Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Sonata averaged 186 complaints per year, while the Silverado averaged 823. The Sonata had 19 recalls and 2 deaths; the Silverado had 101 recalls and 3 deaths. Both show engine and electrical issues, but the Silverado's higher rate suggests greater risk. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Sonata or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that, over the past decade, has generated an average of about 186 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and fuel/propulsion system, with owners describing sudden shutdowns, loss of acceleration, and electrical glitches. While the overall complaint volume is lower than some rivals, the nature of these issues—especially stalling while driving—can be alarming. Buyers should be aware that these are reported patterns, not guarantees, but they highlight areas to check carefully.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged roughly 823 complaints per year over the last decade, a much higher rate than the Sonata. The bulk of complaints center on the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners reporting severe problems like engine shutoff, transmission failure, and brake loss. These are not minor annoyances; many involve safety-critical systems. The high number of recalls (101) also suggests ongoing quality concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Sonata | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,858 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Sonata
- 01ENGINE804
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER274
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM241
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM204
- 05POWER TRAIN202
Owners report the engine shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with headlights going out first. Another common complaint is sudden loss of acceleration, where the gas pedal becomes unresponsive. These failures can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
The entire dashboard cluster, radio display, and even exterior lights can cut off and back on while driving, making the car seem like it restarted. This can be disorienting and may affect critical functions like headlights at night.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of acceleration, often at low speeds like when turning across traffic. Others have found the gas tank loose, which could be a potential fire hazard if not addressed.
The panoramic sunroof has been reported to shatter spontaneously while driving, with no apparent cause. This can create a sudden loud noise and potential injury from flying glass.
“I purchased this vehicle brand new off of the lot February 2024. Since then, I have had two incidents where in the middle of driving my vehicle has completely shut off. The first experience, I was driving 50+ mph. First my headlights went out, my engine shut…”
“the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to st…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdown while driving, often accompanied by messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models have experienced repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave the truck undrivable.
There are reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, causing a loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic or on inclines.
A severe loss of braking has been reported, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is greatly reduced. Additionally, the engine may shut off while driving, with all screens going blank.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of normal braking, making it difficult to stop at stop signs or in traffic. In some cases, the truck shuts off entirely while braking, compounding the danger.
“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 Sonata — 19 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
The risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear brake light software, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will release the software update over-the-air (OTA). Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer se…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
The risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 Sonata or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata has far fewer complaints per year (about 186) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning you are statistically less likely to encounter a reported problem with the Sonata. However, the Sonata's issues can still be serious, such as engine stalling. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint rate and greater number of recalls suggest a higher risk of experiencing a safety-related failure.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over four times as many complaints per year as the Sonata, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Sonata owners frequently report electrical glitches like dash lights cutting out, while Silverado owners report brake loss and sudden engine shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 19 for the Sonata, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Both vehicles have reports of engine stalling, but the Silverado also has numerous transmission and brake complaints.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation or sudden loss of power, especially when accelerating from a stop or turning. This could indicate the fuel/propulsion issue.
- Check all electrical functions, including dashboard lights, radio, and headlights, for flickering or cutting out. Also inspect the panoramic sunroof for cracks or signs of stress.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at various speeds; a firm pedal with poor stopping power could signal the reported brake issue. Also listen for any unusual noises from the engine and watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral.'
- Ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter if considering a diesel model, as repeated soot accumulation events may indicate a recurring problem.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking maneuvers to check for stalling, hesitation, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any related to engine, transmission, or brake repairs.
- For the Silverado, verify that any diesel particulate filter issues have been addressed and that the latest software updates are installed.
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 Sonata | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 120 |
| 2025 | 16 | 157 |
| 2024 | 46 | 527 |
| 2023 | 87 | 450 |
| 2022 | 93 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 134 | 961 |
| 2020 | 178 | 868 |
| 2019 | 161 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 373 | 597 |
| 2017 | 764 | 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 Sonata or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Sonata total complaints
- 1,858
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 185.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE