Vehicle 1

Hyundai Sonata

1,765 complaints · 19 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

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

Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sonata has 176.5 complaints per year and 19 recalls, while the Silverado has 618.0 complaints per year and 100 recalls. The Sonata's top issue is engine (772), and the Silverado's top issues are engine (1861) and powertrain (1714). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Hyundai Sonata
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryHyundai SonataChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,765
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
19
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
79
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
176.5
✓ lower
618.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai Sonata

1. ENGINE772
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER265
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM225
4. STEERING200
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM190

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 Sonata has far fewer complaints per year (176.5) than the Chevrolet Silverado (618.0), suggesting a lower overall problem rate. However, the Sonata's top issue is engine-related, which can be costly.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported issues and lower complaint frequency, choose the Sonata. If you need a truck for towing or hauling and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Silverado may suit you, but check its brake and powertrain history carefully.

Key Differences
  • Sonata has 176.5 complaints/year vs Silverado's 618.0/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Sonata's 19.
  • Sonata's top issue is ENGINE (772), Silverado's top is ENGINE (1861) and POWER TRAIN (1714).
  • Silverado has 950 SERVICE BRAKES complaints vs Sonata's 0 in top five.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Sonata
  • Watch for engine problems, especially stalling or failure, as ENGINE complaints total 772.
  • Steering issues (200 complaints) could indicate potential control problems.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be alert for powertrain issues (1714 complaints) and brake problems (950 complaints), which may affect reliability and safety.
  • Electrical system complaints (1163) suggest possible wiring or component failures.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall completion status using the VIN.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission, especially for the Sonata's engine and Silverado's powertrain.
  • Test drive to feel for steering or brake abnormalities.
  • Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on the top complaint areas.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai SonataChevrolet Silverado
2026
1
51
2025
15
117
2024
40
470
2023
82
385
2022
85
1204
2021
117
864
2020
162
0
2019
150
1941
2018
359
0
2017
754
1148
Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Silverado
Hyundai Sonata total complaints
1,765
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Hyundai Sonata total recalls
19
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
176.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai Sonata Reliability & Problems

1,765 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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