Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE XL vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Santa FE XL 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 XL vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Santa FE XL has 25 complaints per year and 1 recall, while the Silverado has 510.5 complaints per year and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related complaint and 0 injuries for the Santa FE XL. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE XL or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE XL
The Hyundai Santa FE XL is a three-row SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint volume of 25 over one year. The most common issues involve the engine, brakes, and electrical system, with some owners reporting engine failure and brake recall delays. While the complaint count is low, the severity of reported engine problems and recall-related frustrations could mean costly repairs if not addressed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with some reports of sudden loss of braking and power. The high number of recalls (100) and crash-related complaints (117) suggests that owners may face a range of safety and reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE XL | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.0 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 Santa FE XL
- 01ENGINE9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03SERVICE BRAKES5
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 05HYDRAULIC3
Owners report issues like hesitation and complete engine failure requiring replacement, sometimes at low mileage (e.g., 54,000 miles). This can lead to expensive repairs and warranty disputes, as one owner had a claim denied.
Complaints include delays in getting recall repairs for brake issues, with parts unavailable for months. This matters because braking problems can compromise safety if not promptly fixed.
Reports include battery drain and wiring harness concerns, with one owner alleging soy-based wiring is prone to damage. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Issues range from sunroof glass shattering to dealership handling of recalls. These varied problems can affect owner satisfaction and may be hard to predict.
“On [XXX], 2024 I brought my car in for a recall that the dealership called me and advised me that I needed to get it done so I brought it in and mentioned that it was hesitating a little bit so they did the inspection and found out I needed oil They proceeded…”
“On [XXX], the check engine light came on in my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The dealership diagnosed a complete engine failure requiring full replacement. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles. The dealer submitted a warranty claim to Hyundai, but Hyundai denied it…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of power and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, sometimes at low mileage. This can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.
Reports include sudden loss of braking and inoperable steering, with warning messages. Electrical faults affecting critical systems are a major safety concern.
Owners describe severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 XL — 1 recall
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact…
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 XL or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa FE XL has far fewer complaints per year (25 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (1 vs. 100). In practice, this means the Santa FE XL may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and a wider range of reported problems, including some severe safety defects.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years, while the Santa FE XL has 25 over 1 year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Engine problems are common in both, but Silverado owners report sudden power loss and diesel particulate filter issues, while Santa FE XL owners report engine failure and hesitation.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, compared to 1 recall and 1 crash-related complaint for the Santa FE XL.
- Electrical system complaints in the Silverado include loss of braking and steering, whereas Santa FE XL electrical issues involve battery drain and wiring concerns.
- Check for engine hesitation or check engine light; ask for service records related to engine oil consumption or replacement.
- Verify that any open brake recalls have been performed, as parts may have been unavailable, and test brakes for responsiveness.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for engine pinging or loss of power; check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement.
- Inspect brake function carefully; look for any warning messages related to brakes or steering, and confirm all recalls are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes for signs of failure or wear.
- For the Santa FE XL, specifically check for oil consumption and sunroof operation.
- For the Silverado, test the electrical system, including brakes and steering, and check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
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 XL | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 25 | 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 Santa FE XL or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE XL vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Santa FE XL total complaints
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Santa FE XL total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Santa FE XL avg complaints/year
- 25.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE XL
- Hyundai Santa FE XL top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE