Head-to-head reliability
Toyota 86 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota 86 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 86 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 86 averages 3.5 complaints per year over 4 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year over 10 years. The 86 has 4 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota 86 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 is a sports coupe with a low annual complaint rate of 3.5 per year over four years, but owners report serious engine and fuel system failures. Many complaints note the Subaru-sourced Boxer engine, with sudden engine failure and fuel pump defects that can cause stalling. Recalls for fuel pump and ignition issues add to ownership concerns, though the overall volume is small.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of about 823 per year over ten years, reflecting widespread issues across major systems. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission failures, electrical glitches, and brake loss, with some incidents leading to crashes and injuries. The sheer number of complaints and recalls 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 | Toyota 86 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Toyota 86
- 01ENGINE5
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 04STRUCTURE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report sudden engine failure while driving, causing loss of power and requiring towing. One complaint notes the engine is a Subaru Boxer 4, and another mentions stalling at stoplights that is temporarily remedied by pressing the brake harder. This can leave a driver stranded and poses a safety risk.
Complaints describe a defective fuel pump that can cause the vehicle to stall or become undrivable. One owner states Toyota knowingly sold vehicles with this safety risk. A stall in traffic could lead to a crash.
A complaint describes a large metal object on the road that the driver could not avoid, suggesting potential undercarriage vulnerability. While not a common pattern, it highlights the importance of checking for structural damage in a used car.
One complaint involves steering, though details are limited. Any steering issue is critical for control, so buyers should have the steering system inspected.
“On [XXX], my 2019 Toyota 86 experienced a sudden engine failure while I was driving, causing the vehicle to lose power and become undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ. The dealership initially diagnosed the failure as being cau…”
“Note: even though this is a Toyota vehicle, it has a Subaru Boxer 4 engine. This issue has happened twice this year, once at a stoplight back on May 20 and again Oct. 16 while in line at a Chic Filet. In both cases pressing the brake harder helped keep me fro…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, including a 2026 Silverado with a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase, and a 6.6L Duramax diesel with repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can be costly and leave the truck unusable.
Complaints include a 2026 Silverado that suddenly went into neutral while driving uphill in a parking garage, and another that shut off entirely. Transmission and drivetrain failures can cause loss of control and are expensive to repair.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm brake pedal but ineffective stopping, and engine shutdown while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints report severe loss of normal braking, where the vehicle would not stop at a stop sign, and another where the truck shut off and lost acceleration in a parking lot. Brake failure is a direct safety hazard.
“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 86 — 4 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated…
The risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2017 Toyota 86 vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016 through August 11, 2016 equipped with an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button or manual transmission are not affected. In the affected vehicles, i…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the transmission is not in the "Park" position, the vehicle could roll away increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition key/transmission interlock wiring connections, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service…
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
Toyota 86 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota 86 has far fewer issues per year (3.5 vs. 822.7), but both vehicles have reports of serious safety-related failures. In practice, a Silverado owner is much more likely to experience a problem, while an 86 owner faces a smaller but still potentially severe risk.
Key differences
- The Toyota 86 has 14 complaints over 4 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Toyota 86 complaints center on engine and fuel pump failures, often linked to its Subaru Boxer engine, whereas Silverado complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brake systems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 4 recalls and 2 crash-related for the 86, suggesting broader safety concerns.
- Both vehicles have reports of stalling or loss of power, but the Silverado also has multiple reports of brake failure and transmission issues.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or rough running, especially at idle or stoplights, as owners report sudden engine failure and fuel pump issues.
- Inspect the fuel pump and related components for recalls or service history, since fuel pump defects are a known complaint.
- Test drive and listen for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, as owners report the truck going into neutral unexpectedly.
- Check brake function carefully, including pedal feel and stopping distance, because complaints describe sudden loss of braking assistance.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially fuel pump and ignition recalls for the 86 and fuel pump and brake-related recalls for the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the Toyota 86, specifically ask the mechanic to check for engine misfires, fuel pump operation, and any stored diagnostic trouble codes.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, test all electrical functions, including infotainment and driver-assist features, and check for transmission software updates.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and parking maneuvers to check for stalling, hesitation, or brake issues.
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 86 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 868 |
| 2019 | 10 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 Toyota 86 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota 86 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota 86 total complaints
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota 86 total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota 86 avg complaints/year
- 3.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota 86
- Toyota 86 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE