Head-to-head reliability
Toyota 4runner vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota 4runner 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
Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 4Runner averages 36.7 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, with 23 vs 100 recalls. Owners report brake and steering failures in the 4Runner, while the Silverado faces engine and powertrain issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota 4runner or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota 4runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV known for off-road capability, but owner complaints over the past decade reveal a pattern of issues that can affect daily driving. With an average of 36.7 complaints per year, the most frequent problems involve brakes, steering, and suspension, often manifesting as sudden stiffness, shaking, or loss of control. These are not just minor annoyances; they can compromise safety and lead to costly repairs, especially as the vehicle ages.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, shows a much higher complaint rate at 510.5 per year, with engine and powertrain issues dominating. Owners report severe problems like sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and electrical glitches that can disable brakes and steering. This pattern suggests that while the Silverado is a workhorse, it may require more frequent and serious repairs, potentially leading to unexpected breakdowns and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota 4runner | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 367 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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.
Toyota 4runner
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER76
- 02SERVICE BRAKES63
- 03STEERING49
- 04SUSPENSION35
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
Owners report the brake pedal becoming stiff and unresponsive, leading to collisions. Some describe a failed brake accumulator, which is part of the master cylinder assembly, requiring expensive replacement.
Complaints include violent shaking of the steering wheel at highway speeds, as if the wheels are about to fall off, and sudden difficulty turning, often due to power steering failure.
The XREAS suspension system has been reported to fail, causing unnatural vibrations and rolling to one side when cornering, which can affect vehicle control.
“We purchased our vehicle new September 2023 from a Toyota dealership. Engine oil dipstick Toyota part 15301-50140 was installed in vehicle and was verified by 50140 stamped on dipstick. I wanted an extra oil dipstick so ordered a replacement through Toyota. T…”
“While driving the 4Runner on a clear road with no vehicles in close proximity, I heard a loud explosion like noise. I looked around and didn’t see any damage, I didn’t strike anything , nothing hit me. As I continued driving I could hear glass noise above and…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and issues with diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer intervention.
Transmission problems include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially during low-speed maneuvers, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical failures can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, with the brake pedal remaining firm but ineffective, and warning messages appearing on the dash.
“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.
Toyota 4runner — 23 recalls
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC will mail a new modified label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET23A.
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2022 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The driver's side high beam may be inoperable after the installation of accessory fog lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108,…
The risk: An inoperable driver's side high beam may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 11, 2022. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET21A.
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard num…
The risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may con…
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
Toyota 4runner or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota 4Runner has significantly fewer complaints per year (36.7 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (23 vs 100), indicating a more reliable ownership experience. While both have safety-related issues, the Silverado's higher frequency of engine and powertrain failures suggests a greater likelihood of major repairs and breakdowns.
Key differences
- The 4Runner has far fewer complaints per year (36.7) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported problems.
- The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain failures, which can lead to sudden loss of power, while the 4Runner's top issues are brakes and steering, affecting control.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 23), suggesting more widespread safety defects.
- Electrical system problems in the Silverado can disable brakes and steering, a critical safety concern not as prominent in the 4Runner.
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of stiffness or unusual noises, and check for prior repairs to the master cylinder or brake accumulator.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for any vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel, and have the power steering system checked.
- Check for any engine warning lights or history of loss of power, and have the engine and transmission scanned for codes.
- Test the brakes and steering at low speeds to ensure they respond normally, and look for any electrical issues like flickering lights or warning messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous major repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on brakes, steering, and suspension for the 4Runner, and engine, transmission, and electrical for the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recall information and complaint trends for the specific model year you're considering.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: the 4Runner's brake accumulator replacement is costly, while the Silverado's engine and transmission issues can be even more expensive.
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 | Toyota 4runner | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 56 | 150 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 31 | 0 |
| 2022 | 39 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 35 | 934 |
| 2020 | 33 | 0 |
| 2019 | 64 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 58 | 591 |
| 2017 | 36 | 0 |
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 Toyota 4runner or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota 4runner vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota 4runner total complaints
- 367
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota 4runner total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota 4runner avg complaints/year
- 36.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota 4runner
- Toyota 4runner top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE