Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Santa FE 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Santa Fe averages 240 complaints per year and has 41 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries, compared to 0 deaths and 86 injuries for the Santa Fe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 240 complaints per year over the past decade. The most common owner-reported problem is engine-related, often involving sudden loss of power or stalling while driving. Electrical and power train complaints also appear, including water intrusion into hybrid battery connectors. Overall, the complaint volume is lower than the Silverado's, but the engine stalling pattern is a serious concern for any buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages roughly 823 complaints per year, more than three times the Santa Fe's rate. Engine and power train issues dominate, with owners reporting sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. Electrical system complaints are also frequent, including loss of braking and screen blackouts. The higher complaint count and three reported deaths suggest a broader range of safety-related failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,401 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 88 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 240.1 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 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
- 01ENGINE1,011
- 02POWER TRAIN455
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER411
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report repeated loss of motive power at highway speeds, where the vehicle slows even with the accelerator floored and drops to 40-50 mph. Others describe intermittent total engine stalling without warning. This matters because a sudden power loss can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Complaints include a bad factory seal on the high voltage harness of hybrid models, allowing water to intrude and short the battery. Another owner reports the engine completely shuts down while driving. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks.
Owners describe complete loss of electrical power, leaving the vehicle unable to start, and water intrusion into hybrid battery connectors. Such failures can strand you and may require costly diagnostic and repair work.
Some owners report persistent front-end vibration that dealers misdiagnose as tire problems, and abnormal engine jumping on startup. These unresolved issues can be frustrating and indicate deeper problems.
“The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle suffers from an intermittent, total engine stalling and propulsion failure. Without warning, the engine completely shuts down while driving and auto…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models show repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These failures can happen at low mileage and leave you without power.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and engine stalling with loss of acceleration. Such behavior is dangerous in traffic and can lead to collisions.
Owners report sudden severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shutoff and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Complaints describe the truck completely shutting off with all screens going blank, leaving no ability to accelerate, and braking that does not stop the vehicle normally. Brake failure is a severe safety hazard.
“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 — 41 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehi…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has far fewer complaints per year (about 240 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer recalls (41 vs. 101). However, the Santa Fe still has a notable engine stalling pattern, while the Silverado's higher volume includes more crash-related reports and three deaths. In practice, the Santa Fe may be less likely to leave you stranded, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year, more than triple the Santa Fe's 240, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- The Santa Fe's top complaint is engine stalling or power loss, while the Silverado's top complaints include engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 41 recalls and 0 deaths for the Santa Fe.
- Both vehicles have electrical system complaints, but the Silverado's include brake failure and screen blackouts, while the Santa Fe's include total power loss and hybrid connector water intrusion.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard on a highway on-ramp and listen for hesitation or power loss; the Santa Fe has reports of losing speed even with the pedal floored.
- Check for any signs of water intrusion around the hybrid battery connector and ask for service records related to electrical or starting problems.
- Test the brakes at low speed in a parking lot; some Silverado owners report the pedal feels firm but the truck does not stop normally.
- Ask about any history of engine stalling or transmission slipping, especially if the truck has low mileage, as multiple owners report these issues within the first few thousand miles.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated engine, transmission, or electrical repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brake systems.
- For the Santa Fe, specifically check for hybrid battery connector recalls and water damage.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation or engine stalling.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by the manufacturer before purchase.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 50 | 120 |
| 2025 | 135 | 157 |
| 2024 | 151 | 527 |
| 2023 | 210 | 450 |
| 2022 | 199 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 166 | 961 |
| 2020 | 213 | 868 |
| 2019 | 200 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 109 | 597 |
| 2017 | 968 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
- 2,401
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 240.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE