Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Equus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Equus 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 Equus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Equus averages 16 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints versus 4 for the Equus. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Equus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Equus
The Hyundai Equus is a low-volume luxury sedan, averaging about 16 complaints per year over six years. Owners most often report suspension and brake problems, with some electrical and lighting glitches. With only 6 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, it appears less troublesome overall, but the air suspension and brake recalls are key concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume pickup with over 8,200 complaints in ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Engine and powertrain issues dominate, with many reports of stalling, transmission problems, and brake failures. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it has a much higher rate of serious problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Equus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 97 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 Equus
- 01SUSPENSION24
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING9
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report the suspension going bad, causing dragging or uneven ride. This can lead to costly repairs, especially if the air suspension fails.
There are complaints of brake fluid leaks and recall notices for ABS control module issues. This may affect braking performance and require immediate attention.
Some owners experience dead batteries and starting problems, as well as dashboard and door panel bubbling. These issues can be intermittent and frustrating.
Headlights may flicker or turn off unexpectedly when in auto mode, and cabin lights may flicker simultaneously. This is a safety concern for night driving.
“FROM THE DESK OF LMI'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: [XXX] I PURCHASED 2012 EQUUS ON MARCH 7, 2012 WITH 108,216 MILES. THE CARS SUSPENSION STARTED GOING BAD AS OF LAST WEEK. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK ON MARCH 20, 2020 TO HAVE A MIRROR REPLACED AND TO DISCUSS THE SUSPENSIO…”
“I WAS DRIVING ON I-85 S FROM NORTH CAROLINA WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTS TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS DRAGGING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A FEW MORE EXITS TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP. I GOT OFF AFTER FOUR EXITS, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND CHECKED THE TIRES. NOTHING APPEARED WR…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. These can lead to dangerous situations and expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly, and complete shutdowns. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents.
Issues include sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and screen blanking. These electrical glitches can compromise critical functions.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is a serious safety risk and may be linked to electrical faults.
“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 Equus — 6 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corros…
The risk: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corros…
The risk: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may…
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 Equus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Equus has far fewer complaints per year (about 16 vs. 823 for the Silverado). In practice, this means Equus owners report fewer problems overall, but both vehicles have notable safety-related issues that buyers should inspect.
Key differences
- The Equus averages about 16 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages over 800, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Silverado complaints frequently involve engine stalling and transmission failures, which can be dangerous; Equus complaints more often involve suspension and brake recalls.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 6 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints for the Equus.
- Electrical issues in the Silverado include loss of braking and engine shutdown, while Equus electrical issues are more about batteries and interior trim.
- Check for suspension noises, uneven ride, or dragging sensations, as these may indicate failing air suspension components.
- Test all exterior lights, especially headlights in auto mode, for flickering or intermittent operation.
- Look for signs of engine stalling or transmission issues, such as rough idling, delayed engagement, or sudden neutral shifts.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and stopping power, and check for any electrical glitches like screen blanking or warning messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and brakes on the Equus, and the engine and transmission on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or unusual noises.
- For the Equus, verify that the brake recall (23V651000) has been addressed.
- For the Silverado, ask about any software updates or repairs related to engine and transmission complaints.
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 Equus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Equus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Equus total complaints
- 97
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Equus total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Equus avg complaints/year
- 16.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Equus
- Hyundai Equus top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE