Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Veloster N vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Veloster N 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 Veloster N vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Veloster N has 95 complaints over 4 years (about 24 per year) and 6 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 511 per year) and 100 recalls. The Veloster N's top issues are lane departure and steering; the Silverado's are engine and power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Veloster N or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster N is a sporty hatchback with a relatively low complaint volume: 95 complaints over 4 years, or about 24 per year. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are lane departure warnings and steering, with several reports of power steering suddenly failing or pulling hard. Engine and electrical complaints also appear, often involving no-start or battery issues. Overall, it's a niche performance car where electronic driver aids and steering assist are the main recurring themes.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 511 per year. Owners most often report engine and power train problems, including loss of power, rough running, and transmission issues, along with electrical and brake complaints. Recalls are numerous (100), covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings. This is a high-volume truck with a wide range of reported issues, so careful inspection is key.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Veloster N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 95 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Veloster N
- 01LANE DEPARTURE37
- 02STEERING28
- 03ENGINE19
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
Owners report false blind spot warnings after tire changes, especially with winter tires, and error messages like 'check lane departure warning system' that sometimes coincide with a loss of power steering. These electronic glitches can be distracting and may signal deeper sensor or software problems.
Several complaints describe sudden power steering failure while driving, with the wheel pulling hard right or the EPS warning light flashing. The issue may disappear after a restart, but any loss of steering assist at speed is a serious safety concern.
Reports include a completely dead car that won't start, no lights or door functions, and repeated repair visits for unresolved problems. These electrical/starting issues can leave owners stranded and are hard to diagnose.
Owners describe battery drain, warning lights after battery replacement, and key fob malfunctions. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and frustrating, often requiring dealer visits.
“After getting new tires the Blind Spot Warning gives off false warnings. I have even had the sensor replaced and the issue still occurs. Many people have reported this issue when they change to winter tires. The issue will the go away when they return back to…”
“Lane keep assist was off, got an error message "check lane departure warning system" and seemed to lose power steering. I was on the interstate switching lanes. Any loss of power steering is a safety risk.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some incidents happen at highway speeds, increasing risk.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly, transmission failures, and loss of power. These issues can leave the truck unable to move and may require costly repairs.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, inoperable brakes and steering, and warning messages. Electrical faults affecting critical systems are especially dangerous.
Owners report a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, sometimes accompanied by other system failures. Brake problems on a heavy truck are a major safety concern.
“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 Veloster N — 6 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
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 Veloster N or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Veloster N has far fewer complaints per year (about 24 vs. 511 for the Silverado), but both have serious reported issues. The Silverado's higher volume means more chances for problems, while the Veloster N's issues tend to cluster around steering and electronics. In practice, the Veloster N may be easier to live with day-to-day if its specific faults are addressed, but the Silverado's sheer number of complaints suggests a higher risk of encountering a problem.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Veloster N averages ~24 complaints/year; Silverado averages ~511/year, a 20-fold difference.
- Top issues: Veloster N is dominated by lane departure and steering complaints; Silverado by engine and power train complaints.
- Recalls: Veloster N has 6 recalls (mostly fuel pump); Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate, steering, seat belts, and brakes.
- Crash/injury reports: Veloster N has 3 crash-related and 3 injuries; Silverado has 117 crash-related and 104 injuries, reflecting its larger fleet and usage.
- Test the lane departure and blind spot systems after any tire change, as owners report false warnings with winter tires.
- Check for any history of power steering failure or warning lights; a sudden loss of assist has been reported while driving.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warnings on Duramax models.
- Test the brakes and transmission carefully; owners report sudden loss of braking and unexpected shifts into neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the steering and electronic systems on the Veloster N, and the engine, transmission, and brakes on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and slow parking maneuvers.
- Check for any warning lights or error messages on the dashboard during the test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake service.
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 Veloster N | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 17 | 934 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 39 | 1992 |
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 Veloster N or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Veloster N vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Veloster N total complaints
- 95
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Hyundai Veloster N total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Hyundai Veloster N avg complaints/year
- 23.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Veloster N
- Hyundai Veloster N top complaint area
- LANE DEPARTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE