Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Corolla IM vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Corolla IM 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 Corolla IM vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Corolla IM has 8 complaints over 2 years (4/year) and 1 recall, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 3 injuries for the Corolla IM. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Corolla IM or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Corolla IM
The Toyota Corolla IM is a compact hatchback with a very low complaint volume: 8 complaints over 2 years, averaging 4 per year. Owners report issues with forward collision avoidance, steering, and power train, but the small sample means patterns are less clear. With only 1 recall and 2 crash-related complaints, it appears to have fewer reported problems than the Silverado, but any single failure can still be serious.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with many reports of stalling, transmission failure, and brake loss. It also has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, indicating a higher frequency of safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Corolla IM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 IM
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 02STEERING2
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04TIRES1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners report that the forward collision warning and automatic braking may not work, and some say the steering wheel locked during a left turn, leading to a crash. This matters because these systems are meant to prevent accidents, and if they fail, you lose an important safety net.
One owner described a steering wheel lock during a left turn that caused them to hit a curb. A steering failure can make the car hard to control, especially at speed, so any unusual steering feel should be checked immediately.
A owner reported that while driving at 65 mph, the RPM dropped to zero, the car lost speed, the brakes became hard to press, and the transmission blew out. This suggests a sudden loss of power and braking assist, which is dangerous on the highway.
One owner said all four tires had defective belts that caused a blowout, and a recall was issued for the temporary spare tire. Tire defects can lead to blowouts and loss of control, so tire condition and recall history are important to check.
“ok so what had happen is the cars so call foward collision of the speific car did nit work steering wheel lock when i made a left turn and i hit a curve lane departure did not work or anything i just hit the curve and not too long ago on sept 2021 i had a fen…”
“"Precollition system malfunction" "visit your dealler". "Headlight system malfunction" " visit your dealer". Codes: B124C, C1AAO.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines report rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and engine shutdowns while driving. These can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power in traffic.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, transmission failure, and loss of acceleration even at low speeds. A transmission that fails or slips can make the truck undrivable and create a safety hazard.
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' as well as severe loss of braking. Electrical glitches that cut engine power or brakes are serious because they can happen without warning.
Some owners experienced a sudden loss of normal braking, where the pedal felt firm but the truck would not stop. Brake failure is a critical safety issue, and any sign of reduced braking should be inspected immediately.
“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 IM — 1 recall
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…
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 Corolla IM or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Corolla IM has far fewer complaints per year (4 vs. about 823) and fewer recalls (1 vs. 101), suggesting a lower reported rate of problems. However, the Silverado's much larger sales volume means the raw numbers are not directly comparable, but the types of failures reported—engine stalls, brake loss, transmission failure—are more severe and frequent in the data.
Key differences
- The Corolla IM has 8 complaints over 2 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Corolla IM complaints center on forward collision avoidance, steering, and power train, while Silverado complaints are dominated by engine, power train, electrical, and brake issues.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 1 recall and 0 deaths for the Corolla IM.
- Silverado owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, whereas Corolla IM owners report collision system malfunctions and a transmission blowout.
- Check that the forward collision avoidance system and lane departure warning are functioning—look for warning lights or error messages like 'Precollision system malfunction.'
- Test the steering for any locking or unusual resistance, especially during turns, and ask if the temporary spare tire recall was performed.
- Listen for engine noises, check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, and ask about any history of engine shutdowns or transmission slipping.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and stopping power, and check for electrical issues like random stalling or messages about shifting to neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints for each model.
- For the Corolla IM, test the forward collision warning, lane departure, and steering at low and highway speeds.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission fault codes and test the brakes and electrical system during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any major repairs (transmission, engine, brakes) have been done.
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 Corolla IM | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Corolla IM or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Corolla IM vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Corolla IM total complaints
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Corolla IM total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Corolla IM avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Corolla IM
- Toyota Corolla IM top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE