Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Silverado had 5,537 complaints (554/year) and 56 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints (206/year) and 31 recalls. The Silverado's complaints often involve engine and power train failures, whereas the Camry's are more about hesitation and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and owner complaints reflect that. Over 10 years, it averages about 554 complaints per year, with engine and power train issues dominating. Many reports describe serious failures like internal engine breakdowns and unexpected rolling, which can mean costly repairs and safety risks. Recalls cover brakes, lights, and engine parts, so staying on top of recall notices is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a reputation for dependability, and its complaint volume is lower: about 206 per year over 10 years. However, owners still report notable power train, engine, and brake problems, including hesitation, key removal issues, and electronic parking brake failures. While less frequent, these issues can be frustrating and sometimes require dealer intervention. Recalls for wheels, seats, and air bag sensors also exist.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,537 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 146 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 553.7 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 01ENGINE1,886
- 02POWER TRAIN1,611
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM937
- 04SERVICE BRAKES777
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER550
Owners report catastrophic internal engine failures, such as a failed thrust bearing or cylinder wall damage, often at low mileage (e.g., 16,500 miles). These can require a full engine replacement, leaving the truck undrivable and potentially costing thousands if out of warranty.
Complaints include unexpected rolling when parked and unoccupied, which can cause collisions. Others mention engine failure while driving, leading to loss of power. These issues affect both safety and trust in the vehicle.
Owners describe repeated serious electrical failures, sometimes within the first year, affecting multiple components. This can lead to warning lights, malfunctioning systems, and unexpected repairs.
Reports include sudden brake failure with a hard pedal and little braking power, as well as loss of power steering. These incidents can happen in traffic and increase crash risk.
“My 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 experienced an internal engine failure at approximately 16,500 miles, requiring replacement of the entire long block under the factory powertrain warranty. The authorized Chevrolet dealership diagnosed internal cylinder wa…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 experienced a catastrophic internal failure caused by a failed thrust bearing in the crankshaft assembly. The fai…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Some owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but still concerning.
Multiple systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and reduce safety features.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 56 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 554 for the Silverado 1500), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems. In practice, this means a Camry owner is less likely to face frequent repair visits, while Silverado owners may deal with more serious and costly issues, especially with the engine and power train.
Key differences
- The Silverado 1500 has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the Camry, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Silverado owners report catastrophic engine failures and unexpected rolling, while Camry owners more often report hesitation, key removal problems, and electronic parking brake issues.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 146) but fewer injuries (158 vs. 102) and deaths (1 vs. 1) over the same period, though these numbers don't tell the whole story.
- Recalls for the Silverado cover brakes, lights, and engine parts; Camry recalls involve wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check for any signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, low oil pressure, or a check engine light—especially on 2025 models with the 6.2L V8, which have reports of internal failures.
- Test the parking brake and transmission operation thoroughly, including parking on a slope, to ensure the truck does not roll away when left in Park.
- Test the ignition key removal in various gears and with the engine off—if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported power train defect.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS or EPB issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Silverado, ask about any engine repairs or replacements, and check for warranty coverage on the powertrain.
- For the Camry, test all electronic features, including the parking brake, key removal, and driver-assist systems.
- Take a test drive that includes highway merging and braking to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or brake issues.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 104 | 0 |
| 2025 | 102 | 163 |
| 2024 | 311 | 50 |
| 2023 | 384 | 64 |
| 2022 | 634 | 61 |
| 2021 | 830 | 157 |
| 2020 | 731 | 274 |
| 2019 | 1085 | 395 |
| 2018 | 519 | 744 |
| 2017 | 837 | 148 |
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 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total complaints
- 5,537
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total recalls
- 56
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 avg complaints/year
- 553.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN