Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai KONA N vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai KONA 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 KONA N vs Chevrolet Silverado: The KONA N has 11 complaints over 2 years (5.5/year) and 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also reports 117 crashes, 104 injuries, and 1 death, versus none for the KONA N. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai KONA N or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai KONA N
The Hyundai KONA N is a sporty compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 11 complaints over 2 years, averaging 5.5 per year, and 3 recalls. Most owner complaints center on engine and electrical problems that appear after car washes or wet conditions, often causing sudden power loss or limp mode. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the pattern suggests a vulnerability to moisture that can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year, and 100 recalls. Owner reports cover serious issues like engine failures, transmission problems, brake loss, and electrical faults, with 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death. This suggests a wide range of potential problems that can affect safety and reliability, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai KONA N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 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 KONA N
- 01ENGINE6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING1
Owners report sudden, complete loss of power after car washes or in wet conditions, often with a flashing check engine light. This can happen while pulling into traffic, nearly causing rear-end collisions, and may require dealership repairs.
Complaints describe limp mode limiting engine to 2000 RPM, multiple warning lights, and error code P211800 after car washes. This electrical fault can leave you with reduced power and needing a tow.
Similar to engine issues, owners report sudden power loss and limp mode after washing the car, with error codes like P211800. This affects drivability and can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners report knock sensor code P1326 triggering limp mode after car washes or rainy days, requiring repeated knock sensor replacements. Also, some note jerking or jumping when pulling out, which may indicate suspension or transmission quirks.
“After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, an…”
“I took my vehicle through a touch free car wash. After the wash the vehicle sat for about 10 to 20 minutes while I dried off the exterior and cleaned out my interior. After leaving the car wash the car made it less than a mile down the road and illuminated a…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that can cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in parking garages or traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective braking, and electrical faults causing loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These are serious safety concerns.
Reports of severe loss of braking shortly after driving, where the vehicle won't stop normally despite a firm pedal. This can lead to crashes and injuries.
“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 KONA N — 3 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 KONA N or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai KONA N has far fewer issues per year (5.5 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5 complaints/year). In practice, this means KONA N owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report can be sudden and moisture-related. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate and history of crashes, injuries, and a death suggest a broader range of serious safety and reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The KONA N's complaints are mostly tied to car washes or wet conditions causing sudden power loss and limp mode, while the Silverado's complaints cover a wide range of engine, transmission, brake, and electrical failures.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the KONA N has zero in these categories, indicating a more severe safety profile for the Silverado.
- The KONA N averages 5.5 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, compared to 3 recalls for the KONA N over 2 years, suggesting more widespread defect campaigns for the Silverado.
- Check for any history of engine or electrical issues after car washes, such as limp mode or check engine lights, and ask if the knock sensor or related components have been replaced.
- Test drive the vehicle and pay attention to any jerking or jumping when pulling out, as some owners report suspension or transmission quirks.
- Inspect for signs of brake problems, such as a firm pedal with poor stopping power, and check for any recall repairs related to brakes or steering.
- Listen for engine pinging or unusual noises, and check for diesel particulate filter issues if it's a diesel model, as owners report soot accumulation and power loss.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's many recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the KONA N for moisture-related engine and electrical faults, including error codes like P211800 or P1326.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes, transmission, and engine thoroughly, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- Ask the seller about any past repairs, especially for the KONA N's knock sensor or the Silverado's fuel pump and transmission.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where owners report failures.
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 KONA N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | 7 | 1340 |
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 KONA N or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai KONA N vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai KONA N total complaints
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai KONA N total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai KONA N avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA N
- Hyundai KONA N top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE