Head-to-head reliability
Toyota BZ vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota BZ 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 BZ vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BZ has 16 complaints per year and 1 recall, while the Silverado has 510.5 complaints per year and 100 recalls. The BZ's main issue is a 12-volt battery drain; the Silverado's top complaints are engine and power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota BZ or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota BZ
The Toyota BZ is an electric vehicle that, in its first year of NHTSA data, shows 16 complaints and 1 recall. The dominant issue is a 12-volt auxiliary battery that drains while parked, leaving owners stranded with no hazard lights or power. There are also reports of high-voltage battery control failures causing loss of propulsion, and forward collision avoidance braking unexpectedly. Overall, the complaint rate is low, but the failures reported can be sudden and immobilizing.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year, plus 100 recalls. Owners report engine problems, transmission issues, electrical failures, and brake concerns, with some crashes and injuries noted. The volume and variety of complaints suggest a higher likelihood of needing repairs, though many trucks may never experience these issues. The data covers multiple model years and configurations, so not every truck will have every problem.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota BZ | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 BZ
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly drains while the vehicle is parked, sometimes within 46 hours, leaving the car completely inoperative and disabling hazard lights. This can strand you without warning and may require repeated jump-starts or battery replacements.
Some complaints describe a failure of the high-voltage battery control system (Battery ECU) that causes a loss of propulsion. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle can stop moving while in use.
Owners report the automatic braking system engaging unexpectedly, such as while backing into a garage, with a brake warning and a red bar on the camera display. This can startle the driver and potentially cause a loss of control.
One complaint mentions the same 12-volt battery drain affecting visibility systems, though details are limited. A dead battery can also disable wipers and other safety features.
“Vehicle experienced a catastrophic, terminal 12V auxiliary battery parasitic drain that flatlines the system to 0% while parked, creating a severe safety risk by stripping hazard lights and motive power. This is the 3rd identical electrical collapse within 4…”
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery system repeatedly discharges itself and has twice left the vehicle completely inoperative: 7/24/2026 (5.58 V at the battery, parked unplugged ~46 hours after the last drive) and 7/28/2026 (5.95 V, failure during an attempt to ent…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine problems including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some complaints involve the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax engines, with issues occurring at low mileage.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing a loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, and may leave the vehicle unable to move.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine pinging and loss of motive power at highway speeds. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Reports include a severe loss of normal braking shortly after starting a trip, where the vehicle would not stop normally at a stop sign. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to a crash.
“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 BZ — 1 recall
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the high voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LA07 and 26TA11. S…
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 BZ or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota BZ has far fewer complaints per year (16.0) than the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the BZ's issues often involve sudden immobilization or unexpected braking. The Silverado's higher complaint volume and 100 recalls mean a greater chance of encountering a problem, though many owners may never experience one. In practice, the BZ may be less likely to need repairs, but when it fails, it can fail without warning.
Key differences
- The Toyota BZ has 16 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Chevrolet Silverado, a much lower reported rate.
- The BZ's main issue is a 12-volt battery that drains while parked, while the Silverado's top complaints are engine and power train problems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and reports of crashes and injuries; the BZ has 1 recall and no reported crashes or injuries in the data.
- BZ complaints often involve sudden loss of power or unexpected braking; Silverado complaints include transmission shifting to neutral and brake loss.
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery health and ask if it has been replaced; test for parasitic drain by leaving the car parked for a day and checking voltage.
- Ask about any high-voltage battery control module repairs or software updates, and test drive to ensure no warning lights or loss of propulsion.
- Listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights or recent service records on the 6.6L Duramax.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds, and verify that brakes feel firm and stop the truck normally.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and any dealer service records, focusing on battery, electrical, and powertrain repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, including a battery load test for the BZ and a transmission scan for the Silverado.
- For the BZ, ask the seller to leave the car parked unplugged for 24-48 hours before your inspection to check for 12-volt battery drain.
- For the Silverado, test drive at highway speeds and in parking garages to check for engine pinging, loss of power, or transmission slipping.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using the VIN.
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 BZ | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | 98 |
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 BZ or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota BZ vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota BZ total complaints
- 16
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota BZ total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota BZ avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota BZ
- Toyota BZ top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE