Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the KIA Sorento 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 Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sorento averages 207 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have reports of stalling and brake issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sorento or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that averages about 207 complaints per year over the past decade, with 30 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve the engine, electrical system, and power train, often manifesting as stalling, power steering failure, or transmission warnings. These patterns suggest that while many Sorentos may run fine, a notable number of owners face sudden, safety-relevant failures that can be stressful and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls over the same period. Owner reports frequently cite engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission issues, and brake loss. The volume of complaints and recalls indicates that Silverado ownership may involve more frequent trips to the dealer for repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sorento | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,074 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 Sorento
- 01ENGINE829
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER379
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM314
- 04POWER TRAIN239
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING201
Owners report stalling while driving, sometimes with a 'STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY' warning, and electronic power steering failure that makes the wheel extremely stiff. These issues can leave a driver struggling to control the vehicle, especially at speed.
Complaints include transmission warning lights and messages about the Transmission Control System, as well as stalling when braking at intersections. Such electrical glitches can cause the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly, requiring a manual restart.
Owners describe transmission warning lights and stalling while braking or waiting at lights, forcing a restart. These power train problems can strand a driver or create dangerous situations in traffic.
Reports include electronic power steering failure and stalling while driving uphill, with some owners denied goodwill repairs. These vague but serious issues highlight the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
“While driving my 2021 Kia Sorento, the electronic power steering suddenly failed/intermittently cut out while the vehicle was in motion. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making the vehicle very hard to control and creating a se…”
“I own a 2021 Kia Sorento 2.5L Turbo AWD with approximately 150,000 miles. In the evening, while driving home after dinner with my daughter in the vehicle, I was traveling in the area of [XXX] and [XXX] when the vehicle displayed a “STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY” wa…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave a driver without power on the road.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission problems. This can cause a loss of acceleration and control, especially in parking garages or traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features and leave the driver unable to stop or steer normally.
Reports include a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. Brake failure is a severe safety concern that demands 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.
KIA Sorento — 30 recalls
The defect: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 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 loss of drive power.
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 December 9, 2022. Owners…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Veh…
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 Sorento or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Kia Sorento has far fewer complaints per year (about 207) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (30 vs. 101). In practice, this means a Sorento owner is less likely to experience frequent repair visits, but both vehicles have reports of serious safety issues like stalling and brake loss. The Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of encountering problems, though individual vehicle condition varies.
Key differences
- The Kia Sorento averages about 207 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, meaning Silverado owners report issues roughly four times as often.
- Sorento complaints often involve stalling and power steering failure, whereas Silverado complaints frequently include engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years compared to 30 for the Sorento, indicating more manufacturer-issued fixes for the truck.
- Both vehicles have reports of sudden loss of power or braking, but the Silverado's higher complaint and recall counts suggest a broader range of potential problems.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or stalling when braking or at low speeds, and listen for unusual noises from the engine or steering.
- Ask for service records to see if the electronic power steering or transmission control system has been repaired or updated, as these are common complaint areas.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low and high speeds; a firm pedal with poor stopping power is a reported red flag.
- Check for any warning messages about the transmission, engine, or diesel particulate filter, and ask if the truck has had software updates or recalls addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any stalling, warning lights, or unusual steering and braking behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes, transmission service, and any recall repairs.
- For the Silverado, specifically inquire about diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and for the Sorento, ask about power steering and transmission software updates.
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 Sorento | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 120 |
| 2025 | 75 | 157 |
| 2024 | 41 | 527 |
| 2023 | 121 | 450 |
| 2022 | 189 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 20 | 961 |
| 2020 | 136 | 868 |
| 2019 | 428 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 254 | 597 |
| 2017 | 804 | 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 Sorento or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado
- KIA Sorento total complaints
- 2,074
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 207.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sorento
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE