Volvo VNL has far fewer complaints per year (1.5) than the Chevrolet Silverado (687.8), suggesting a lower risk of owner-reported issues. However, the VNL has 52 recalls, which is high relative to its complaint count, indicating potential safety-related design flaws.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint frequency, choose the Volvo VNL. If you need a vehicle with fewer recalls and a larger support network, choose the Chevrolet Silverado, but be prepared for a higher likelihood of engine, powertrain, and electrical issues.

Key Differences
  • Volvo VNL: 15 total complaints (1.5/year) vs Chevrolet Silverado: 6,878 complaints (687.8/year).
  • Volvo VNL: 52 recalls vs Chevrolet Silverado: 98 recalls.
  • Volvo VNL: 1 crash complaint vs Chevrolet Silverado: 206 crash complaints.
  • Top issues differ: VNL's top is powertrain (5); Silverado's top is engine (2,056).
⚠ Watch on Volvo VNL
  • High recall count (52) relative to complaints; check if all recalls have been performed.
  • Powertrain and steering issues are the most common complaints.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Very high complaint volume (6,878) with engine (2,056) and powertrain (1,925) as top concerns.
  • Electrical system (1,263) and service brakes (1,077) also have many complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Verify all recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for past complaints or repairs.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the powertrain and steering (VNL) or engine and electrical system (Silverado).
  • Test drive to feel for any unusual noises, vibrations, or brake issues.
  • Check for open safety recalls using NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Volvo VNLChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
45
2025
0
115
2024
0
460
2023
1
375
2022
2
1172
2021
0
844
2020
0
787
2019
4
1932
2018
8
0
2017
0
1148
Volvo VNL vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Volvo VNL vs Chevrolet Silverado
Volvo VNL total complaints
15
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
Volvo VNL total recalls
52
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
Volvo VNL avg complaints/year
1.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
Volvo VNL
Volvo VNL top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Volvo VNLReliability & Problems

15 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Volvo VNL or Chevrolet Silverado?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.