Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Genesis vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Genesis 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 Genesis vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Genesis averaged 178 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 101 recalls versus 20 for the Genesis. Both have serious brake and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Genesis or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that has averaged about 178 complaints per year over eight years, with 20 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve brakes, electrical system, and engine issues. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the brake problems described—like a pedal going to the floor—are serious and can be dangerous. Buyers should be aware that some brake and electrical fixes may not be covered by recall, leading to costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls. The most frequent complaints are about the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners report severe issues like engine shutdowns while driving and sudden loss of braking. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that buyers should carefully inspect any used Silverado and be prepared for potential repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Genesis | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,425 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 178.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 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 Genesis
- 01SERVICE BRAKES369
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM296
- 03ENGINE256
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER175
- 05POWER TRAIN141
Owners report intermittent brake pedal going to the floor, meaning the brakes barely work. Some had to replace rotors, pads, and flush fluid, but the problem persisted. This is a critical safety issue because it can lead to longer stopping distances or complete brake failure.
Complaints include engine compartment fires originating from the starter motor, and electrical shorts causing stalls. These can leave you stranded or put you at risk of a fire. The starter assembly and instrument cluster are common trouble spots.
Some owners experienced engine compartment fires, and one report described an engine seizing suddenly at highway speed with no warning. This can cause a complete loss of power, making it hard to control the car. Such failures are rare but catastrophic.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, power train issues are among the top components. These could include transmission problems that affect drivability. Buyers should check for smooth shifting and any warning lights.
“I have had intermittent brake pedal to the floor issue for the past two years. It started off occasionally, but turned into daily. It's very very dangerous as the brakes barely work. To remedy, I had the brake rotors and pads changed, brake fluid flushed. Did…”
“All my dash lites came on dealership said the HECU unit was bad not under recall the coup is but the 4 door isn’t I’ve been waiting a month for part on backorder can’t drive my car too dangerous brakes may not work if my sedan is not under recall then why are…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Some also had diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can cause sudden loss of power, increasing crash risk.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move, which is dangerous in traffic. The power train is the second most complained-about area.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine operation, making the truck unpredictable.
Reports include severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, where the vehicle would not stop normally. This is a major safety concern, especially for a heavy truck. Brake problems appear in both complaints and recalls.
“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 Genesis — 20 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2021. Owners…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
The risk: If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis, 2017-2019 Genesis G80, Genesis G90, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
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 install a remedy relay kit in the engine junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024. Owne…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2021. Owners…
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 Genesis or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Genesis has far fewer complaints per year (about 178) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). However, the Genesis still has serious brake and electrical issues that can be dangerous. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate means you're more likely to encounter problems, but both vehicles require careful inspection before purchase.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over four times as many complaints per year as the Genesis, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Genesis owners frequently report brake pedal going to the floor, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 20 for the Genesis, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have electrical problems, but the Genesis reports include engine compartment fires, while the Silverado reports include screens going blank and stalling.
- Check for any signs of brake pedal sponginess or going to the floor; test the brakes at low speed and look for a soft pedal.
- Inspect the starter motor and electrical wiring for signs of overheating or fire damage, especially around the engine compartment.
- Test drive and listen for any engine stalling or hesitation; check for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Inspect brake function carefully; ensure the pedal is firm and the truck stops straight without pulling.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on brakes, electrical system, and engine/transmission.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in braking or acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake fluid flushes, starter repairs, and any recall work.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and for the Genesis, check for any signs of electrical shorts or fires.
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 Genesis or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Genesis vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Genesis total complaints
- 1,425
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Genesis total recalls
- 20
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Genesis avg complaints/year
- 178.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Genesis
- Hyundai Genesis top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE