Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Ioniq 9 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 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ioniq 9 has 33 complaints per year and 2 recalls, while the Silverado has 510.5 complaints per year and 100 recalls. Ioniq 9 owners report ICCU failures and unintended braking; Silverado owners report engine failures and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a new electric SUV, with complaints concentrated in its first year of ownership. Owners report electrical system failures, including a critical Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failure that can leave the vehicle unable to charge or drive. There are also reports of sudden loss of propulsion and unintended emergency braking, which are serious safety concerns. While the number of complaints is relatively low, the nature of these issues suggests potential reliability and safety challenges for early adopters.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running pickup truck with a high volume of complaints over a decade, indicating widespread and persistent issues. Engine problems dominate, including failures of the 6.2L motor and diesel particulate filter clogging, leading to loss of power and costly repairs. Power train and electrical system complaints also abound, with reports of sudden neutral engagement and brake system failures. The high number of recalls and crash-related incidents underscore significant safety and reliability concerns for this model.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 33 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 33.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 9
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE5
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
Owners report the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failing, often within the first few thousand miles, leading to warning messages and the vehicle becoming undriveable. This is a critical component for charging and powering the vehicle, so its failure can leave you stranded.
There are reports of sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by emergency braking warnings. This can be extremely dangerous, especially in traffic, and may indicate a software or battery management issue.
The ICCU failure also falls under power train, as it affects the vehicle's ability to move. Additionally, owners have experienced deactivation of driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, which can be unsettling and reduce safety.
Some owners report that the automatic emergency braking system either fails to activate when needed or activates unexpectedly, leading to near-misses or unintended braking. This inconsistency in a key safety feature is a major concern.
“My 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Performance Calligraphy AWD), leased new in late April 2026 from Team Hyundai of Bend, OR, suffered an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failure at approximately 1500 miles in late June 2026, roughly two months into ownership. T…”
“On 8/3/26 my Ioniq 9 had a warning message to Check the Electrical System, but provided no additional information. I was able to drive the car home, anticipating that I be able to take it in to the Hyundai dealer where i purchased the vehicle. It should be no…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, with reports of the 6.2L motor failing catastrophically, often leaving owners stranded far from home. Diesel models also suffer from frequent diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring repeated dealer visits and potentially expensive repairs.
Transmission issues are reported, including the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of power and control. This is a serious safety hazard, especially in traffic or on hills.
Electrical problems can lead to a sudden loss of braking power, with the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping effectively. There are also reports of the vehicle losing motive power and steering becoming inoperable, which is extremely dangerous.
Brake system failures are reported, including a sudden, severe loss of normal braking ability. This can happen without warning, making it difficult to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
“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 9 — 2 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 vehicles. The high voltage battery system may contain an improperly tightened bus bar, which can cause a short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short in the high voltage battery system increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bus bar retention bolts and replace the battery system assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Ioniq 5 and 2026 Ioniq 9 vehicles. The fasteners for the rear suspension may loosen and detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear suspension fasteners and perform a rear vehicle alignment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer serv…
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 9 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has far fewer complaints per year (33) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Ioniq 9's problems are concentrated in critical systems like the electrical and propulsion systems, which can be just as serious. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems, but both vehicles have significant reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 9 has a much lower complaint rate (33/yr) than the Silverado (510.5/yr), but its issues are concentrated in the electrical and propulsion systems, which can be critical.
- The Silverado has a high number of engine and transmission complaints, including catastrophic engine failures and sudden neutral shifts, while the Ioniq 9 has fewer but still serious reports of loss of propulsion and unintended braking.
- The Ioniq 9 is a new EV with a short history, so long-term reliability is unknown, whereas the Silverado has a decade of data showing persistent problems.
- The Silverado has many more recalls (100) compared to the Ioniq 9 (2), indicating a higher likelihood of needing safety-related fixes.
- Check for any warning messages related to the electrical system or ICCU, and ask if the ICCU has been replaced or updated.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly and that it responds to obstacles.
- Ask about the engine's service history, especially if it's a 6.2L or diesel model, and check for any signs of oil leaks or unusual noises.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, to ensure they respond normally and there are no warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Ioniq 9's charging system and the Silverado's engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles and pay attention to any warning lights, unusual sounds, or hesitation during acceleration.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially for the Silverado's engine and brakes, and for the Ioniq 9's electrical system.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty or service contract to cover potential costly repairs.
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 9 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 98 |
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 9 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 total complaints
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 avg complaints/year
- 33.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE