Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Volvo XC90 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 XC90 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The XC90 averages 107 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado also sees many engine and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC90 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that averages about 107 complaints per year over the last decade, with 44 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, engine power loss, and brake failures, including a hybrid battery module that can disable propulsion and all-wheel drive. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the nature of the issues—sudden loss of power or braking—can be alarming and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with owners describing rough running, diesel particulate filter problems, and transmissions that suddenly shift to neutral. Electrical and brake issues also appear, sometimes causing the engine to shut off while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,074 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM326
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ENGINE191
- 04SERVICE BRAKES138
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM105
Owners report hybrid battery cell module failures that disable the hybrid propulsion system and all-wheel drive, as well as intermittent climate control malfunctions. These electrical faults can leave the vehicle undrivable and may require expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints include sudden loss of acceleration, engine performance warnings, and a 'turtle mode' that limits speed on the highway. Such power loss can be dangerous in traffic and often points to complex hybrid or software issues.
Some owners describe a complete loss of braking, with the brake pedal not providing normal resistance. There are also reports that automatic emergency braking did not engage in low-speed collisions, raising concerns about brake system reliability.
While fewer complaints appear here, issues with the hybrid propulsion system can strand drivers. The fuel/propulsion category is among the top five, indicating that problems with delivering power are a recurring theme.
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may recur even after repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission problems that cause a loss of motive power. This can be dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer diagnosis.
Reports describe a severe loss of normal braking and the engine shutting off while driving, with screens going blank. Electrical gremlins like these can affect critical safety systems and are hard to predict.
Owners note that the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is reduced, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake-related complaints are common, and any sign of reduced braking should be taken seriously.
“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 XC90 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
The risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
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 XC90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 107 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (44 vs. 101). In practice, this means you are less likely to face frequent repair visits with the XC90, but when problems occur they can involve costly hybrid or electrical systems. The Silverado's higher volume of complaints suggests a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or electrical issues.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC90 averages about 107 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a nearly eightfold difference.
- Volvo XC90 owners frequently report hybrid battery module failures that disable propulsion and all-wheel drive, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmissions suddenly shifting to neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years compared to 44 for the XC90, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Brake complaints on the XC90 include complete loss of braking, while Silverado brake complaints often involve reduced braking effectiveness and engine shut-off during low-speed maneuvers.
- Check for any history of hybrid battery module replacement or electrical faults, especially on T8 plug-in hybrid models, as these can disable the vehicle.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or loss of assist, and ask if the automatic emergency braking system has ever failed to engage.
- Listen for engine noises and check for stored codes related to the diesel particulate filter (P2463) on Duramax models, as repeated soot accumulation events are reported.
- Test the transmission for any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds, and verify that the engine does not shut off unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated repair visits for electrical, engine, or brake issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the hybrid system (XC90) or diesel particulate filter and transmission (Silverado) for signs of the reported failures.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss, transmission slipping, or unexpected engine shutdowns.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those related to brakes, forward collision avoidance, and back-over prevention.
- Ask the seller for any warranty or service records that document fixes for the specific complaints noted in NHTSA data.
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 XC90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 120 |
| 2025 | 58 | 157 |
| 2024 | 108 | 527 |
| 2023 | 120 | 450 |
| 2022 | 116 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 51 | 961 |
| 2020 | 96 | 868 |
| 2019 | 126 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 153 | 597 |
| 2017 | 237 | 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 XC90 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC90 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,074
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 107.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE