Vehicle 1

KIA Sorento

1,977 complaints · 30 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

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

KIA Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sorento averages 197.7 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Silverado averages 618.0 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have engine issues, but the Silverado has more powertrain complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
KIA Sorento
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryKIA SorentoChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,977
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
30
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
60
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
197.7
✓ lower
618.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Sorento

1. ENGINE795
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER362
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM302
4. POWER TRAIN207
5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING200

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 KIA Sorento has far fewer complaints per year (197.7 vs 618.0) and fewer recalls (30 vs 100), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have significant engine and powertrain complaints, so a buyer should still check for common problems.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the KIA Sorento is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck with towing capability, the Chevrolet Silverado is the only option, but be prepared for more frequent issues, especially with the engine and powertrain.

Key Differences
  • KIA Sorento has 197.7 complaints per year vs Chevrolet Silverado's 618.0 per year.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls vs KIA Sorento's 30 recalls.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 1714 powertrain complaints vs KIA Sorento's 207.
  • KIA Sorento has 200 exterior lighting complaints vs Chevrolet Silverado's 0 in top issues.
⚠ Watch on KIA Sorento
  • Watch for engine problems (795 complaints) and electrical system issues (302 complaints).
  • Check for exterior lighting failures (200 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be aware of engine issues (1861 complaints) and powertrain problems (1714 complaints).
  • Service brake complaints (950) are also common.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Review the vehicle's service history for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Inspect exterior lighting for proper operation.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SorentoChevrolet Silverado
2026
3
51
2025
64
117
2024
35
470
2023
103
385
2022
181
1204
2021
21
864
2020
128
0
2019
412
1941
2018
247
0
2017
783
1148
KIA Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Sorento vs Chevrolet Silverado
KIA Sorento total complaints
1,977
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
KIA Sorento total recalls
30
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
197.7
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
KIA Sorento
KIA Sorento top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA Sorento Reliability & Problems

1,977 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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