Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNM vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VNM 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 VNM vs Chevrolet Silverado: The VNM has 0 complaints and 14 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints, 100 recalls, and 117 crash-related reports. The Silverado's higher complaint rate and injury count suggest more owner-reported safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNM or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNM
The Volvo VNM is a heavy-duty commercial truck, not a typical passenger vehicle, so ownership means higher maintenance and operational costs. Over 10 years, it has zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which could mean either strong reliability or that owners report issues through other channels. However, it has 14 recalls covering air brakes, front hub suspension, and steering, so safety-related defects are still possible. Living with a VNM means staying on top of recall repairs and regular commercial inspections.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for both personal and work duties, with a huge owner base. It has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year, plus 100 recalls, 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners report serious issues like sudden loss of braking, engine power loss, and transmission problems even at low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 VNM
No component data available.
Recalls for air brake issues are listed, meaning the braking system can have defects that affect stopping. For a heavy truck, brake failure is a major safety concern, so buyers should verify all recall work is done.
A recall for the front hub suspension indicates possible wheel or steering problems. This could lead to poor handling or wheel detachment if not fixed, so inspect the front end carefully.
Two separate steering recalls suggest the steering system may have defects that make the truck hard to control. Buyers should check for any open recalls and test steering feel during a test drive.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems like rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some complaints involve new trucks with low mileage, so even low-mileage Silverados can have engine issues.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failures, sometimes at very low miles. This can leave you stranded or cause loss of control, so a thorough transmission check is critical.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking, inoperable brakes and steering, and warning messages. These electrical glitches can disable safety systems, making them a serious concern for any buyer.
Reports of brake pedal feeling firm but braking effect reduced, and brakes becoming inoperable. Brake problems are directly safety-related and should be inspected immediately.
“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 VNM — 14 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
The risk: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's n…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.
The risk: If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for…
The defect: Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the e…
The risk: If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco…
The risk: If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will update the Eco-Roll software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1406.
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 VNM or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNM has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 511 for the Silverado), but it is a commercial truck with its own recall history. The Silverado's much higher complaint and injury counts mean a used Silverado carries a greater risk of encountering documented safety defects. In practice, the VNM may be less likely to have owner-reported issues, but both need careful recall checks.
Key differences
- The Volvo VNM has 0 complaints and 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints and 100 recalls, showing a huge gap in owner-reported issues.
- Silverado complaints include serious safety events like loss of braking and engine power loss, with 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries; the VNM has no such complaint data.
- The VNM's recalls focus on air brakes, front hub, and steering, while the Silverado's recalls include tailgate latches, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Silverado owners report engine and transmission failures even at low mileage, whereas the VNM has no complaint text to indicate similar patterns.
- Check for open recalls on the air brake system, as defects could cause stopping problems.
- Inspect the front hub and steering components for wear or damage, since recalls indicate possible failure points.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, a symptom owners reported.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see if all recalls are repaired on either vehicle.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to engine, transmission, and brake repairs, and take a long test drive.
- For the Volvo VNM, have a commercial truck mechanic inspect air brakes, front hubs, and steering.
- Check for any warning lights or stored trouble codes, especially on the Silverado's electrical system.
- Verify the vehicle's history report for accidents or prior safety complaints.
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 VNM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 0 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 VNM or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNM vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VNM total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo VNM total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo VNM avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE