Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Elantra 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Elantra averages 196 complaints per year with 26 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have injury and death reports, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that averages about 196 complaints per year over the past decade, with 26 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, electrical system, and power train, and owners describe stalling, loss of power, and electrical glitches. With 113 crash-related reports, 79 injuries, and 5 deaths, the data suggests some failures can escalate quickly. For a used-car buyer, this means paying close attention to how the car starts, drives, and whether all electronics work.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The dominant complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, and owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake loss. With 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, the volume of complaints is much higher than the Elantra's. For a used buyer, this means the Silverado demands a thorough mechanical inspection, especially of the engine, transmission, and brakes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,962 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 113 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 196.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 3 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.
Hyundai Elantra
- 01ENGINE725
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER330
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM306
- 04POWER TRAIN171
- 05STRUCTURE169
Owners report stalling at low speeds, such as while pulling into a driveway, and the vehicle rolling back even with the brake applied. Another complaint describes the gas pedal going to the floor with no acceleration, which can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
A recurring complaint is the radio/control panel screen blacking out, sometimes with a burning plastic smell, and then the radio changing channels on its own. Another owner reported the tachometer, odometer, and power steering all failing at 40 mph, which could make the car hard to control.
Some complaints about the power train repeat the same screen glitch and burning smell, suggesting electrical issues may affect transmission behavior. Another owner described the car becoming unstable and bouncy, unable to steer straight or coast smoothly, which points to potential suspension or drivetrain problems.
While fewer complaints appear here, one owner raised concerns about fragile VIN stickers on body panels, which could complicate ownership paperwork. This is less about driving safety and more about long-term ownership hassles.
“The control panel /radio panel has had a glitch or blacked out screen where it wouldn't come back on for a few hours and I could smell electrical or plastic burning after it did come back on after that the radio started changing channel on its own while scree…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a customer's driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and rolled back and crashed into a parked Ford F-150. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to r…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' appearing on the display. Another complaint describes a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase, leaving the family stranded 750 miles from home.
A common complaint is the truck suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and then losing power. This can be dangerous because you lose acceleration and control without warning.
Owners report a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal stays firm but the truck doesn't stop effectively. Another complaint describes the engine shutting off while driving, with all screens going blank, which can be terrifying in traffic.
Complaints about brakes include a severe loss of braking power shortly after starting a trip, and the truck completely shutting off in a parking lot when barely applying throttle. These issues could lead to collisions if they happen at the wrong moment.
“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 — 26 recalls
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 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
The risk: Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 301. Vehicle Identification Numb…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner 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 May 19, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 220. This recall is a…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra has far fewer complaints per year (about 196) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (26 vs. 101). In practice, this means the Elantra is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its larger sales and heavier use. Neither is problem-free, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential for both.
Key differences
- The Elantra averages about 196 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, so the Silverado has more than four times as many complaints annually.
- Elantra owners frequently report electrical glitches like screen blackouts and burning smells, while Silverado owners report more severe issues like engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 26 for the Elantra, meaning more potential safety fixes over time.
- Crash-related reports are higher for the Silverado (233) than the Elantra (113), though both have injury and death reports.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smell or a radio/control panel that blacks out or changes channels on its own, as owners report these symptoms.
- Test drive at low speeds and on inclines to see if the engine stalls or the car rolls back unexpectedly, and listen for any unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start', or the engine shutting off, especially at low speeds.
- Test the brakes firmly at low speed to ensure they respond normally; owners report a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, which could be a serious safety issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN, as both models have multiple recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes.
- During the test drive, deliberately test low-speed acceleration, braking, and electrical functions like the radio and dashboard lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or electrical repairs.
- For the Silverado, consider a diesel-specific inspection if equipped, as some complaints involve diesel particulate filter issues.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 22 | 157 |
| 2024 | 54 | 527 |
| 2023 | 98 | 450 |
| 2022 | 101 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 131 | 961 |
| 2020 | 252 | 868 |
| 2019 | 251 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 283 | 597 |
| 2017 | 767 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Elantra total complaints
- 1,962
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Elantra total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
- 196.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE