Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Ioniq 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ioniq averages 14.7 complaints per year, mostly electrical and brake issues, while the Silverado averages 134.0 complaints per year, with serious powertrain and engine failures. The Ioniq has 3 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact hybrid/electric car with a moderate complaint rate of about 15 per year. Owners report electrical system issues, especially with the 12V battery and charging module, as well as braking and acceleration problems where the car may continue moving after pressing the brake. Powertrain complaints include transmission control module failures causing sluggish acceleration or unresponsive pedal. Overall, the Ioniq has relatively few complaints but the ones it has involve safety-critical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint rate of 134 per year, reflecting its popularity and complexity. Owners report serious powertrain failures like transmission fluid line ruptures and sudden loss of power while towing. Brake issues include unintended acceleration and loss of braking ability, while engine problems involve knocking noises and complete engine replacement at low mileage. Electrical system faults can cause loss of vehicle control. The Silverado has many recalls and complaints across multiple systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 88 Better | 1,340 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 80 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.7 Better | 134.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 33 |
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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
- 02SERVICE BRAKES21
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
- 04POWER TRAIN12
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE12
Owners report the 12V auxiliary battery hold-down bracket left unsecured after replacement, and the onboard charging module (OBCM) failing, which can leave the car unable to charge or start.
The car may continue to move or accelerate even after the brake pedal is depressed, and unintended acceleration in reverse has occurred, posing a crash risk.
Unintended acceleration, especially in reverse, has been reported where the car accelerates independently without driver input, leading to collisions.
The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and transmission control module (TCM) can cause sluggish acceleration from a stop or unresponsive pedal, and the car may fail to switch between EV and hybrid modes.
“Following a 12V auxiliary battery replacement at Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai [XXX] , April 3, 2026), the battery hold-down bracket was left completely unsecured. The retaining bolts were absent, (later found loose in the cargo tray area). The battery terminal co…”
“Supplemental to my complaint filed April 18, 2026 regarding Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai (dealer code OR035). The dealership's Service Manager (Robin Farr) provided me with an HMA training report from Hyundai's internal system. Every staff member is listed at "Ce…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01POWER TRAIN339
- 02SERVICE BRAKES300
- 03ENGINE257
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER146
Transmission fluid lines can rupture without warning, causing rapid fluid loss and potential loss of drive. Sudden loss of power while towing has also been reported.
Unintended acceleration and loss of braking ability have occurred, including incidents where the vehicle accelerated on its own or brakes failed to stop the car.
Engines may develop loud knocking noises and require complete replacement at low mileage (around 3,000 miles). Sudden power loss at highway speeds has also been reported.
High-voltage battery faults can cause loss of vehicle control, and electrical issues may lead to unintended acceleration or other safety hazards.
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurr…”
“On XXX I was driving from [XXX] to my sister's house in [XXX]. I was relocating to [XXX] for a job. I was pulling a U-haul trailer (6x12) that contained significantly less weight than the truck can handle. About halfway there, on back roads, the truck suddenl…”
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 — 3 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
The risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of c…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.
The risk: An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall i…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is…
The risk: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyund…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer sat…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat…
The risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
The fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m…
The risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing own…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Ioniq or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq has far fewer complaints per year (14.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (134.0), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, the Ioniq's problems are concentrated in electrical and braking systems, while the Silverado's issues are more widespread and severe, including powertrain and engine failures that can leave you stranded.
Key differences
- The Ioniq has 14.7 complaints per year vs the Silverado's 134.0, a 9x difference in frequency.
- Silverado owners report sudden transmission fluid line ruptures and engine replacements at low mileage; Ioniq owners report unintended acceleration and brake issues.
- The Ioniq's top complaint is electrical system (34), while the Silverado's top is powertrain (339), indicating different failure patterns.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, while the Ioniq has 3 recalls over 6 years.
- Check the 12V battery hold-down bracket for missing bolts after any service.
- Test the brakes for unintended acceleration: press the brake pedal and verify the car does not creep forward or accelerate.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks or damage, especially if towing.
- Listen for engine knocking noises at low mileage; if present, the engine may need replacement.
Before you buy
- For the Ioniq: verify the 12V battery is properly secured and the OBCM has been updated per recalls.
- For the Ioniq: test drive to ensure smooth acceleration from a stop and no hesitation.
- For the Silverado: check transmission fluid level and look for leaks under the vehicle.
- For the Silverado: ask for service records showing any engine or transmission repairs.
- For both: review NHTSA recall history and ensure all open recalls are completed.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 21 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 26 | 0 |
| 2018 | 17 | 0 |
| 2017 | 9 | 1152 |
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Ioniq total complaints
- 88
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 1,340
- Hyundai Ioniq total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Ioniq avg complaints/year
- 14.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Hyundai Ioniq top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN