Head-to-head reliability
Toyota BZ4X vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota BZ4X 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 BZ4X vs Chevrolet Silverado: The BZ4X has 34 complaints over 3 years (about 11 per year) and 9 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years (about 510 per year) and 100 recalls. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, versus 5 and 2 for the BZ4X. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota BZ4X or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota BZ4X
The Toyota BZ4X is an electric SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 34 complaints over 3 years, averaging about 11 per year. Owners most often report electrical problems, especially 12-volt batteries that won't hold a charge and brake-by-wire failures during one-pedal driving. There are also reports of structural pieces like the front bumper detaching in water and visibility issues with the defroster and A/C compressor. With 9 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints, it's a newer model with a handful of recurring, sometimes serious, electric-specific faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5,105 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 510 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and brake failures. There are 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, including 104 injuries and 1 death. This is a high-volume vehicle with a long list of reported issues, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota BZ4X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 34 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 BZ4X
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 03STRUCTURE6
- 04VISIBILITY5
- 05WHEELS5
Owners report the 12-volt battery repeatedly losing its charge, sometimes needing replacement multiple times within a year. There are also reports of sudden brake-by-wire failure while using one-pedal driving, where the vehicle fails to slow down. These issues matter because they can leave you stranded or reduce braking confidence.
Some owners say the front bumper or undercarriage shield detaches after driving through water, even at low speeds. This suggests clips or fasteners may be weak, leading to costly repairs and potential road hazards.
Complaints include the electric A/C compressor failing with a loud grinding noise and the defroster not blowing hot air onto the windshield. A non-working defroster can severely limit visibility in cold or wet weather.
The BZ4X has a recall for wheel hub issues, and some owners report wheel-related problems. This is a safety concern because wheel detachment can cause loss of control.
“The 12 volt battery does not maintain a charge. I have had it replaced twice. I purchased new January 2025; first battery replaced on March 20, 2025; second battery replaced August 13, 2025. I am currently having the same issue with the battery management sys…”
“The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic brake-by-wire system failure while operating in one-pedal driving (Regeneration Boost mode). While decelerating at a low speed behind an 18-wheeler semi-truck, the vehicle failed to continue slowing down. I immed…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing motive power while driving, sometimes at low speeds in parking garages. This can be dangerous in traffic and points to transmission or software faults.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and electrical failures that disable brakes and steering. These are serious safety issues that could lead to a crash.
Owners describe the vehicle not stopping normally, with the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced. This is a critical safety concern, especially in emergency situations.
“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 BZ4X — 9 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X vehicles. The hub bolts on the wheels may loosen, causing a wheel to detach from the vehicle after low-mileage use.
The risk: A wheel detaching from a moving vehicle can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will replace the hub bolts and wheels, free of charge. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 27, 2022. A second letter will be sent once…
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may conta…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
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 BZ4X or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota BZ4X has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 510). In practice, that means BZ4X owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report—like brake-by-wire failure and battery drain—can be serious. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a wider range of recurring problems, from engine to brakes, that may require more frequent attention.
Key differences
- The BZ4X averages about 11 complaints per year; the Silverado averages about 510 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- BZ4X owners most often report 12-volt battery drain and brake-by-wire failures; Silverado owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures that can cause loss of power or stopping ability.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, while the BZ4X has 9 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints.
- Both have serious safety-related complaints, but the Silverado's are more numerous and span more systems, including engine, power train, and brakes.
- Check the 12-volt battery health and ask if it has been replaced; multiple replacements are a common complaint.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially in one-pedal driving mode, and ask if any brake-by-wire software updates or recalls have been applied.
- Listen for engine noises and check for loss of power or transmission issues during a test drive, especially in newer models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and in emergency stops; reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness are a major concern.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed for the specific model year.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the systems with the most complaints (electrical and brakes for BZ4X; engine, transmission, and brakes for Silverado).
- For the BZ4X, test the defroster, A/C, and check for any unusual noises from the compressor.
- For the Silverado, check for transmission slipping, engine misfires, and brake pedal feel during a thorough test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring issues like battery drain or brake 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 BZ4X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 150 |
| 2024 | 24 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 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 BZ4X or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota BZ4X vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota BZ4X total complaints
- 34
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota BZ4X total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota BZ4X avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota BZ4X
- Toyota BZ4X top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE