Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Ioniq 5 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 Ioniq 5 N vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ioniq 5 N has 18 complaints over 2 years (9/yr) with no recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls. The Ioniq 5 N's issues are mostly software-related, but the Silverado shows serious engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance electric vehicle that blends daily usability with track-oriented features. Owner complaints center on software-related glitches, particularly in the N e-Shift mode, which can cause unpredictable acceleration, and a 12-volt battery that dies unexpectedly. These issues are concerning because they affect drivability and safety, but they are relatively few in number, averaging about 9 per year over two years.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long history and high sales volume, but it also has a high complaint count, averaging over 500 per year. Owners report serious engine problems, including catastrophic failures and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as transmission and brake failures. The sheer volume and severity of complaints, along with 100 recalls, indicate a vehicle with significant reliability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 18 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Ioniq 5 N
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
- 03ENGINE4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report that after a software update, the vehicle can accelerate unpredictably in N e-Shift mode, making it unsafe to drive in that mode. Additionally, the 12-volt battery has died repeatedly, requiring jump starts, which could leave you stranded.
The N e-Shift mode, which simulates an 8-speed transmission, has been linked to unintended high acceleration after a software update. Owners say the car is only safe in automatic mode, indicating a software logic flaw.
Some owners report a sudden and complete power system failure, sometimes preceded by a 'pop' sound, leading to a loss of power and warning lights. This can happen while driving, posing a safety risk.
A sudden loss of power with a 'pop' sound from the rear has been reported, limiting the car to 20 mph on a 45 mph road, which is dangerous in traffic. This points to a potential issue with the electric drive unit.
“After recent software update on 17 March 2025, the vehicle demonstrated unpredictable high acceleration. Vehicle is unsafe in E-shift mode. Vehicle can only be driven safely in automatic mode. Per a Hyundai communication: "there have been complications report…”
“The 12 volt battery (which is less than 6 months old) died on two separate occasions in the span of 4 days. Each incident required a call to emergency roadside assistance for a jump start. This is a safety issue. If the 12 volt battery dies while driving, the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that failed within 2,500 miles of purchase, and Duramax diesel engines with repeated diesel particulate filter clogging. These are major, costly repairs that can leave you stranded.
Transmission issues are common, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can cause loss of power and control. This is a serious safety concern.
Electrical problems can lead to a sudden loss of braking and steering, as reported by one owner who heard a loud pinging sound before losing motive power. This indicates a potential failure of critical systems.
Brake failures are reported, including a severe loss of braking power with a firm pedal, which can lead to crashes. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 Ioniq 5 N
No recalls on record.
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 Ioniq 5 N or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has far fewer complaints per year (9) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While the Ioniq 5 N has its own safety concerns, the Silverado's high volume of serious engine, brake, and transmission failures makes it a riskier choice for reliability.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 5 N has a software-related acceleration issue in N e-Shift mode, while the Silverado has more traditional mechanical failures like engine and transmission breakdowns.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5/yr) and 100 recalls, indicating widespread problems, whereas the Ioniq 5 N has only 18 complaints and no recalls.
- The Ioniq 5 N's 12-volt battery issue can leave you stranded, but the Silverado's brake and steering failures are more immediately dangerous.
- The Silverado's diesel particulate filter issues are a recurring maintenance headache, while the Ioniq 5 N's propulsion system failure is rare but severe.
- Check if the N e-Shift mode has been updated; test it at low speeds to ensure no unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the 12-volt battery health and ask about any prior jump-start incidents.
- Ask for service records on the engine, especially if it's a 6.2L or Duramax diesel, to check for any prior failures or DPF cleanings.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a hard stop from highway speed, to ensure no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- For the Ioniq 5 N: verify that all software updates are installed, especially the one from March 2025, and ask if the dealer has addressed the e-Shift issue.
- For the Ioniq 5 N: have the 12-volt battery load-tested and check the charging system.
- For the Silverado: obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls; ensure all recalls are performed.
- For the Silverado: have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine and transmission, and look for any signs of oil leaks or unusual noises.
- For both: take a thorough test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation, jerking, or loss of power.
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 Ioniq 5 N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 18 | 150 |
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 Ioniq 5 N or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total complaints
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N avg complaints/year
- 9.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE