Head-to-head reliability
Toyota GR86 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota GR86 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 GR86 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The GR86 averages 9.2 complaints per year with 3 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The GR86's main issue is engine failure from oil starvation; the Silverado reports engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota GR86 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is a sports coupe with a relatively low complaint volume: 46 complaints over five years, averaging 9.2 per year. Most owner reports center on engine failures, often described as catastrophic and linked to oil starvation or excessive oil consumption. There are also recurring complaints about fuel lines rubbing and exterior lighting issues. With only 3 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint, the GR86's problems are fewer but can be severe when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners frequently report engine and power train problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and diesel particulate filter issues. Electrical system and brake complaints are also common, with some describing dangerous loss of braking. The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, indicating a broader range of safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota GR86 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 GR86
- 01ENGINE24
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 05POWER TRAIN3
Owners report catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, often with the oil light coming on shortly before failure. Some mention excessive oil consumption without warning and a known issue where excess sealant (RTV) can block the oil pickup tube, leading to engine damage.
Complaints describe fuel lines rubbing against the hood or other components, wearing away the line's surface and risking a fuel leak or burst. This is a fire hazard and should be inspected immediately.
Owners report rear license plate lights dangling or falling out, and rear turn signals that fail to work properly in low sun angles, causing hyperflashing. These are minor but can affect visibility and safety.
Some owners describe structural suspension issues, such as a left front caster change after a tire blowout, and concerns about the RTV sealant defect causing engine oil starvation. These are less frequent but potentially serious.
“1. On [XXX] exactly 1 year after purchasing a 2022 Toyota GR 86 from Toyota of Catonsville the Vehicle's engine failed. Shortly before the failure, the oil light came on, indicating a potential issue with oil circulation. 2. The engine then failed catastrophi…”
“COMPONENT/SYSTEM FAILURE: Engine - Catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation on August 4, 2025. FA24 engine consumed excessive oil without triggering oil pressure warning light or low oil level indicator. Oil was changed at 500 miles after purchase an…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, even at low speeds, and transmission failures. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical glitches can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and complete vehicle shutdown while driving, requiring restart. Brake problems are among the most safety-critical issues a buyer should check.
“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 GR86 — 3 recalls
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: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 BRZ and Toyota GR86 vehicles. The rear turn signals may intermittently become inoperative.
The risk: Inoperative rear turn signals may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both rear combination lamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Subaru owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Toyota owners may contact Toyota cus…
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.
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 GR86 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota GR86 has far fewer complaints per year (9.2 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (3 vs. 101), but its engine failures can be catastrophic. The Silverado's much higher complaint volume and broader range of issues mean a higher likelihood of encountering problems, though many are covered by recalls. In practice, the GR86 may be less troublesome overall but still carries a risk of major engine damage.
Key differences
- The GR86's most common complaint is engine failure due to oil starvation, while the Silverado's top complaint is also engine-related but includes shutdowns and diesel particulate filter issues.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the GR86, indicating a much higher safety risk profile.
- Fuel line rubbing is a specific GR86 concern that can lead to leaks, whereas Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The GR86 has only 3 recalls, while the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings, suggesting more widespread manufacturing issues.
- Check for any signs of oil consumption or low oil pressure warnings; inspect the oil pan for excessive RTV sealant that could block the oil pickup tube.
- Inspect fuel lines in the engine bay for rubbing marks or wear, especially near the hood and injector rails.
- Test drive and check for any hesitation, sudden engine shutdowns, or transmission slipping; ask about any diesel particulate filter service history on diesel models.
- Inspect brake function carefully and look for any electrical glitches such as warning lights or screen blanking; check for open recalls on fuel pump and forward collision warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the GR86 for engine oil consumption, fuel line wear, and suspension alignment.
- For the Silverado, test all electrical systems, brakes, and transmission operation, and scan for stored error codes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially oil changes for the GR86 and diesel particulate filter services for the Silverado.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 GR86 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 4 | 157 |
| 2024 | 3 | 527 |
| 2023 | 18 | 450 |
| 2022 | 21 | 1390 |
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 GR86 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota GR86 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota GR86 total complaints
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota GR86 total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota GR86 avg complaints/year
- 9.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota GR86
- Toyota GR86 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE