Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Avalon vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Avalon 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 Avalon vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Avalon averages 47.8 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, a tenfold difference. Avalon owners report airbag recall delays and electrical glitches, while Silverado owners face engine failures and brake loss. The Avalon has 26 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Avalon or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a large sedan that, in ownership terms, presents a mixed picture: it has a moderate complaint rate (about 48 per year) and a history of recalls, but the complaints cluster around specific systems rather than being spread evenly. Owners report issues with airbag recalls not being resolved in a timely manner, electrical gremlins like dashboard lights and sensor malfunctions, and forward collision avoidance systems that may not respond as expected. While not a chronic breakdown risk, the Avalon demands attention to recall completion and electronic system health.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume (over 510 per year) and a long recall list, indicating a more troubled ownership experience. The dominant problems are engine failures, including severe issues like loss of power and excessive soot in diesel particulate filters, and transmission problems that can cause sudden neutral engagement. Brake system complaints, including sudden loss of braking effectiveness, add to the safety concerns. This truck shows a pattern of major mechanical and safety-related failures that could lead to costly repairs and potential hazards.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Avalon | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 478 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 51 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 47.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 48 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 11 | 1 Better |
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 Avalon
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER78
- 02AIR BAGS59
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM58
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE54
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL52
Owners report unresolved airbag recalls, with some waiting over a year for parts or service. This means the frontal airbag may not deploy properly in a crash, a critical safety concern.
Multiple owners describe dashboard warning lights illuminating, including check engine and lane sensor lights, often returning after repairs. Moisture in brake components and sensor failures are cited, leading to repeated dealer visits and out-of-pocket costs.
Complaints include the system failing to prevent a collision, with one report of a fatal rollaway incident. Owners also mention unexpected braking or lack of response, which can undermine trust in the safety tech.
Some complaints involve unintended acceleration or inability to stop, as seen in a report where brakes were applied but the car continued. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to crashes.
“On 11/27/25 around 11:30 am , I went to stop at a stop sign before approaching the main road. I went to stop at the stop sign and hit the brakes as I proceded to turn left on to the main Road there was a car coming on the main road and I hit my brakes to stop…”
“I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY RADIO HANGING UP PHONE CALLS AND SEVERAL OTHER THINGS. AFTER TAKING MY CAR SEVERAL TIME I WAS TOLD IT WILL BE REPLACED. I TOOK MY CAR AND LEFT IT OVER NIGHT MARCH 18TH AND MARCH 19TH. IT HAD A CHARGING LIGHT ON SO THEY SAID…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Frequent reports of engine failure, including sudden loss of power while driving, often with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel engines. Diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requires repeated dealer regeneration, indicating a design or software flaw.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral without warning, especially during low-speed maneuvers like climbing a parking garage ramp. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents.
Electrical issues can lead to severe consequences, such as loss of braking and steering while driving at highway speeds, as reported by one owner. This suggests a potential failure in the vehicle's control modules or wiring.
Brake failures are reported, where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This is a critical safety defect that could cause rear-end collisions.
“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 Avalon — 26 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, po…
The risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, po…
The risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
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 Avalon or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Avalon has far fewer complaints per year (about 48) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means Avalon owners are less likely to encounter major mechanical failures, though they still face recall and electronic niggles. The Silverado's higher complaint volume and severe engine/transmission/brake problems suggest a higher risk of costly repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- The Avalon's complaints center on airbag recalls and electrical glitches, while the Silverado's are dominated by engine and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has a much higher annual complaint rate (510 vs 48), indicating a significantly higher frequency of reported problems.
- Brake failures are a notable issue in the Silverado, with reports of sudden loss of braking, whereas the Avalon's brake-related complaints are less frequent and often tied to the forward collision system.
- The Avalon has a recall for fuel pump issues, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors, but the Silverado's recalls are more numerous.
- Check if all airbag recalls have been completed; unresolved recalls are a common complaint.
- Inspect the electrical system for any warning lights or sensor malfunctions, as owners report recurring issues with dashboard lights and moisture in brake components.
- Listen for engine noises or loss of power, especially in 6.2L or Duramax engines; check for any service records related to fuel filter or DPF issues.
- Test the transmission during low-speed maneuvers to ensure it doesn't slip into neutral unexpectedly, and have the brakes inspected for any signs of failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls are performed before purchase.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for any hesitation, shifting issues, or brake anomalies.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues, especially for the Silverado's engine and transmission.
- Check for any open NHTSA investigations or consumer complaints that might indicate a pattern of problems.
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 Avalon | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 21 | 934 |
| 2020 | 10 | 0 |
| 2019 | 69 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 24 | 591 |
| 2017 | 14 | 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 Avalon or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Avalon vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Avalon total complaints
- 478
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Avalon total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Avalon avg complaints/year
- 47.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Avalon top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE