Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Accent vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Accent 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
Hyundai Accent vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Accent has 551 complaints over 10 years (55/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510/yr). Both have serious engine and brake issues, but the Accent also has airbag non-deployment reports, while the Silverado has transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Accent or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 55 per year. The pattern suggests that while many owners experience engine troubles, there are also notable concerns with airbags, brakes, and electrical gremlins. Living with an Accent may involve frequent dealer visits for check engine lights and occasional sudden shutdowns, which can be unsettling.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 500 per year. The data indicates significant issues with the engine, drivetrain, and electrical systems, often leading to loss of power or braking. Owners report serious incidents, including a fatality, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and awareness of potential failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Accent | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 551 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 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.
Hyundai Accent
- 01ENGINE165
- 02AIR BAGS110
- 03SERVICE BRAKES98
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM81
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
Owners report overheating and engine failure, often with the check engine light on repeatedly. One 2019 Accent failed at 65,004 miles after months of unresolved warnings, leading to a breakdown on a highway.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in crashes, such as a 2022 Accent that went into a ditch without airbag deployment. Also, the seat belt warning system is described as overly complex and potentially confusing.
Brake failure without warning is reported, with one 2022 Accent crashing and catching fire after the brakes didn't slow the vehicle. This is a critical safety concern.
The car can shut off completely while driving, with no warning lights, as reported on a 2022 model. This can happen suddenly and leave the driver without power or control.
“I am reporting a severe and hazardous failure involving my 2019 Hyundai Accent. On August 8, 2025, between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., while driving on Mopac (Loop 1), a heavily traveled highway in Austin, Texas, the vehicle abruptly experienced an overheating…”
“My 2019 Hyundai Accent engine failed at 65,004 miles. I've taken my car to a local Hyundai dealership from December 2020 up until it failing in December 2021, I've had an appointment at least once a month for my check engine light being on. They scheduled me…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine issues are frequent, including excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters (P2463) on 2026 models, requiring dealer intervention. Also, there are reports of loud pinging and loss of motive power.
Transmission problems are common, such as a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving uphill, which can be dangerous in traffic. This is reported on a 2026 Silverado with low miles.
Electrical failures can lead to severe braking loss, as described in a 2026 Silverado where the brake pedal was firm but braking was ineffective. Another report mentions loss of power, brakes, and steering simultaneously.
Brake issues are serious, with reports of sudden loss of normal braking, even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to crashes and is a major 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.
Hyundai Accent — 16 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. T…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall…
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
Hyundai Accent or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Accent has far fewer complaints per year (55) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference in volume suggests the Accent may be less troublesome overall, but neither is without risk.
Key differences
- The Accent has a much lower complaint rate (55/yr) than the Silverado (510/yr), indicating fewer reported issues per year.
- Accent owners report engine overheating and failure, while Silverado owners report engine pinging and diesel particulate filter clogging.
- Both have brake failure reports, but Silverado also has transmission issues like sudden neutral engagement.
- The Accent has airbag non-deployment reports, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches and brake fluid warning sensors.
- Check for any history of engine overheating or check engine light issues, as these are common and can lead to failure.
- Inspect the airbag system and seat belt warning functionality, as there are reports of non-deployment and complex warning systems.
- Look for signs of transmission problems, such as slipping or unexpected neutral engagement, especially on 2026 models.
- Be aware of brake issues where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective; test brakes thoroughly and check for any warning messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Accent, ask about any engine or electrical system repairs and test the airbag warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and inclines to check transmission behavior and brake response.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls specific to the model year you're 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 | Hyundai Accent | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 16 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 16 | 934 |
| 2020 | 12 | 0 |
| 2019 | 30 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 19 | 591 |
| 2017 | 68 | 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 Hyundai Accent or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Accent vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Accent total complaints
- 551
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Accent total recalls
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Accent avg complaints/year
- 55.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Accent top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE