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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The VNR has 2 complaints over 10 years (0.2/year) and 36 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus none for the VNR. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNR
The Volvo VNR is a heavy-duty semi tractor, and in this data set it shows very few owner complaints—just 2 over 10 years—but a high number of recalls (36). The complaints that do appear involve a poorly fitting aftermarket sun visor that blocks visibility and a transmission that slips into neutral when slowing for a turn or stop. For a buyer, this suggests that while reported failures are rare, the recall volume means you should verify that all safety campaigns have been completed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—8,227 over 10 years—and 101 recalls. Owners report serious issues including engine problems (rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation), transmission suddenly going into neutral, electrical glitches that can shut off the engine, and sudden loss of normal braking. These patterns indicate that many Silverado owners experience breakdowns and safety-related failures, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall check are essential.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 VNR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
Owners report that an aftermarket sun visor was installed that is 4 inches smaller on each side and mounted in the wrong direction, making morning and evening driving difficult due to glare. This matters because poor visibility can be a safety hazard, and it shows that even minor equipment changes can cause real problems.
The same sun visor complaint is also filed under visibility, highlighting that the replacement visor does not properly block sunlight. For a buyer, this means checking that the visor is original or correctly sized and oriented.
One owner reports the truck goes into neutral whenever slowing down for a turn or stop light and will not go back into gear until fully stopped. This can cause big problems in traffic, so a test drive should include slowing and turning to check for this behavior.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel experiencing repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events at low mileage, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage, and the same 6.2L engine issue being linked to power train problems. A sudden loss of power can be dangerous, so test driving under various conditions is important.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and the engine shutting off while driving with a 'Return to Neutral' message. These electrical glitches can compromise control, so check for any related recalls or software updates.
Complaints describe braking problems where the vehicle would not stop normally, and in one case the truck completely shut off with all screens blank while barely applying throttle. This underscores the need to test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly before buying.
“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 VNR — 36 recalls
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 2020-2024 VNR Electric vehicles. The coolant line in the high voltage battery pack may not be fully seated and locked, which can result in the loss of coolant and an electrical short circuit.
The risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will work with the battery manufacturer Akasol to inspect and replace the batteries, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is R…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Pa…
The risk: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
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 VNR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNR has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 822.7) and zero crash-related complaints, while the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. In practice, this means a used VNR is less likely to have a history of serious safety-related failures, but its high recall count still requires diligence.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo VNR has 2 complaints over 10 years vs. Chevrolet Silverado's 8,227, indicating a much higher reported failure rate for the Silverado.
- Crash-related complaints: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; VNR has 0, suggesting a lower risk of severe outcomes in the VNR.
- Recall counts: VNR has 36 recalls and Silverado has 101, so both require recall checks, but the Silverado has more campaigns.
- Reported failure patterns: VNR complaints center on a sun visor and transmission going into neutral; Silverado complaints include engine failures, sudden neutral, electrical shutdowns, and brake loss.
- Check the sun visor: ensure it is the original size and correctly mounted, as aftermarket replacements have been reported to be too small and wrongly oriented, causing glare.
- Test drive at low speeds and during turns: the transmission may slip into neutral when slowing for a turn or stop light, so simulate these conditions.
- Listen for engine issues and check for diesel particulate filter warnings: owners report rough running and repeated soot accumulation, especially on the 6.6L Duramax.
- Test brakes and electrical system: complaints include sudden loss of braking and engine shutdown while driving, so pay attention to any warning messages or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Verify that all outstanding recalls have been performed on the specific vehicle by checking the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- For the Volvo VNR, inspect the sun visor for proper size and mounting, and test drive at low speeds to check for transmission slipping into neutral.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine health, transmission operation, brake function, and electrical system diagnostics.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado, to see if engine or transmission repairs have been done.
- During the test drive, include stops, turns, and varying speeds to replicate the conditions in the 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 VNR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 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 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
- 8,227
- Volvo VNR total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo VNR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNR
- Volvo VNR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE