Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo XC60 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 XC60 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Volvo XC60 averages about 113 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, with the Silverado also reporting 3 deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints. Both have recalls for software and safety systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC60 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV with a relatively low complaint rate of about 113 per year over the past decade. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, such as start/stop battery warnings and odd smells, as well as unexpected automatic braking and intermittent power loss. While it has fewer overall complaints than the Silverado, the high proportion of crash-related reports (80) and injuries (79) suggests that some issues can be serious. Buyers should be aware that advanced driver-assistance systems may behave unpredictably.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of about 823 per year, reflecting its popularity and widespread use. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with owners reporting rough running, diesel particulate filter problems, and sudden loss of power or braking. There are also 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported in crash-related complaints, indicating that some failures can have severe consequences. This truck demands more attention to maintenance and safety checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,128 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 80 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 112.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 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 XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM427
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER206
- 03SERVICE BRAKES165
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE158
- 05LANE DEPARTURE98
Owners report start/stop battery warnings, strange odors from the AC/heater, and intermittent electrical glitches. These can be annoying and may indicate deeper battery or software issues that are costly to diagnose.
Complaints describe the automatic braking system activating for no reason, sometimes bringing the car to a complete stop unexpectedly. This can startle drivers and potentially cause rear-end collisions.
Some owners experience sudden unintended acceleration or braking problems, including a case where the car surged forward while the driver was braking. Such incidents are rare but alarming and should be checked immediately.
Reports include intermittent loss of power at highway speeds, making the vehicle feel like it may stall. This poses a safety risk if it happens in traffic and may be hard to reproduce for a mechanic.
“The support battery for start/stop started to show on the dash and tells me that service is required about 2 weeks ago. "THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IS MY CONCERN". A month ago, the air coming out from the vent of the ac/heater started to smell like a rotten…”
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and rough running. These issues can leave you stranded and may require expensive repairs, especially on diesel models.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral and loss of power. This can happen at low speeds or while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features without warning.
Some owners experience a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, or the truck shutting off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake failures are among the most dangerous defects a vehicle can have.
“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 XC60 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
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 XC60 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has far fewer complaints per year (about 113) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), suggesting it may be less prone to frequent problems. However, the Silverado's higher volume and heavier use mean its issues are more widely reported. In practice, the Volvo may be easier to live with day-to-day, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC60 has about 113 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the truck.
- Volvo XC60 complaints often involve electrical glitches and driver-assist false activations, whereas Silverado complaints frequently involve engine and powertrain failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 79 injuries for the Volvo XC60, highlighting potentially more severe outcomes in the truck.
- Both vehicles have recalls for software and safety systems, but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and tire pressure issues, while the Volvo's include air bags and steering.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially battery or start/stop issues, and test all driver-assist features for unexpected braking or warnings.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation or power loss at highway speeds, and listen for unusual noises from the brakes.
- Inspect for engine-related trouble codes, especially on diesel models, and ask about any diesel particulate filter service history.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and check for any reports of sudden loss of braking assist or engine shutdown while driving; scan for electrical faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned in complaints.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for power loss or braking issues.
- For the Silverado, verify that the transmission shifts smoothly and that there are no warning lights related to the engine or brakes.
- For the Volvo, test all advanced safety features, such as automatic braking and lane keeping, to ensure they function correctly without false activations.
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 XC60 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 120 |
| 2025 | 37 | 157 |
| 2024 | 46 | 527 |
| 2023 | 216 | 450 |
| 2022 | 370 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 124 | 961 |
| 2020 | 88 | 868 |
| 2019 | 108 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 108 | 597 |
| 2017 | 16 | 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 XC60 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC60 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo XC60 total complaints
- 1,128
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 112.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE