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 47.9 complaints per year and 26 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints and 101 recalls. Avalon owners report air bag and electrical issues; Silverado owners report engine and brake failures. 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 full-size sedan with a relatively low complaint volume for its class, averaging about 48 complaints per year over the past decade. Owner reports cluster around air bag deployment failures, electrical glitches like speedometer mismatches and gear slippage, and forward collision avoidance systems that sometimes fail to react. While the Avalon has fewer overall complaints than the Silverado, the presence of 11 deaths and 48 injuries in crash-related reports suggests that when safety systems fail, consequences can be severe.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 800 per year—driven largely by engine, power train, and electrical problems. Owners frequently report severe issues like engine shutdowns while driving, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss, often on very new trucks with low mileage. With 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, the Silverado's reliability picture is more troubled, though it also has far more vehicles on the road.
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 | 479 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 51 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 47.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 48 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 11 | 3 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 that frontal air bags may fail to deploy in a crash, as in one case where a high-speed impact to the front passenger side did not trigger them. This is a critical safety concern, and some owners also note that recall repairs for air bag control modules were delayed due to parts unavailability.
Complaints include a mismatch between the analog speedometer and digital display, and instances where the car jumps out of gear, causing grinding noises and requiring a shift to park. These issues can affect drivability and may indicate deeper transmission or sensor problems.
Some owners say the pre-collision braking system does not respond when cars ahead brake suddenly, potentially increasing rear-end crash risk. This feature is meant to prevent accidents, so its failure undermines a key safety selling point.
Reports include braking difficulties at stop signs and poor rear windshield visibility on sunny days due to glare and interior color. These may seem minor but can contribute to close calls or reduced driver confidence.
“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…”
“A. DAY DRIVING IMPAIRED VISIBILITY-REAR WINDSHIELD: A REAR WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE 2018 TOYOTA AVALON ON SUNNY DAYS.. THE COMBINATION OF THE STEEP ANGLE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD AND THE LIGHT INTERIOR ON THE BACK DECK BEHIND THE REAR SEATS…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' leaving them unable to accelerate. Diesel models also show repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints describe the truck suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, which can cause a loss of power and control. This is often paired with engine issues and can happen at very low mileage.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is reduced, making it hard to stop at intersections. This is a serious safety defect that could lead to crashes.
Reports include the engine shutting off while driving, with all screens going blank and loss of acceleration. These electrical failures can strand drivers and are especially alarming when they occur in traffic.
“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 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags an…
The risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020.…
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 Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags an…
The risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020.…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300,…
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, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for…
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 Avalon or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Avalon has far fewer complaints per year (about 48 vs. 823 for the Silverado), suggesting a lower frequency of reported problems. However, the Avalon's complaints include serious safety issues like air bag non-deployment, while the Silverado's higher volume means more owners experience engine, transmission, and brake failures. In practice, the Avalon may require less frequent repair visits, but the Silverado's issues tend to be more severe and disabling.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 17 times more complaints per year than the Avalon, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Avalon owners report air bag non-deployment and forward collision avoidance failures, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls vs. 26 for the Avalon, covering fuel pumps, air bags, and forward collision warnings.
- Despite fewer complaints, the Avalon has 11 deaths in crash-related reports, compared to 3 for the Silverado, though exposure differs.
- Check for open air bag recalls (e.g., 20V024000) and confirm the restraint control module has been replaced.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system at low speed if possible, and listen for transmission grinding when shifting from park.
- Look for any history of engine stalling or transmission slipping into neutral, especially on 2026 models with low mileage.
- Inspect brake function carefully and ask if the fuel pump control module recall has been addressed.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- Ask for service records showing regular maintenance and any repairs related to engine, transmission, or brakes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, warning lights, or unusual noises when shifting or braking.
- For the Avalon, verify air bag and forward collision systems work; for the Silverado, test engine and transmission behavior at low speeds.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
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 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 21 | 961 |
| 2020 | 10 | 868 |
| 2019 | 70 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 24 | 597 |
| 2017 | 14 | 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 Avalon or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Toyota Avalon inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Avalon vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Avalon total complaints
- 479
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Avalon total recalls
- 26
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Avalon avg complaints/year
- 47.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Avalon top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE