Head-to-head reliability

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado

How the Toyota Corolla Cross and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Toyota Corolla Cross285 complaints · 9 recalls Fewer issues per year
Chevrolet Silverado8,227 complaints · 101 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Corolla Cross averages 57 complaints per year and has 9 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 23 injuries for the Corolla Cross. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Toyota Corolla Cross

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that has been on the road for five years, averaging 57 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, including start/stop system glitches and driver information display issues. Steering complaints often involve the wheel locking or losing power assist, sometimes after the car sits in the heat. With 9 recalls and 23 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands attention to electrical and steering behavior.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much longer 10-year history and an average of 823 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. Electrical issues also appear, such as loss of braking and screens going blank. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Silverado's issues can be more severe and frequent.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryToyota Corolla CrossChevrolet Silverado
Total complaintsAll model years combined285 Better8,227
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns9 Better101
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints19 Better233
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years57.0 Better822.7
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints23 Better160
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better3

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 Corolla Cross

  1. 01ENGINE125
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM91
  3. 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER55
  4. 04STEERING54
  5. 05VISIBILITY/WIPER29
What these mean
ENGINE

Owners report engine-related issues including start/stop system defects that can cause driver distraction, and some complain of poor quality control leading to immediate problems after purchase. These can mean frequent dealer visits and frustration with a new vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaints include start/stop system and driver information display problems, which may cause distracting warnings or malfunctions. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect other systems.

STEERING

Some owners describe the steering wheel locking or losing assist, sometimes after the car has been sitting in hot sun. This can happen at low speeds, such as during parking maneuvers, and is a serious safety concern.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Reports include multiple warning lights and steering lock after the car sat in the heat, and a case where the steering wheel became difficult to turn during a three-point turn. These vague but alarming symptoms suggest potential electronic or steering faults.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“Car purchased new from Toyota dealer. Picked up [XXX]. Immediately found faulty problems with interior and exterior of car. No quality control or post delivery checks were conducted. Car brought back to dealer the next working day ([XXX]) and spent a week the…”

“Vehicle: 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross (gas‑powered, non‑hybrid) System/Component: Electrical System → Start/Stop System → Driver Information Display Issue Type: Design Defect / Driver Distraction I am reporting a recurring issue with my 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross…”

Chevrolet Silverado

  1. 01ENGINE2,521
  2. 02POWER TRAIN2,347
  3. 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
What these mean
ENGINE

Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and are costly to fix.

POWER TRAIN

Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that may cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate major mechanical problems.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-off while driving with blank screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.

SERVICE BRAKES

Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot, requiring a restart. Brake failures are among the most serious safety risks.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“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 Corolla Cross — 9 recalls

Equipment — Other — Labels
#24V548000

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.

Service Brakes, Electric — Software/Programming
#24V708000

The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid and 2023-2025 Corolla Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the skid control electronic control unit (ECU) may result in a loss of power brake assist when turning a corner.

The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the skid control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2024. Additionally, notifications to owners of the Corolla Hybrid vehicles were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may cont…

Back Over Prevention — Warnings — External/Pedestrian Alert
#26V203000

The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles. The vehicles may fail to make sufficient pedestrian warning sounds when in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (…

The risk: Insufficient pedestrian warning sounds may fail to alert pedestrians of a reversing vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will update the software for the pedestrian warning sounds, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB08 an…

Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel
#23V384000

The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Corolla Cross vehicles. The instrument panel may have been produced without the required perforation, which could result in the front-passenger air bag not deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wit…

The risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the instrument panel, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for th…

Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls

Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual
#25V815000

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump — Control/Drive Module
#26V129000May 2026

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…

Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual
#26V114000

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…

Tires — Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
#26V530000

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 Corolla Cross or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?

The Toyota Corolla Cross has far fewer complaints per year (57 vs. 823) and fewer recalls (9 vs. 101). In practice, this means the Corolla Cross is likely to spend less time in the shop and have fewer serious safety-related failures. However, even the Corolla Cross has notable steering and electrical complaints that should not be ignored.

Recommendation. If you prioritize lower complaint volume and a smaller chance of major mechanical failures, the Toyota Corolla Cross is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck for heavy duty or towing, the Chevrolet Silverado may be necessary, but be prepared for more frequent repairs and a higher risk of serious issues like engine shutdowns and brake loss.

Key differences

  • The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 9 for the Corolla Cross, meaning more potential safety defects requiring dealer fixes.
  • Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake failures while driving, which are more severe than the Corolla Cross's steering lock and electrical glitches.
  • The Corolla Cross averages 57 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823, indicating a much higher rate of owner-reported problems.
  • Both have electrical issues, but the Silverado's can disable braking and engine power, whereas the Corolla Cross's often involve start/stop and display warnings.
Watch on Toyota Corolla Cross
  • Test the steering at low speeds and after the car has been parked in the sun; listen for unusual noises or feel for locking or heavy steering.
  • Check the start/stop system and driver information display for glitches, warning lights, or messages that don't clear.
Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden neutral shifts, or engine shutdowns, especially at low speeds or in parking lots.
  • Test the brakes firmly from moderate speed; a firm pedal with poor stopping could indicate the reported braking loss issue.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
  • For the Silverado, specifically ask about any history of engine shutdowns, transmission repairs, or brake problems.
  • For the Corolla Cross, test the steering and electrical features thoroughly, including after the car has been sitting in the heat.
  • Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all software updates have been applied.

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.

YearToyota Corolla CrossChevrolet Silverado
20260120
202520157
202445527
2023174450
2022461390
Years to scrutinize: the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross drew the most complaints (174); the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado drew the most (2,003). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Corolla Cross or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Toyota Corolla Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota Corolla Cross vs Chevrolet Silverado
Toyota Corolla Cross total complaints
285
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
8,227
Toyota Corolla Cross total recalls
9
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
101
Toyota Corolla Cross avg complaints/year
57.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
822.7
More reliable overall
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Corolla Cross top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE