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 8,227 complaints and 3 deaths over 10 years, while the Tundra has 1,633 complaints and 0 deaths. The Tundra averages 163 complaints per year versus 823 for the Silverado, suggesting fewer reported issues. 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 is a full-size pickup that has generated a high volume of owner complaints—over 8,200 in ten years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with many reports of stalling, sudden loss of power, and transmission problems. Brake and electrical issues also appear frequently, including cases where the engine shuts off while driving. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, this truck demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup with a much lower complaint rate—about 1,633 complaints over ten years, or 163 per year. Owners most often report engine and power train problems, such as stalling, loss of power, and transmission hesitation. Fuel/propulsion system issues, like fuel pump failures, are also notable. With 75 recalls and zero deaths reported in the data, the Tundra appears to have fewer severe outcomes, though it is not problem-free.
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 | 8,227 | 1,633 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 101 | 75 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 233 | 34 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 822.7 | 163.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 160 | 36 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel models experiencing repeated excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter. These failures can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power, which is dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power with less than 300 miles on the odometer. Such failures can happen at low speeds in parking lots or on the highway, making the truck unpredictable.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking even though the brake pedal feels firm, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports include the truck completely shutting off, screens going blank, and inability to accelerate while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Braking problems that coincide with electrical failures increase the risk of a crash.
“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
- 01ENGINE549
- 02POWER TRAIN323
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM261
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER197
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM190
Owners report the engine stalling without warning, such as a 2021 Tundra that stopped running while driving with no check engine light beforehand. Another complaint describes the air conditioning compressor partially seizing, causing loud noise and sudden slowing as if brakes were applied.
Complaints include loss of all power at highway speeds, forcing the driver to pull over with minimal control, and poor acceleration from a stop. These issues can leave you vulnerable in fast-moving traffic.
Owners report no power despite pressing the accelerator, with multiple dashboard lights flashing, and the engine stalling while driving. Such fuel delivery failures can cause sudden coasting and require towing.
Issues include the SOS button not sending the correct VIN to the call center and a moonroof glass panel spontaneously exploding at highway speed. These defects affect emergency response and can cause injury from shattered glass.
“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…”
“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…”
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 — 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…
Toyota Tundra — 75 recalls
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…
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 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 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
The risk: If the turn signals or hazard lamps do not flash brightly enough, other drivers may fail to see that the turn signal or hazard lamp functions have been activated, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-270-9371. Toyota's number fo…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado or Toyota Tundra: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tundra has far fewer complaints per year—about 163 versus 823 for the Silverado—and zero reported deaths compared to three for the Silverado. In practice, this means the Tundra is less likely to leave you dealing with frequent repairs or severe safety events, though it still has its own engine and power train problems.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about five times as many complaints per year (823 vs. 163), with engine and power train issues dominating both lists.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, while Tundra owners more often report stalling and fuel pump failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the Tundra has 34 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 101 versus 75 for the Tundra, including fuel pump and steering recalls for the Tundra.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or 'Return to Neutral' messages, especially on 6.2L and diesel models, as these can indicate serious electrical or fuel system faults.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for sudden loss of braking assistance and listen for unusual noises from the transmission when shifting into gear or driving at low speeds.
- Listen for loud noises when the air conditioning is turned on, which may indicate a partially seizing compressor that can cause sudden slowing.
- Ask about any history of fuel pump replacement or stalling incidents, and check for dashboard warning lights related to the fuel/propulsion system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially fuel pump and brake-related recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of stalling, sudden power loss, or rough shifting.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in parking lots to feel for unexpected deceleration, transmission hesitation, or brake issues.
- For the Silverado, specifically check for electrical gremlins like screens going blank or engine shutting off while driving.
- For the Tundra, verify the moonroof operates without cracks and test the SOS button if equipped to ensure it transmits correctly.
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 | 120 | 0 |
| 2025 | 157 | 134 |
| 2024 | 527 | 341 |
| 2023 | 450 | 408 |
| 2022 | 1390 | 428 |
| 2021 | 961 | 24 |
| 2020 | 868 | 46 |
| 2019 | 2003 | 74 |
| 2018 | 597 | 100 |
| 2017 | 1154 | 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
- 8,227
- Toyota Tundra total complaints
- 1,633
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Tundra total recalls
- 75
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- Toyota Tundra avg complaints/year
- 163.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tundra
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Tundra top complaint area
- ENGINE