Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sedona vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Sedona 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
KIA Sedona vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sedona averages 83 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have engine and electrical issues, but the Silverado also has frequent brake and power train complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sedona or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sedona
The Kia Sedona is a minivan that averages about 83 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with 24 recalls. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and sliding doors that may not stay closed. Owners report oil consumption, sudden power loss, and doors opening while driving, which can be alarming. Overall, it has a lower complaint rate than the Silverado but still has notable safety-related problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe severe issues like engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission problems even at low mileage. The high volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sedona | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 830 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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.
KIA Sedona
- 01ENGINE322
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM171
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER108
- 04STRUCTURE101
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING76
Owners report oil consumption issues, often noticed before 100,000 miles, and sudden power loss where the vehicle slows from highway speeds to 10-20 mph. These can lead to dangerous situations on interstates.
Complaints include unexpected braking at highway speeds with warning lights, and sliding doors that open while driving due to auto-close mechanism failures. These electrical glitches can compromise safety.
The sliding doors may not latch completely, causing them to open while driving and triggering alarms. This is a recurring structural issue that owners find hazardous.
Some owners report ECU communication failures that shut down the engine while driving and trigger anti-theft systems. This can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
“March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil ch…”
“Problem: The Vehicle Slows down all of a sudden on the middle of the road from around 70 miles to 10 miles, then slowly drives at 15 or 20 miles speed. Safety Concern: On the Interstate Hwy, this has happened many time. Fortunately without any accidents. Very…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restarts, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These issues can occur at very low mileage, leaving families stranded.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and engine shutdowns, even at low speeds in parking lots. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic.
Owners describe severe loss of braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, and engine shut-offs with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical faults can lead to crashes.
Reports of sudden brake failure where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, and complete shutdowns while driving. Brake problems are a critical 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.
KIA Sedona — 24 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.
The risk: If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
The defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
The risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air b…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-8…
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
KIA Sedona or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Sedona has far fewer complaints per year (83 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (24 vs. 101), suggesting it may have fewer issues overall. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference means the Silverado is likely to require more frequent attention, but the Sedona still has notable risks.
Key differences
- The Kia Sedona has about 83 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823 per year, a tenfold difference.
- Sedona owners frequently report sliding door malfunctions that can open while driving, a unique safety concern.
- Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake failures even at very low mileage, indicating potential early-life problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the Sedona, covering more systems like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Check the sliding doors for proper latching and auto-close function; test them multiple times to ensure they don't reopen while driving.
- Listen for engine noises and check oil levels; ask about oil consumption history and any check engine lights related to O2 sensors.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for any hesitation, sudden neutral shifts, or engine shutdowns; scan for stored codes.
- Inspect brake performance and feel for a firm pedal with poor stopping; ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Sedona, specifically test the sliding doors and ask about any oil consumption or engine work.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, and check for any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any complaints or repairs match the common issues reported.
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 | KIA Sedona | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 961 |
| 2020 | 20 | 868 |
| 2019 | 38 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 48 | 597 |
| 2017 | 134 | 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 KIA Sedona or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sedona vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Sedona total complaints
- 830
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Sedona total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Sedona avg complaints/year
- 83.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sedona
- KIA Sedona top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE