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 227.6 complaints per year with 82 injuries, while the Silverado averages 134.0 complaints and 33 injuries. Engine lock-ups and electrical failures dominate Santa Fe reports; Silverado has more powertrain and brake issues. 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, a popular midsize SUV, has a high complaint rate averaging 227.6 per year over the past decade, with engine issues dominating. Owners report sudden engine lock-ups, knocking, metal shavings, and fire risks, often occurring without warning. The electrical system also shows failures like instrument cluster malfunctions and door lock issues, adding to ownership concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, averages 134 complaints per year, with powertrain and brake issues leading. Transmission fluid line failures and sudden loss of power at highway speeds are common, along with brake system faults that can cause unintended braking. Engine knocking and electrical problems, including high-voltage battery faults in EVs, also appear.
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 | 2,276 | 1,340 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 87 | 80 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 227.6 | 134.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 82 | 33 Better |
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
- 01ENGINE963
- 02POWER TRAIN417
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER385
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM269
- 05SERVICE BRAKES156
Owners report unexpected engine lock-up while driving, causing loss of power, smoke, and fire risk. Engine knocking and metal shavings in oil are also common, often leading to complete engine replacement.
Complaints include engine lock-up and knocking, with the manufacturer refusing to honor the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for these failures.
Failures include instrument cluster malfunctions causing inaccurate readings, and door lock/window/tailgate issues that compromise security and convenience.
Driver Attention Warning system falsely alerts, and engine lock-up incidents are also reported under this category, indicating multiple failure modes.
“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
- 01POWER TRAIN339
- 02SERVICE BRAKES300
- 03ENGINE257
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER146
Transmission fluid line failures cause rapid fluid leaks without warning, leading to loss of drive. Sudden loss of power while towing is also reported.
Brake system faults cause unintended braking or loss of braking ability, sometimes accompanied by electrical system warnings, creating crash risk.
Loud knocking noises and metal rattling sounds, often without check engine light, can lead to complete engine replacement at low mileage.
High-voltage battery faults in EV models cause loss of vehicle control, and other electrical issues trigger brake system warnings.
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurr…”
“On XXX I was driving from [XXX] to my sister's house in [XXX]. I was relocating to [XXX] for a job. I was pulling a U-haul trailer (6x12) that contained significantly less weight than the truck can handle. About halfway there, on back roads, the truck suddenl…”
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 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…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel displa…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
The risk: A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and Genesis cus…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer sat…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat…
The risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
The fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m…
The risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing own…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Santa FE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (134 vs 227.6) and a lower injury count (33 vs 82), suggesting a lower rate of safety-related failures. However, both vehicles have serious engine and powertrain issues that require careful inspection before purchase.
Key differences
- Santa Fe has nearly double the complaint rate per year (227.6 vs 134.0) and more than double the injury count (82 vs 33).
- Santa Fe engine failures often involve sudden lock-up and fire risk, while Silverado engine issues are more about knocking and power loss.
- Silverado has a higher recall count (100 vs 41), but many recalls may be proactive; Santa Fe's recalls include critical fasteners and air bags.
- Silverado brake complaints are more frequent (300 vs 156) and include unintended braking, a distinct safety concern.
- Check for engine knocking or metal shavings in oil; test drive for unexpected power loss or smoke.
- Inspect electrical system: test all door locks, windows, tailgate, and instrument cluster for proper operation.
- Inspect transmission fluid lines for leaks; test drive at highway speeds for sudden power loss.
- Test brakes for unintended engagement or loss of braking; check for warning lights related to brake system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report for both models to check for previous engine or transmission repairs.
- For Santa Fe: have a mechanic inspect the engine for knocking and check for any open recalls on engine fasteners.
- For Silverado: test the transmission under load (e.g., uphill) and inspect brake system for leaks or faults.
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN; prioritize addressing any open recalls.
- Test all electrical features: locks, windows, instrument cluster, and driver assistance systems.
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 | 28 | 70 |
| 2025 | 119 | 118 |
| 2024 | 134 | 0 |
| 2023 | 200 | 0 |
| 2022 | 191 | 0 |
| 2021 | 163 | 0 |
| 2020 | 198 | 0 |
| 2019 | 192 | 0 |
| 2018 | 108 | 0 |
| 2017 | 943 | 1152 |
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
- 2,276
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 1,340
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 227.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN