Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra Touring vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Elantra Touring 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 Touring vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Elantra Touring averages 454 complaints per year, mostly steering issues, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, with engine and brake problems. The Elantra has 4 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra Touring or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra Touring
The Hyundai Elantra Touring is a compact wagon that, based on NHTSA data, shows a high rate of complaints concentrated in the steering system. Owners frequently report a clicking or clunking noise when turning, often traced to a steering coupler issue, and sudden loss of power steering assist, making the wheel hard to turn at low speeds. This pattern suggests that steering reliability is a significant concern for this model, potentially affecting daily drivability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume, but spread over a decade, averaging about 510 complaints per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain problems, including severe failures like sudden loss of motive power and transmission issues, as well as electrical system malfunctions that can affect braking and steering. Owners also report brake system failures, indicating that this truck may have serious reliability and safety concerns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra Touring | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 454 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 454.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 53 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Elantra Touring
- 01STEERING233
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM58
- 03AIR BAGS52
- 04SERVICE BRAKES44
- 05POWER TRAIN34
Owners report a clicking or clunking noise when turning, often due to a faulty steering coupler, and intermittent loss of power steering assist, making the wheel difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or parking.
The EPS light illuminates and power steering becomes difficult, sometimes resetting after restarting the vehicle, indicating an intermittent electrical issue with the power steering system.
There are reports of airbags deploying unexpectedly without a crash, and in one case, failure to deploy in a severe front-end collision, raising concerns about airbag system reliability.
Some owners report the ABS warning light coming on and the steering becoming difficult, suggesting a possible interaction between the braking and steering systems, though specific brake failures are less common.
“Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. T…”
“My 2010 Elantra just started making a clicking noise when slightly turning the steering wheel back and forth. Doing online research, I discovered it is a common problem on Hyundai, with the same symptoms as my problem, that there is a rubber star damper gear…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of motive power while driving, often accompanied by loud pinging noises, and diesel particulate filter clogging in diesel models, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, and other drivetrain failures that can leave drivers stranded.
Electrical failures can cause a cascade of problems, including loss of braking and steering assist, as well as warning lights illuminating, indicating a broader electrical system vulnerability.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping, which 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 Touring — 4 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result…
The risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyu…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured December 15, 2009, through May 7, 2012. The affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
The risk: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 117.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sen…
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's numb…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburo…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
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 Elantra Touring or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Hyundai Elantra Touring has a higher complaint rate per year (454) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Elantra's issues are more concentrated in steering, while the Silverado's are more varied and include serious engine and brake failures. In practice, the Silverado's problems may be more severe and costly to repair, but the Elantra's steering issues are more frequent and can affect daily driving.
Key differences
- The Elantra Touring has a much higher complaint rate per year (454) than the Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado has more total complaints over a longer period.
- Steering issues dominate the Elantra Touring, with owners reporting clicking noises and loss of power steering assist, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100) compared to the Elantra Touring (4), indicating a broader range of safety-related defects.
- The Elantra Touring has a higher number of crash-related complaints (49) relative to its total, but the Silverado has more injuries (104) and deaths (1) overall.
- Inspect the steering system for any unusual noises when turning, and check for any EPS warning lights or intermittent loss of power steering assist.
- Verify the airbag system has no history of unexpected deployments or failure to deploy in a crash, and ensure all recalls are performed.
- Listen for any abnormal engine noises, especially pinging, and check for any warning lights related to engine or transmission. Ask about any history of sudden power loss or transmission issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at higher speeds, to ensure there is no loss of braking effectiveness, and check for any ABS or brake warning lights.
Before you buy
- For the Elantra Touring, have a mechanic inspect the steering column and coupler for wear or damage, and test the power steering assist at low speeds.
- For the Silverado, check the engine and transmission for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or shifting problems, and review maintenance records for any major repairs.
- Check the recall status for both vehicles and ensure any outstanding recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to steering response, braking performance, and any warning lights that appear.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
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 Touring or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra Touring vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Elantra Touring total complaints
- 454
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Elantra Touring total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Elantra Touring avg complaints/year
- 454.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra Touring
- Hyundai Elantra Touring top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE