Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra N vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Elantra N 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 N vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Elantra N has 40 complaints over 5 years (8/year) and 6 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 160 injuries and 3 deaths, versus none for the Elantra N. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra N or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is a sporty compact sedan that, over five years, has generated 40 owner complaints—an average of 8 per year—along with 6 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine and electrical system, with owners describing sudden stalls, breakdowns, and transmission errors that can leave them stranded. While there are no reported injuries or deaths in this data, the low complaint count still includes serious issues like complete clutch failure at 517 miles. For a buyer, this means the car can be fun but may demand vigilance and prompt attention to warning signs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, over ten years, has accumulated 8,227 complaints—about 823 per year—and 101 recalls, with 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners reporting sudden power loss, transmission failures, and braking problems. These are not isolated quirks; they appear across many model years and can affect basic driving functions. For a buyer, this suggests a higher likelihood of encountering significant, potentially dangerous issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 40 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 N
- 01ENGINE9
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04POWER TRAIN7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
Owners report sudden stalling and breakdowns, sometimes on the highway, requiring hours-long tows. One complaint describes the car as a 'ticking time bomb' after repeated stalls, which matters because losing power in traffic is a serious safety risk.
Complaints include random resets of steering-wheel settings and exhaust valve behavior after software updates, plus broader electrical failures that can contribute to stalling. These glitches can be frustrating and may distract the driver.
Reports include transmission error messages, limp mode, and loss of gears (e.g., no 2nd or 4th), as well as complete clutch and transmission failure at low mileage. Such failures can leave the car undrivable and require costly repairs.
Issues range from an inoperable horn to a brand-new car needing a tow for clutch failure at 517 miles. These varied problems show that even low-mileage examples can have serious defects.
“The car is a ticking time bomb and dangerous to the public. My car has stalled and broke down in the highway several times. Had to wait for 3-6 hours tow trucks in between. The latest one, I reported to the service advisor that my car stalled all of a sudden…”
“After my recent software update Elantra N I have had issues with my n buttons on my stearing wheel will random default to factory setting and I have to go back into the settings to reset how I have it set. I also have been having my exhaust valve randomly ope…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Sudden engine off can cause loss of power and control.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of power. One owner had the truck go into neutral in a parking garage with less than 300 miles, which is alarming for a new vehicle.
Reports describe severe loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping ability, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can directly affect braking and visibility.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, sometimes after dropping children at school, and instances where the truck shut off and couldn't accelerate. Brake failure is a critical 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 Elantra N — 6 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.
The risk: A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
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 N or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra N has far fewer complaints per year (8 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (6 vs. 101), but both vehicles have reports of serious stalling, transmission, and braking issues. In practice, the Elantra N is likely to see fewer overall problems, while the Silverado's much higher volume of complaints suggests a greater chance of encountering a significant defect.
Key differences
- The Elantra N averages 8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported issue volume.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data; the Elantra N has 3 crash-related complaints and no injuries or deaths.
- Elantra N owners frequently report stalling and transmission errors, but the Silverado adds braking loss and engine shutdowns while driving.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 6 for the Elantra N, covering areas like fuel pumps, air bags, and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any history of stalling or transmission error messages, especially after software updates, and test-drive at highway speeds.
- Inspect the clutch and transmission on manual models, as one owner reported complete failure at 517 miles.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of stopping power, as owners report a firm pedal but reduced braking.
- Look for signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches, such as blank screens or 'Return to Neutral' messages, during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on the specific vehicle.
- Ask for a complete service history and look for repeated repairs to the engine, transmission, or brakes.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, braking from speed, and stop-and-go traffic.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and electrical system, and for the Elantra N, listen for transmission noises and check for stalling.
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 N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 120 |
| 2025 | 7 | 157 |
| 2024 | 1 | 527 |
| 2023 | 14 | 450 |
| 2022 | 17 | 1390 |
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 N or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra N vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Elantra N total complaints
- 40
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Elantra N total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Elantra N avg complaints/year
- 8.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Hyundai Elantra N top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE