Vehicle 1

Toyota 4runner

347 complaints · 23 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

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

Toyota 4Runner vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 4Runner averages 34.7 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 618.0. The 4Runner has 23 recalls, the Silverado 100. Top Silverado issues are engine and powertrain; 4Runner issues include brakes and steering. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Toyota 4runner
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryToyota 4runnerChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
347
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
23
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
35
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
34.7
✓ lower
618.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota 4runner

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER70
2. SERVICE BRAKES62
3. STEERING47
4. SUSPENSION34
5. AIR BAGS32

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 Toyota 4Runner has far fewer complaints per year (34.7) than the Chevrolet Silverado (618.0), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Toyota 4Runner is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck and can accept higher complaint volumes, the Silverado may still suit your needs, but be prepared to check for engine and powertrain issues.

Key Differences
  • Toyota 4Runner: 34.7 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado: 618.0 complaints/year.
  • Toyota 4Runner: 23 recalls vs Chevrolet Silverado: 100 recalls.
  • Top Silverado issues: Engine (1861), Power train (1714), Electrical system (1163).
  • Top 4Runner issues: Unknown/Other (70), Service brakes (62), Steering (47).
⚠ Watch on Toyota 4runner
  • Watch for service brake and steering complaints, which are the top known issues.
  • Air bag complaints (32) are also relatively common for this model.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine and powertrain complaints dominate, with 1861 and 1714 reports respectively.
  • Electrical system issues (1163) are also a major concern.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Inspect brake and steering components for wear or previous repairs.
  • Review service history for any air bag or electrical system work.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Toyota 4runnerChevrolet Silverado
2026
5
51
2025
45
117
2024
8
470
2023
30
385
2022
39
1204
2021
33
864
2020
31
0
2019
64
1941
2018
57
0
2017
35
1148
Toyota 4runner vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota 4runner vs Chevrolet Silverado
Toyota 4runner total complaints
347
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Toyota 4runner total recalls
23
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Toyota 4runner avg complaints/year
34.7
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Toyota 4runner
Toyota 4runner top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota 4runner Reliability & Problems

347 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Toyota 4runner or Chevrolet Silverado?

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