Vehicle 1

Hyundai KONA

737 complaints · 12 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Hyundai KONA vs Chevrolet Silverado: The KONA averages 81.9 complaints per year (737 total) with 12 recalls, while the Silverado averages 618.0 per year (6180 total) with 100 recalls. The KONA's top issue is engine (375), but the Silverado has far more engine (1861) and powertrain (1714) complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Hyundai KONA
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryHyundai KONAChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
737
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
12
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
44
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
81.9
✓ lower
618.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai KONA

1. ENGINE375
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER131
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM129
4. POWER TRAIN90
5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE55

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE1,861
2. POWER TRAIN1,714
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,163
4. SERVICE BRAKES950
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Hyundai KONA has far fewer complaints per year (81.9) than the Chevrolet Silverado (618.0), suggesting lower overall owner-reported issues. However, the KONA's high rate of engine complaints (375) is a notable concern for a smaller sample.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall frequency, the Hyundai KONA is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck and can accept higher complaint volumes, the Silverado may suit your needs, but be prepared for potential engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 618 complaints per year vs Hyundai KONA's 81.9 per year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls; KONA has 12.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (1861) and POWER TRAIN (1714); KONA's top is ENGINE (375).
  • Silverado has 192 crash complaints; KONA has 44.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai KONA
  • Watch for engine problems (375 complaints) and electrical system issues (129 complaints).
  • Forward collision avoidance complaints (55) suggest possible sensor or system malfunctions.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (1861) and powertrain (1714) complaints are very high; check for transmission and engine performance issues.
  • Service brakes (950 complaints) indicate potential braking system concerns.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any complaints or repairs were filed.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine and transmission, especially for the Silverado.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.
  • For the KONA, verify forward collision avoidance system operation.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai KONAChevrolet Silverado
2026
6
51
2025
24
117
2024
41
470
2023
61
385
2022
94
1204
2021
108
864
2020
150
0
2019
181
1941
2018
72
0
Hyundai KONA vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai KONA vs Chevrolet Silverado
Hyundai KONA total complaints
737
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Hyundai KONA total recalls
12
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Hyundai KONA avg complaints/year
81.9
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Hyundai KONA
Hyundai KONA top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai KONA Reliability & Problems

737 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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