Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Veloster vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Hyundai Veloster 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Veloster averages 129 complaints/year with 18 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints/year with 101 recalls. Both have engine issues, but the Silverado also has brake and transmission complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Veloster or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback that averages about 129 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating the reports. Owners frequently describe engine failures, often after knock sensor software updates, and electrical problems that can cause stalling. With 18 recalls and 57 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—with engine, power train, and brake problems leading the list. Owners report serious issues like sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures, even on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths, it's a high-maintenance vehicle that requires vigilance.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Veloster | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,292 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 42 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Veloster
- 01ENGINE530
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM210
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER179
- 04POWER TRAIN142
- 05STEERING126
Owners report engine failure, often after a knock sensor software update, leading to stalling or complete shutdown. This can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs.
Complaints include stalling when taking your foot off the brake, black smoke from the exhaust, and burnt smells, indicating potential engine death. These symptoms can make the car undrivable and pose safety risks.
Reports of clicking noises when shifting, shuddering, and sudden revving with loss of traction control. These issues can affect drivability and safety, especially in bad weather.
While fewer complaints, steering problems are noted, which can affect control. Any steering issue is a serious safety concern.
“I took my vehicle in to get the initial KSDS recall campaign updated (knock sensor). The car failed on my way home from the dealership and they scheduled me the next day to fix the problem (the acknowledged the knock sensor update caused the failure and is th…”
“I own a 2017 hyundai veloster with roughly 122,000 miles on it, recently I got in my car to go to work, started the vehicle and exited my apartment complex onto a local road drove roughly a half mile to the on ramp for the highway, the car was just about up t…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive soot accumulation in diesel models, and sudden loss of power. These can happen at low mileage and leave you stranded.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral, transmission shuddering, and failure to accelerate. This can cause dangerous situations, especially in traffic.
Reports of sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and screen blackouts. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions.
Owners describe brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, and complete brake loss. This is a severe safety hazard that requires immediate attention.
“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 — 18 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.
The risk: The door opening could result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number f…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
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 Veloster or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Veloster has far fewer complaints per year (about 129 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious engine and safety issues. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems, but the Veloster's engine failures can be just as devastating. In practice, the Veloster may be easier to live with if you avoid the problematic years, while the Silverado demands more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Veloster's top complaint is engine (530), often tied to knock sensor recalls, while the Silverado's top complaint is also engine (2521) but includes diesel soot issues and sudden shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls vs. 18 for the Veloster, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Brake problems are prominent in the Silverado (1222 complaints) but not in the Veloster's top five, highlighting a critical safety difference.
- The Veloster has 0 deaths reported, while the Silverado has 3, though this doesn't guarantee safety and depends on many factors.
- Check for any history of engine knock sensor recalls or updates, as these have been linked to subsequent engine failures.
- Test drive extensively and listen for clicking noises when shifting or shuddering, which could indicate power train issues.
- Inspect brake function carefully; reports of sudden brake loss even with a firm pedal are alarming.
- Check for transmission behavior, especially any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, and review recall history for fuel pump and brake issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes, focusing on known issues like knock sensor updates for the Veloster and brake/transmission problems for the Silverado.
- Test drive in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to detect stalling or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine-related repairs.
- For the Silverado, verify that the diesel particulate filter (if equipped) has been serviced and check for excessive soot codes.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 961 |
| 2020 | 24 | 868 |
| 2019 | 42 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 50 | 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 Veloster or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Veloster vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Hyundai Veloster total complaints
- 1,292
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Hyundai Veloster total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Hyundai Veloster avg complaints/year
- 129.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Veloster
- Hyundai Veloster top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE