Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo XC70 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 XC70 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the XC70 had 146 complaints and 32 recalls, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The XC70 averages about 15 complaints per year versus over 800 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC70 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 is a wagon that, over 10 years, generated 146 complaints (about 15 per year) and 32 recalls. Owners most often report leaks around the windshield, engine oil consumption, electrical glitches like a blank instrument panel, and seat belts that won't latch or release. It's a lower-volume vehicle with fewer reported problems per year, but the issues that do appear can be persistent and annoying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that racked up 8,227 complaints over 10 years (over 800 per year) and 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are engine problems (often oil consumption or diesel soot buildup), transmission issues like sudden neutral, electrical faults that can kill the engine or brakes, and brake loss. With so many trucks on the road, the sheer number of reports is high, and some failures happen at very low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC70 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 146 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 XC70
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER17
- 02ENGINE14
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 04SEAT BELTS13
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
Owners report the windshield seal failing, which lets water leak into the overhead lights and cabin. This can damage electronics and, because the windshield helps structural integrity, may affect crash protection if not fixed.
Complaints include excessive oil consumption traced to defective pistons and rings, requiring frequent top-offs or engine work. One owner also reported smoke from air vents and flames, indicating a potential fire risk.
The driver's instrument panel can intermittently go blank, leaving the driver without speed or warning lights. Trailer lighting module defects are also mentioned, which can affect towing safety.
Front seat belt buckles may refuse to latch or release, especially on the passenger side. This is a daily annoyance and a safety concern because a belt that won't stay buckled can't protect you in a crash.
“The windscreen seal has failed. Water leaking into the overhead lighting fixture and main cabin. This will ruin the car, and shouldn't happen to any car. The windscreen, when properly attached to the body, contributes to the structural integrity and crashwort…”
“THE BACKUP CAMERA IS MALFUNCTIONING NOW BECAUSE THE VIEW FIELD IS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE'RE SOME OTHER CARS (INCLUDING SOME NEW CARS AT DEALER) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I VISITED THE RETAILER AND THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOM C…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdown while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models suffer from excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter. These can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral at low speeds, which can happen in parking lots or while driving slowly. This loss of drive can be dangerous if it occurs in traffic.
Electrical glitches can cause the engine to shut off while driving and may also lead to a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. These are serious safety issues that need immediate attention.
Some owners experience a severe loss of braking effectiveness, often accompanied by other electrical symptoms. The brake pedal may feel firm but the truck doesn't stop as expected, increasing crash risk.
“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 XC70 — 32 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the…
The risk: Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
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 XC70 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC70 has far fewer complaints per year (about 15 vs. over 800 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (32 vs. 101). In practice, that means you're less likely to encounter a reported problem with the Volvo, but when issues do arise they tend to be persistent leaks, oil use, or electrical gremlins. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate reflects both its popularity and a wider range of serious failures, including engine shutdowns and brake loss.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC70 averages about 15 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 800 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo owners most often report leaks, oil consumption, and seat belt latch issues; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related and 3 injuries for the Volvo, though these numbers don't account for how many of each vehicle are on the road.
- Both have electrical complaints, but the Silverado's electrical issues are more often tied to sudden engine shutdown or brake failure, which are more immediately dangerous.
- Check for water stains or musty smells around the overhead console and headliner, which can indicate a failed windshield seal.
- Test both front seat belts by buckling and unbuckling several times; if the buckle sticks or won't latch, it may need replacement.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden RPM changes, or messages about neutral; these could signal transmission or engine shutdown issues.
- Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area; if the pedal feels firm but stopping power is weak, or if the engine stalls, walk away.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's complete recall history and confirm that all open recalls have been fixed by a dealer.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the specific problem areas listed above.
- For the Volvo, check for oil consumption by asking about oil top-off frequency and looking for blue smoke from the exhaust.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes related to the engine, transmission, and brakes, even if no warning light is on.
- Test all electrical features, including the instrument panel, backup camera, and trailer lighting if equipped, to spot intermittent faults.
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 XC70 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC70 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo XC70 total complaints
- 146
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo XC70 total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo XC70 avg complaints/year
- 14.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC70
- Volvo XC70 top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE