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: The Silverado has 540.8 complaints per year, with engine failures and electrical issues common, while the Camry has 214.3 per year, but includes reports of unintended acceleration and brake failure. Both have had recalls, but the Silverado's issues are more frequent. 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 owners rely on for work and daily driving, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of serious mechanical and electrical failures. Engine problems dominate, with reports of catastrophic internal failures requiring complete engine replacements, often at low mileage. Power train issues, including sudden lock-ups at highway speeds, and electrical system malfunctions that can disable braking and steering, are also prominent. These are not minor annoyances; they are failures that can leave owners stranded or in dangerous situations.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for fuel efficiency and comfort, but the complaint data shows a mix of issues, with power train and engine problems leading. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, as well as sudden acceleration incidents that have led to crashes. Brake failures, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, are also reported. While the total complaint count is lower than the Silverado, the nature of some failures—like unintended acceleration—raises serious safety concerns.
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 | 5,408 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 55 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 145 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 540.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE1,823
- 02POWER TRAIN1,565
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM907
- 04SERVICE BRAKES768
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER541
Owners report catastrophic internal engine failures, such as a failed thrust bearing in the crankshaft, leading to complete engine replacement. This can happen at low mileage (e.g., 16,500 miles) and is a major expense if out of warranty.
Sudden transmission lock-ups while driving at highway speeds have been reported, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly and posing a crash risk. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to loss of control.
Multiple electrical failures are reported, including water intrusion under the dashboard, abnormal odors, and warning lights illuminating. These issues can lead to loss of power steering and braking assistance, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Brake system failures are reported where the vehicle fails to decelerate despite pressing the brake pedal, accompanied by warning lights. This can result in an inability to stop, increasing the risk of collisions.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar problems on other model years, but their VIN may not be covered.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes have been noted, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure incidents are reported where the brake pedal provides no response, especially on slopes or during deceleration. This can lead to loss of control and potential accidents.
Recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew) from air vents are reported, which are unpleasant but not safety-critical. However, electrical issues can also contribute to other problems.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 — 55 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 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 is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to…
The risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service a…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (540.8), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Camry's complaints include serious safety concerns like unintended acceleration and brake failure, so the difference in numbers does not necessarily mean it is safer. In practice, the Silverado's issues are more likely to be mechanical and electrical failures that can leave you stranded, while the Camry's issues may involve sudden loss of control.
Key differences
- The Silverado has more than double the complaints per year (540.8 vs 214.3), with engine failures being the top issue, often requiring full engine replacement.
- The Camry has a notable number of unintended acceleration reports, which can lead to crashes, while the Silverado has reports of sudden transmission lock-ups at highway speeds.
- Electrical system problems in the Silverado can cause loss of power steering and braking, whereas the Camry's electrical issues are more about HVAC odors.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but the Camry's brake issues are more often described as a complete lack of response, while the Silverado's are tied to warning lights and loss of power assist.
- Check for any engine-related recalls or service bulletins, and listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations that could indicate internal wear.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of water damage or corrosion, especially under the dashboard, and test all warning lights and power accessories.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops from higher speeds, to ensure there is no pedal fade or loss of response.
- Check for any transmission issues by listening for grinding noises during acceleration and ensuring smooth shifting.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the specific VIN for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for any unusual vibrations, noises, or warning lights.
- For the Silverado, ask about the engine's maintenance history and whether any major repairs have been done.
- For the Camry, ask about any previous brake or acceleration complaints and verify that all recalls have been addressed.
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 | 87 | 119 |
| 2025 | 96 | 153 |
| 2024 | 298 | 48 |
| 2023 | 368 | 62 |
| 2022 | 610 | 59 |
| 2021 | 807 | 155 |
| 2020 | 719 | 270 |
| 2019 | 1073 | 393 |
| 2018 | 514 | 736 |
| 2017 | 836 | 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
- 5,408
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total recalls
- 55
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 avg complaints/year
- 540.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN