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 has 211 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 511. Engine failures are common in the Santa Fe, while the Silverado faces transmission and electrical issues. 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, based on NHTSA data, shows a heavy concentration of engine-related complaints, with owners reporting sudden engine failure, often due to bearing defects, and some cases involving multiple failures. Brake issues, particularly related to the ABS module and hydraulic systems, are also notable, with some owners waiting for recall parts. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle may offer good value, buyers should be prepared for potential major powertrain and brake system repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, with a longer production history, has a higher total number of complaints, but also a higher average per year. Engine problems, including issues with the 6.2L and Duramax diesel engines, are common, as are transmission and electrical system failures. Some owners report sudden loss of power and braking, which can be alarming. This indicates that while the Silverado is a popular and capable truck, it is not immune to serious reliability concerns, 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 Santa FE Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,267 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 211.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Santa FE Sport
- 01ENGINE721
- 02SERVICE BRAKES225
- 03HYDRAULIC157
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER140
- 05POWER TRAIN98
Owners report sudden engine failure, often due to bearing defects, leaving them stranded. Some have experienced multiple engine replacements, and there are concerns about lack of notification for relevant recalls.
Brake issues include the ABS warning light illuminating and a slight loss of braking effectiveness. Some owners are waiting for parts for a recall related to the hydraulic brake control unit.
Problems with the anti-lock brake system and traction control module are reported, with the ABS light coming on while driving. This can affect braking performance and stability.
Transmission and drivetrain issues are less frequent but still present, with some owners reporting hesitation or jerking during gear shifts, which can be annoying and potentially dangerous in traffic.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints include severe issues like sudden loss of power and loud pinging sounds, particularly in the 6.2L and Duramax diesel engines. Diesel particulate filter problems are also common, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems are frequent, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous. Other issues include rough shifting and driveline vibrations.
Electrical failures can lead to loss of braking and steering, as well as warning lights and messages. These issues can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, posing safety risks.
Brake problems include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping as expected. This is often linked to electrical system failures, making it a complex issue.
“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 — 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 Santa FE Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has fewer complaints per year (211.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Santa Fe's engine failures are severe and can be costly, while the Silverado's problems are more varied but also serious. In practice, the Santa Fe may require fewer visits to the shop, but when it does, it could be for a major repair.
Key differences
- The Santa Fe Sport has a higher proportion of engine complaints (57% of total) compared to the Silverado (33%), indicating a more focused problem area.
- The Silverado has more electrical system complaints (982) than the Santa Fe (140), suggesting more complex electronic issues.
- Brake complaints are more common in the Santa Fe (225) relative to its total, but the Silverado's brake issues are often tied to electrical failures.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117) and injuries (104) compared to the Santa Fe (22 and 22), though the Silverado has a longer history.
- Check for any signs of engine bearing wear or previous engine replacement; listen for knocking noises and ensure all engine recalls have been performed.
- Inspect the ABS module and brake system for any warning lights or previous repairs, as hydraulic brake issues are common.
- Verify the transmission is functioning properly, especially for sudden neutral shifts; test drive at various speeds and inclines.
- Check the electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent failures, and ensure all recalls, especially those related to braking, have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.
- Ask for service records to see if any major repairs have been done, especially engine or transmission replacements.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs and whether you can afford them if they occur.
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 | 415 | 591 |
| 2017 | 346 | 0 |
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
- 1,267
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport avg complaints/year
- 211.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE