Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Santa FE Sport 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 Santa Fe Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Santa Fe Sport averaged 213.8 complaints per year over 6 years, with 732 engine complaints, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year over 10 years, with 2,521 engine complaints. The Silverado also had 101 recalls vs. 22 for the Hyundai. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE Sport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE Sport
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of long-term reliability. Over six years, it averaged about 214 complaints per year, with a striking concentration in engine problems—732 of 1,283 total complaints. Many of those engine complaints describe sudden failures, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle, often linked to bearing defects. While it has fewer recalls and crash-related reports than the Silverado, the engine issues are severe and can leave you stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, generates a much higher volume of complaints—over 8,200 in ten years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine (2,521 complaints) and power train (2,347), with many owners reporting stalling, transmission problems, and electrical glitches even on very new trucks. Recalls are also frequent (101), and there are more crash-related reports and injuries than the Hyundai. This suggests that while the Silverado is capable, it may demand more attention and repair visits.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,283 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 213.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 Santa FE Sport
- 01ENGINE732
- 02SERVICE BRAKES225
- 03HYDRAULIC157
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER143
- 05POWER TRAIN99
Owners frequently report sudden engine failure, sometimes while driving, due to bearing defects. One complaint describes the engine failing twice, leaving the driver stuck in an intersection. This is a major safety concern and can cost thousands to replace.
Complaints include ABS warning lights and brake issues where the engine and oil lights illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. Some owners are told about a technical service bulletin, indicating a known problem that may not be covered by a recall.
The hydraulic system, specifically the ABS control unit, is a common complaint area. Owners report ABS warning lights and braking problems, often linked to the same technical service bulletin. This can affect stopping ability and safety.
Many complaints fall into this catch-all, often repeating engine failure stories or mentioning engine-fire-related recalls where the engine was replaced but failed again shortly after. This suggests ongoing unresolved issues even after repairs.
“September 3rd, 2025, my engine failed, for the second time and left me stuck at a busy intersection, in the middle lane and can't move. The first time my engine failed (2022/same vehicle), I was about the get on the highway and it just stopped in the middle o…”
“Subject: Engine Failure Due to Bearing Defect – No KSDS Recall Notification Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport VIN: [XXX] Date of Purchase: April 2016 Complaint Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which experienced…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and even engine shutdown while driving. One complaint describes a brand-new 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor losing power during a family trip, leaving them stranded 750 miles from home.
Transmission issues are common, such as a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, or the engine shutting off and displaying 'Return to Neutral' messages. These failures can happen at low mileage and pose a serious safety risk.
Electrical glitches include sudden loss of braking assistance, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, and the engine shutting off while driving, causing all screens to go blank. These problems can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Brake complaints often overlap with electrical issues, such as loss of normal braking or the truck shutting off when barely applying throttle in a parking lot. This can lead to unpredictable stopping performance.
“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 Santa FE Sport — 22 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notificat…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk: If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. No…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Santa FE Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has far fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but its engine failures are frequent and severe. The Silverado's higher complaint rate reflects a broader range of issues across engine, transmission, and electrical systems. In practice, the Hyundai may have fewer overall problems, but when they occur, they can be catastrophic; the Silverado may require more frequent repairs but offers more capability.
Key differences
- The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has a much lower annual complaint rate (213.8 vs. 822.7), but its complaints are heavily concentrated in engine failures, often due to bearing defects.
- The Chevrolet Silverado has more than double the recalls (101 vs. 22) and higher crash-related reports (233 vs. 23), with issues spanning engine, power train, and electrical systems.
- Hyundai owners report repeated engine failures even after replacement, while Silverado owners report stalling, transmission slipping into neutral, and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths reported in its complaints, while the Santa Fe Sport has 0, though both have injuries (160 vs. 23).
- Check for any signs of engine knocking, oil consumption, or previous engine replacement—ask for service records and look for recall-related repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and watch for ABS warning lights; listen for unusual noises when pressing the brake pedal, as hydraulic issues are common.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough shifting, or sudden loss of power; these could indicate engine or transmission problems.
- Check for electrical gremlins: ensure all screens and warning lights work, and test the brakes for a firm pedal but poor stopping performance, which some owners report.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall/service records, focusing on engine and brake repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a compression test for the Hyundai and a transmission scan for the Silverado.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for stalling, shifting issues, or brake problems.
- Verify that any open recalls have been addressed, especially the engine and ABS recalls for the Hyundai and fuel pump/forward collision recalls for the Silverado.
- Ask the seller directly about any engine replacements, transmission work, or electrical issues, and be wary if they are evasive.
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 Santa FE Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 417 | 597 |
| 2017 | 352 | 1154 |
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 Santa FE Sport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total complaints
- 1,283
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport avg complaints/year
- 213.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE