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 has 1097 complaints over 10 years (109.7/yr) versus 5105 for the Silverado (510.5/yr). Volvo's issues are mostly electrical and driver-assist glitches, while Silverado's are engine and brake failures. 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, a compact luxury SUV, shows a reliability profile dominated by electrical gremlins and driver-assistance quirks. Owners report repeated issues with the start/stop battery, infotainment failures that disable safety alerts, and phantom auto-braking events. While these are often not catastrophic, they can be frustrating and, in some cases, raise safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, with engine and powertrain problems leading the list. Owners describe serious failures like sudden loss of motive power, transmission issues, and brake system malfunctions, some occurring at highway speeds. This pattern suggests a higher risk of major mechanical breakdowns compared to the Volvo.
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 | 1,097 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 109.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 78 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 XC60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM407
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER201
- 03SERVICE BRAKES161
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE150
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION94
Owners report the start/stop support battery failing, triggering service messages, and the infotainment system crashing, which disables safety alerts like cross-path detection and parking sensors. This can leave drivers without crucial warnings.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration while braking, where the car surges forward despite brake pressure, and instances of auto-braking activating for no reason, causing unexpected stops. These issues can be alarming and increase collision risk.
The automatic braking system sometimes engages without an actual obstacle, as when pulling out of a garage, leading to sudden stops. Owners also mention the system's behavior being unpredictable, which can undermine trust in safety features.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent complaints include engine failure, loss of motive power, and abnormal noises. For example, a 6.2L engine failed while on a family trip, and a Duramax diesel had repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service. These can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can be dangerous in traffic. Owners also report loss of power and drivability issues, indicating potential transmission or drivetrain defects.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal is firm but the vehicle doesn't stop normally. In one case, this occurred at 70 mph along with loss of engine power and steering, creating a critical safety hazard.
“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 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
The risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
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 XC60 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC60 has far fewer complaints per year (109.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Volvo's problems are more focused on electronics and driver-assist glitches, while the Silverado's are more severe, involving engine and brake failures. In practice, the Volvo may offer a more reliable day-to-day experience, but the Silverado's issues are more likely to be serious.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC60 has about one-fifth the annual complaint rate of the Silverado (109.7 vs 510.5 per year).
- Volvo's top issues are electrical and driver-assist related, such as battery failures and phantom braking, while Silverado's are engine and powertrain failures, including loss of power and transmission issues.
- Silverado reports more crash-related incidents (117 vs 76) and injuries (104 vs 78), and includes one death, whereas Volvo has none.
- Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 44), indicating a higher frequency of safety-related defects.
- Check the start/stop battery and ask if it has been replaced; owners report failures that trigger service warnings.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly, including safety alerts, as some owners report complete system failures that disable warnings.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks or unusual noises, and ask about the history of any engine or transmission repairs.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, and check for any warning lights related to brake fluid or ABS, as some owners report sudden loss of braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Volvo, test all driver-assist features (auto-braking, lane assist) in a safe area to ensure they work correctly.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission, and test drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations or loss of power.
- Ask about any software updates performed, especially for the Volvo's electrical system and the Silverado's engine control module.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
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 | 14 | 98 |
| 2025 | 34 | 150 |
| 2024 | 46 | 0 |
| 2023 | 204 | 0 |
| 2022 | 355 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 124 | 934 |
| 2020 | 88 | 0 |
| 2019 | 108 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 108 | 591 |
| 2017 | 16 | 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 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
- 1,097
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo XC60 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo XC60 avg complaints/year
- 109.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE