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 has 234.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5. Engine issues dominate both, with Santa FE owners reporting lock-ups and fire risks, and Silverado owners facing sudden power loss and brake failures. 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, over a decade of ownership, shows a heavy concentration of engine-related complaints, with owners reporting sudden power loss, engine lock-up, smoking, and even fire risk. Many complaints also involve the powertrain and electrical system, often tied to engine failures or oil leaks. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle may offer comfort and features, its engine reliability is a significant concern for long-term ownership.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, with a higher complaint volume, also shows a dominant engine problem area, but with a broader spread across powertrain, electrical, and brake issues. Owners report sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures, and brake system malfunctions, sometimes occurring at low mileage. This indicates that the Silverado, while a capable workhorse, may have systemic issues that could lead to unexpected breakdowns and safety concerns.
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 | 2,348 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 88 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 234.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 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
- 01ENGINE989
- 02POWER TRAIN442
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER400
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM283
- 05SERVICE BRAKES159
Owners report sudden engine lock-up while driving, loss of power, smoking, and potential fire risk. Some mention engine knocking and metal shavings, indicating internal damage. This is a critical safety issue that can leave you stranded or worse.
Complaints often mirror engine failures, with reports of the vehicle losing power and the powertrain warranty being denied. This suggests that the engine problems are so severe that they affect the entire drivetrain, leading to costly repairs.
Issues include faulty oil pressure switches causing oil leaks, smoke, and engine knocking. Also, electrical problems can accompany engine failures, such as warning lights not illuminating before a breakdown, leaving you without advance notice.
“I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain wa…”
“In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire risk. Fire department responded to prevent the engine from c…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, engine failure at low mileage. Diesel models have experienced repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging, requiring dealer intervention. These issues can lead to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic and indicates a potential defect in the transmission control system.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping properly. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to accidents.
“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 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
The risk: A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-85…
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…
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 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 — 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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa FE has fewer complaints per year (234.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but both have serious engine-related issues. In practice, the Santa FE may have a lower frequency of problems, but the nature of its engine failures (lock-up, fire risk) is equally alarming. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a broader range of issues, including brakes and transmission, which could affect overall reliability.
Key differences
- The Santa FE has a higher proportion of engine complaints (42%) compared to the Silverado (33%), indicating a more concentrated engine problem.
- The Silverado has a higher rate of brake complaints (13.5%) than the Santa FE (6.8%), suggesting more frequent brake system issues.
- The Santa FE has fewer crash-related complaints (88) than the Silverado (117), but both have similar injury rates relative to complaints.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100) than the Santa FE (41), indicating a higher number of safety-related defects over the years.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of knocking, oil leaks, or previous repairs. Ask for service records related to engine or powertrain issues.
- Check the oil pressure switch for leaks and ensure the engine warning lights function properly.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises, especially pinging or knocking, and check for any DPF-related service history on diesel models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages related to brake system failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and transmission.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, and listen for unusual noises.
- Check the brake system for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Review maintenance records to ensure regular oil changes and services were performed.
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 | 42 | 98 |
| 2025 | 128 | 150 |
| 2024 | 141 | 0 |
| 2023 | 206 | 0 |
| 2022 | 197 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 165 | 934 |
| 2020 | 206 | 0 |
| 2019 | 195 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 108 | 591 |
| 2017 | 960 | 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 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
- 2,348
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 234.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE