Vehicle 1

Hyundai Santa FE

2,209 complaints · 41 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Santa Fe has 220.9 complaints per year and 41 recalls, while the Silverado has 618.0 complaints per year and 100 recalls. Engine issues dominate both, but the Silverado has more power train and electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Hyundai Santa FE
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryHyundai Santa FEChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,209
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
41
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
86
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
220.9
✓ lower
618.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai Santa FE

1. ENGINE948
2. POWER TRAIN400
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER369
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM257
5. SERVICE BRAKES154

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE1,861
2. POWER TRAIN1,714
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,163
4. SERVICE BRAKES950
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe has significantly fewer complaints per year (220.9) than the Chevrolet Silverado (618.0), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have high complaint volumes, so a thorough inspection is still important.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the better choice. If you need a heavy-duty truck and can accept higher risk of issues, the Silverado may suit your needs, but be prepared for more frequent repairs.

Key Differences
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 220.9 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado: 618.0 complaints/year.
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 41 recalls vs Chevrolet Silverado: 100 recalls.
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 86 crash complaints vs Chevrolet Silverado: 192 crash complaints.
  • Top issue for Hyundai: ENGINE (948); for Chevrolet: ENGINE (1861) and POWER TRAIN (1714).
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Santa FE
  • Watch for engine problems, as 948 complaints (43% of total) relate to the ENGINE.
  • Check for power train issues, with 400 complaints reported.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine issues are very common, with 1861 complaints (30% of total).
  • Power train problems are also frequent, with 1714 complaints (28% of total).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for past recalls and repairs.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
  • Test drive to feel for any unusual noises or vibrations.
  • Check for any open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
  • Review service records for regular maintenance, especially oil changes.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai Santa FEChevrolet Silverado
2026
24
51
2025
112
117
2024
121
470
2023
196
385
2022
182
1204
2021
158
864
2020
190
0
2019
190
1941
2018
107
0
2017
929
1148
Hyundai Santa FE vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai Santa FE vs Chevrolet Silverado
Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
2,209
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
41
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
220.9
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Hyundai Santa FE
Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai Santa FE Reliability & Problems

2,209 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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