Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo VNX 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 VNX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The VNX has 0 complaints and 9 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls, including 233 crash-related reports. Silverado owners describe engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNX
The Volvo VNX is a heavy-duty truck that, based on NHTSA data, has no owner complaints filed over the past 10 years. However, it has 9 recalls covering body structure, steering, parking brake, and hydraulic actuator issues. With zero complaints, there is no reported pattern of real-world failures from owners, but the recalls suggest potential safety-related defects that were addressed by the manufacturer. For a buyer, this means very little owner feedback to gauge day-to-day reliability, so you must rely on recall history and pre-purchase inspections.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high number of owner complaints—8,227 over 10 years—and 101 recalls. The complaints frequently mention engine problems, power train issues, electrical system failures, and brake problems, with some reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths. Owners describe serious symptoms like engine shutdown while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly. This suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability and safety concerns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 VNX
No component data available.
Recalls for body structure issues indicate potential problems with the truck's frame or body panels. While no owner complaints describe specific symptoms, these recalls suggest that structural integrity could be compromised in certain conditions, which is critical for a heavy-duty truck used for hauling or towing.
A steering-related recall points to possible loss of steering control or difficulty steering. For a large truck like the VNX, steering failure at speed could be dangerous, so buyers should verify that any recall repairs have been completed.
This recall involves the parking brake system, specifically hydraulic actuator components. A faulty parking brake could lead to unintended vehicle movement when parked, posing a risk to people and property. Buyers should confirm the parking brake holds properly on inclines.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine problems such as excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and in some cases engine shutdown while driving. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs, especially on newer models with low mileage.
Complaints describe the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds in parking lots. This loss of power to the wheels can be dangerous in traffic and suggests potential transmission or software defects that owners have experienced firsthand.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assistance, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. Others mention the engine shutting off while driving, with dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Complaints include complete loss of braking ability, often accompanied by electrical issues. One owner described the truck shutting off and all screens going blank while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Brake failure is a severe safety risk that should be addressed 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 VNX — 9 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affecte…
The risk: If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent f…
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall i…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 VNL and VNX trucks manufactured January 7, 2014, to June 5, 2014, and equipped with a D16 engine. Due to the engine control unit having an incorrect parameter setting in the software, the engine may stall.
The risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1404.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.
The risk: If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may dis…
The risk: Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now. A second notice was mailed o…
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 VNX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNX has far fewer reported issues per year—zero complaints versus an average of 822.7 per year for the Chevrolet Silverado. In practice, this means Silverado owners are much more likely to experience problems that require repairs or pose safety risks. However, the VNX's lack of complaints may also reflect lower sales volume or less owner reporting, so it's not a guarantee of trouble-free ownership.
Key differences
- The Volvo VNX has 0 owner complaints and 9 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over the same 10-year period.
- Silverado owners report serious safety-related failures like engine shutdown while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission shifting into neutral, whereas the VNX has no such complaint text on record.
- The Silverado's complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating real-world consequences; the VNX has 0 in all these categories.
- Recalls for the VNX focus on body structure, steering, and parking brake, while Silverado recalls include fuel pump control, tire pressure monitoring, and forward collision warnings, among others.
- Check for any outstanding recalls on the body structure, steering, and parking brake system, and confirm they have been repaired by a Volvo dealer.
- Inspect the parking brake operation on an incline to ensure it holds the vehicle securely, as hydraulic actuator issues could cause unintended movement.
- Test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden transmission shifts into neutral or engine shutdown, which owners have reported.
- Pay attention to brake pedal feel and braking performance; some owners experienced a firm pedal but loss of braking effectiveness, so any abnormality is a red flag.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the Volvo VNX, have a mechanic inspect the frame, steering components, and parking brake system for signs of damage or wear.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and electrical system, and test all electronic features.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking maneuvers to check for hesitation, stalling, or unexpected gear changes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado, to see if common issues like diesel particulate filter problems or brake repairs have been addressed.
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 VNX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 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 VNX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo VNX total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo VNX total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo VNX avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNX
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE