Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VNR 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 VNR averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. Volvo VNR has 2 complaints and 36 recalls on record; Chevrolet Silverado has 7,904 complaints and 100 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 7,904 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 229 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 790.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 159 |
| 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 VNR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
“This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very d…”
“My truck is going to neutral When ever I slow down and about to make a turn or for a stop light , and will not ho back in gear . Until I fully stop and put it in gear again - causing big problems -”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,352
- 02POWER TRAIN2,254
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,452
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,198
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER838
“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…”
“At approximately 3,000 miles, the engine began making a loud knocking noise that became progressively worse while driving. The truck was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement. No warning lights, no check engine light, nothing. For someone inexper…”
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 VNR — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.
The risk: The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number f…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air br…
The risk: If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2023 VNR Electric vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When the adaptive cruise control braking activates under light load conditions, it can trigger an aggressive braking response.
The risk: Overly aggressive braking can result in the rear axle skidding, the brakes locking up, and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will secure wiring and remove radar antennas and brackets from the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system will be reprogrammed to disable adaptive cruise control. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2023. Ow…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.
The risk: A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 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…
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 VNR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 82 |
| 2025 | 0 | 135 |
| 2024 | 0 | 498 |
| 2023 | 1 | 424 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1302 |
| 2021 | 1 | 914 |
| 2020 | 0 | 831 |
| 2019 | 0 | 1977 |
| 2018 | 0 | 588 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1153 |
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 VNR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VNR total complaints
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 7,904
- Volvo VNR total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo VNR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 790.4
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNR
- Volvo VNR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE