Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado vs Toyota Tundra
How the Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra 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 vs Toyota Tundra: The Silverado has 510.5 complaints per year, including engine and brake failures, while the Tundra has 162.2 per year, with stalling issues. The Tundra has zero deaths, the Silverado one. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado or Toyota Tundra more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in ownership terms, is a heavy-duty workhorse that owners rely on for long trips and towing. However, the complaint data reveals a pattern of serious, sometimes sudden failures: engines that lose power or stall, transmissions that slip into neutral, and braking systems that become ineffective. These are not just nuisances; they often occur at highway speeds or with family aboard, making the truck feel less dependable than a buyer would hope.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra, while having fewer complaints overall, still shows concerning issues, particularly with the engine stalling without warning and fuel system problems that can cause loss of power. Owners also report transmission hesitation and jolting. Though less frequent, these failures are equally alarming when they happen at speed, and the fact that Toyota has confirmed some issues without a fix adds to buyer uncertainty.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado | Toyota Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,105 | 1,622 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 | 74 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 117 | 34 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 510.5 | 162.2 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 104 | 37 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and in some cases the engine completely stalls. Diesel models have experienced repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer intervention multiple times within the first 10,000 miles.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral, especially when driving slowly uphill, leaving the driver without power. This is a safety concern in parking garages or traffic.
Electrical issues can lead to a cascade of failures: while driving, the engine may lose power, and simultaneously the brakes and steering become inoperable, as reported by one owner at 70 mph. This suggests a central electrical fault affecting multiple critical systems.
Brakes can suddenly lose effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This is particularly dangerous when stopping at intersections, as one owner experienced after dropping off a child at school.
“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…”
Toyota Tundra
- 01ENGINE540
- 02POWER TRAIN321
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM263
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER198
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM186
Engines can stall without any prior warning lights, leaving the driver to coast to a stop. Some owners also report the air conditioning compressor seizing, which can cause sudden deceleration as if the brakes were applied.
The transmission may hesitate and jolt, triggering a warning light. This can be unnerving and may indicate a deeper issue with the transmission control system.
The vehicle can lose power and stall at highway speeds, displaying a 'Not ready to drive' message. This has occurred multiple times for some owners, indicating a recurring fuel delivery or electronic problem.
“Were were driving, my 2021 Toyota Tundra, just stopped running. No check engine lights had come on until the engine stalled as we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. We had it towed to the Central Maine Motor in Waterville, Maine 04901. Central Maine M…”
“Air conditioning compressor partially seizes if air conditioning is turned on while driving and when air conditioning knob is on at time engine is started. Makes very loud noise. When driving, and it occurs, truck will slow suddenly as if the brakes were appl…”
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 — 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 /…
Toyota Tundra — 74 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
The risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota cus…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorr…
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall i…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado or Toyota Tundra: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tundra has significantly fewer complaints per year (162.2 vs 510.5) and no reported deaths, while the Silverado has more than three times the complaints and one death. In practice, this suggests the Tundra is likely to be more reliable and safer, but both have serious issues that warrant careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher rate of engine and powertrain complaints, including sudden loss of power and transmission failures, while the Tundra's issues are less frequent but still include stalling.
- Brake failures are a notable problem on the Silverado, with reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness, whereas the Tundra has no such prominent brake complaints.
- The Tundra has more fuel system complaints, including stalling at speed, which is a serious safety concern, but the Silverado's electrical issues can affect brakes and steering simultaneously.
- The Silverado has one reported death and more crash-related complaints, while the Tundra has none, suggesting a higher severity of failures in the Silverado.
- Inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of stalling or slipping, and check for any open recalls related to tailgate latches, steering, or brake fluid sensors.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially at low speeds, to ensure they respond normally and do not lose effectiveness.
- Check for any open recalls on the fuel pump and steering system, and ask about the DCM module issue that Toyota has confirmed but not fixed.
- Listen for any unusual noises from the engine or air conditioning compressor, and test the transmission for smooth shifting.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's full recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to check for stalling, hesitation, or loss of power.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the engine, fuel system, or transmission.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential major repairs.
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 | Toyota Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 98 | 27 |
| 2025 | 150 | 130 |
| 2024 | 0 | 326 |
| 2023 | 0 | 396 |
| 2022 | 1340 | 425 |
| 2021 | 934 | 24 |
| 2020 | 0 | 45 |
| 2019 | 1992 | 72 |
| 2018 | 591 | 99 |
| 2017 | 0 | 78 |
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 or Toyota Tundra in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado vs Toyota Tundra
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Tundra total complaints
- 1,622
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Tundra total recalls
- 74
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- Toyota Tundra avg complaints/year
- 162.2
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tundra
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Tundra top complaint area
- ENGINE