Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai NEXO vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai NEXO 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 NEXO vs Chevrolet Silverado: The NEXO has 19 complaints over 8 years (2.4/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (510.5/year) with 117 crash-related and 104 injuries. The NEXO's main issue is sudden power loss; the Silverado's are engine, transmission, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai NEXO or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai NEXO
The Hyundai NEXO is a hydrogen fuel cell SUV that has generated relatively few complaints—19 over 8 years—but the pattern is concerning: owners repeatedly report sudden power loss, often while driving uphill or at highway speeds. Recalls are frequent (13), mostly for fuel tank pressure relief devices, and some owners say recall parts weren't available. With zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data, the main issue is drivability and dealer support, not crash safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 5,105 over 10 years, averaging 510 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden power loss, transmission failure, and brake problems. There are 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death, plus 100 recalls covering tailgates, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai NEXO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.4 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 NEXO
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 03ENGINE4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3
Owners describe sudden power loss when accelerating or climbing hills, often diagnosed as fuel cell stack issues. This can leave you unable to maintain speed or merge safely, and repairs may require specialized hydrogen service.
Complaints link engine power loss to the same fuel cell stack problem, with some owners reporting the car won't respond to the accelerator. It matters because a breakdown in a hydrogen vehicle can be harder to fix due to limited service centers.
Reports include forward collision avoidance not braking for obstacles and hydrogen sensors malfunctioning. Some owners also note recall repairs for fuel system/electrical issues weren't available when needed, delaying fixes.
Owners say the automatic braking system failed to activate in tests with large objects, raising concerns about relying on it. This is a driver-assist feature, so you should not expect it to prevent every collision.
“Hyundai sells Nexo Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles with known Fuel Cell stack issues, leading to severe safety issues from sudden power loss when driving, especially when overtaking and driving on highways and/or uphill. The power loss issue was diagnosed to orig…”
“PLEASE SEE ATTACH FOR DETAILS 1. Component or System Involved The Fuel Cell System and Accelerator Pedal Control System are suspected to have malfunctioned. The issue is characterized by the vehicle's failure to respond to input from the accelerator pedal, pa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor failing shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden power loss and expensive repairs, even on newer trucks.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, sometimes with very low mileage. This can leave you stranded or unable to accelerate, and repairs may be costly if out of warranty.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of motive power at highway speeds. These electrical gremlins can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, sometimes after dropping kids at school. This is a serious safety concern because you may not be able to stop normally in an emergency.
“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 NEXO — 13 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
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 NEXO or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai NEXO has far fewer complaints per year (2.4 vs. 510.5) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Silverado has thousands of complaints and over 100 injuries. In practice, the NEXO's issues are more about power loss and limited service, but the Silverado's sheer volume of engine, transmission, and brake problems means a higher chance of costly repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: NEXO averages 2.4 per year; Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a huge difference in reported problems.
- Safety reports: NEXO has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, 0 deaths; Silverado has 117 crash-related, 104 injuries, 1 death.
- Main failure patterns: NEXO owners report sudden power loss from fuel cell stack issues; Silverado owners report engine failures, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- Recalls: NEXO has 13 recalls, mostly fuel tank pressure relief; Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgates, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- Test drive uphill and at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss or inability to maintain speed, a common complaint.
- Verify that all open recalls (especially fuel tank pressure relief) have been completed and that parts are available.
- During test drive, listen for engine pinging and check for any hesitation or loss of power, especially at highway speeds.
- Test the brakes firmly at low speed to ensure they respond normally; some owners report a firm pedal but poor stopping.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recall repairs are done, especially for fuel system and brake issues.
- For the NEXO, locate nearby hydrogen fueling stations and certified service centers before buying.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brake system for signs of the reported problems.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that match your daily driving—uphill, highway, and stop-and-go—to feel for power loss or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for any warranty coverage and whether they have experienced the common complaints described in NHTSA data.
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 NEXO | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 0 | 150 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 2 | 934 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1992 |
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 NEXO or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai NEXO vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai NEXO total complaints
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai NEXO total recalls
- 13
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai NEXO avg complaints/year
- 2.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai NEXO
- Hyundai NEXO top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE