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 104 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 511. Electrical issues dominate the XC90, while engine and powertrain problems are common in the Silverado. Both have serious safety complaints, but the XC90 has no reported deaths. 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, a luxury SUV, shows a high complaint rate of about 104 per year over the last decade, with electrical issues dominating. Owners report sudden loss of propulsion, especially in hybrid models, and brake noises in cold weather. While no deaths are reported, the frequency of electrical and engine problems suggests potential reliability concerns for buyers.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year, with engine and powertrain issues leading. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and brake problems, including a fatal crash. This indicates significant reliability challenges, particularly with the engine and drivetrain.
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 | 1,038 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 103.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 75 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 XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM312
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER223
- 03ENGINE183
- 04SERVICE BRAKES132
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM97
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion and warning messages like 'Propulsion Service Required' on hybrid models, often requiring dealer resets. This can be dangerous if it occurs on the highway.
There are reports of the engine shutting off completely while driving at highway speeds, leading to a loss of power. This is a critical safety issue.
In cold weather, some owners hear a loud knocking noise when backing up, possibly related to auto-hold brakes. While not a brake failure, it can be alarming and may indicate a design issue.
“My car is a 2022 Volvo hybrid T8, 6-passenger XC90. I purchased the SUV in August of 2023 as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with only 17,923 miles on it at the time of purchase. This SUV has been fine until within the last two to three months (July-Sept. 202…”
“My car is a 2022 Volvo hybrid T8, 6-passenger XC90. I purchased the SUV in August of 2023 as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with only 17,923 miles on it at the time of purchase. This SUV has been fine until within the last two to three months (July-Sept. 202…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often with a loud pinging sound, and in some cases the engine shuts off completely. Diesel models also experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic.
There are reports of severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety concern.
“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 Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.
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 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
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 XC90 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has fewer complaints per year (about 104) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both have serious safety-related complaints, so buyers should weigh the type and severity of problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 5 times more complaints per year than the XC90, with engine and powertrain issues being the most common.
- The XC90's top issue is electrical system failures, often leading to loss of propulsion, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems, including sudden shutdowns.
- Both have brake complaints, but the Silverado's brake loss is more severe, with reports of complete loss of braking effectiveness.
- The XC90 has no reported deaths, while the Silverado has one, but both have crash-related incidents.
- Check for any history of 'Propulsion Service Required' messages or electrical system repairs, especially on hybrid models.
- Test the brakes in cold weather to see if any knocking noise occurs when backing up.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of sudden power loss or unusual noises, and check for any outstanding recalls related to engine or transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially at low speeds, to ensure they respond normally.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any previous complaints or repairs related to the engine or electrical system.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including cold weather if possible, to see if any issues arise.
- Research common issues for the specific model year and trim 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 XC90 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 54 | 150 |
| 2024 | 102 | 0 |
| 2023 | 117 | 0 |
| 2022 | 116 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 51 | 934 |
| 2020 | 90 | 0 |
| 2019 | 123 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 150 | 591 |
| 2017 | 228 | 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 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
- 1,038
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 103.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE