Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Elantra GT 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 Elantra GT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Elantra GT averaged 293 complaints per year over 4 years with 1 recall, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years with 101 recalls. Both show engine issues, but the Silverado also has many brake and power train complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra GT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The Hyundai Elantra GT is a compact hatchback that averaged about 293 NHTSA complaints per year over four years, with engine issues dominating the list. Owners frequently describe excessive oil consumption, ticking or knocking noises, and stalling, which can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical glitches and structural concerns also appear, but the engine is the main worry for a used-car buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated roughly 823 complaints per year over ten years, with far more recalls and crash-related reports than the Elantra GT. Engine and power train problems are the most common, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls means a used Silverado demands careful inspection and a thorough service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,172 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 293.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 42 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 3 |
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 Elantra GT
- 01ENGINE488
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM155
- 04STRUCTURE135
- 05POWER TRAIN114
Owners report excessive oil consumption that can burn oil during normal driving, leading to catalytic converter failure and emissions problems. Some also hear ticking that escalates to loud knocking, often with no warning light, which can mean major internal damage.
Complaints include multiple warning lights (ABS, cruise control, auto hold) staying on, and infotainment systems that remain active after shutdown, draining the battery. These glitches can be annoying and costly to diagnose.
Structural complaints appear in the data, though sample texts focus on other areas. Buyers should check for rust, panel alignment, and any signs of prior collision damage, as structural issues can affect safety and resale value.
Power train complaints are present, often tied to engine-related symptoms like speed control malfunction or stalling. A test drive should include checking for hesitation, rough shifting, or unexpected speed changes.
“Engine, power train, malfunction changing my speed control. No warning lights, first ticking noise from engine then knocking loud noise from engine. Noticed ticking about 4 days ago at first, today on freeway going 60-70 mph just changed to loud knocking, imm…”
“The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is av…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause breakdowns and expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing power while driving, even at low speeds. This can leave a driver stranded and is a serious safety concern.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, engine shutdown while driving with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical functions without warning.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems on a heavy pickup are especially dangerous.
“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 Elantra GT — 1 recall
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
The risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for t…
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…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Elantra GT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra GT has far fewer complaints per year (about 293 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and only 1 recall versus 101. In practice, that means the Elantra GT is likely to need fewer trips to the dealer for recall work, but its engine oil-consumption issue can still be costly. The Silverado's higher complaint and recall volume suggests a higher chance of encountering serious problems.
Key differences
- The Elantra GT averages about 293 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 823 per year, nearly three times as many.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, while the Elantra GT has just 1 recall over 4 years.
- Elantra GT owners most often report engine oil consumption and knocking; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared with 65 crash-related and 42 injuries for the Elantra GT.
- Check the oil level and look for blue exhaust smoke; excessive oil consumption is a common complaint that can ruin the catalytic converter.
- Listen for ticking or knocking noises from the engine, especially after a cold start or during a test drive, as these can signal internal engine damage.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for any warning messages about braking or 'Return to Neutral'; sudden brake loss and engine shutdown are reported.
- Ask for records of diesel particulate filter service if considering a Duramax diesel, as repeated soot accumulation events have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all maintenance records, paying special attention to oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a compression test for the Elantra GT and a scan for stored trouble codes on both vehicles.
- For the Elantra GT, verify the oil level and check for signs of oil burning or catalytic converter replacement.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical functions, brakes, and transmission operation, and confirm that all recalls have been completed.
- Search the NHTSA database by VIN for any open recalls or additional complaints specific to the exact vehicle you are 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 Elantra GT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 191 | 868 |
| 2019 | 196 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 51 | 597 |
| 2017 | 734 | 1154 |
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 Elantra GT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra GT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Elantra GT total complaints
- 1,172
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Elantra GT total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Elantra GT avg complaints/year
- 293.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra GT
- Hyundai Elantra GT top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE