Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Grand Highlander 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 Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Grand Highlander averages 107 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. Owners report stalling and fuel odors in the Toyota, and engine failures and brake loss in the Chevy. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a relatively new model, with complaints concentrated in its first three years. Owners report issues with the powertrain, engine, and fuel system, including hesitation, stalling, and fuel odors. There are also reports of structural problems like a sunroof explosion and debris damaging the AC condenser. While the volume is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of these issues suggests potential reliability concerns for early buyers.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a longer history and a much higher number of complaints, averaging over 500 per year. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain failures, including severe problems like loss of power and transmission issues. Electrical system and brake complaints are also notable, with reports of sudden brake loss and steering failure. This pattern indicates that the Silverado, especially in recent model years, may have significant reliability and safety challenges.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Grand Highlander | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 321 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Grand Highlander
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER87
- 02POWER TRAIN62
- 03ENGINE54
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM44
- 05STRUCTURE33
Owners report hesitation and stalling when accelerating from a stop, sometimes leading to lurching or being stuck at intersections. There are also reports of left front axle failure, which can affect drivability and safety.
The engine can stall completely when trying to go after stopping, which is dangerous in traffic. Overheating issues have also been reported, with one case leading to smoking and a dealership unable to provide a fix.
Strong gasoline odors are noticed after driving, with visible vapors from the gas tank. This indicates a potential fuel leak or vapor issue that could be a fire hazard and is toxic to inhale.
The sunroof can explode without warning, causing a loud noise and blowout. Additionally, the front grille design allows debris to damage the AC condenser, leading to costly repairs not covered by warranty.
“Due to the design of the grill located at the front end of the 2025 toyota grand highlander the vehicle poses vulnerability for multiple debris items to fly up into exposed air conditioning condensor. The damage caused by the debris is not covered by the warr…”
“Component that failed: Sunroof How was safety at risk: I was driving my 2025 Grand Highlander on Sunday, [XXX} in the morning. While I was driving, my sunroof exploded, causing a loud noise and a blowout in the front part of the sunroof (pictures included). T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including catastrophic failures in the 6.2L motor that left a family stranded far from home. Diesel models experience repeated DPF soot accumulation, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues are reported, such as the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can cause loss of control. There are also reports of drivetrain problems leading to loss of motive power.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as a loud pinging sound from the engine. These issues are intermittent but can be severe, posing a high safety risk.
Brakes can fail suddenly, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This is a critical safety issue that has led to near-misses and requires immediate attention.
“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 Grand Highlander — 9 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
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…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
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 Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has far fewer complaints per year (107) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Grand Highlander's problems are still serious, including stalling and fuel leaks. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering major failures, but both vehicles have safety-relevant defects that buyers should consider.
Key differences
- The Grand Highlander has a much lower complaint rate (107/yr) than the Silverado (510/yr), but its issues include stalling and fuel leaks that can be dangerous.
- The Silverado's engine problems are more frequent and severe, with reports of complete engine failure and DPF issues in diesels.
- Brake and electrical failures are prominent in the Silverado, leading to loss of braking and steering, while the Grand Highlander has fewer such reports.
- The Grand Highlander has structural issues like sunroof explosion and debris damage to the AC condenser, which are not common in the Silverado.
- Inspect the sunroof for any signs of stress or previous replacement, and check for recalls related to the sunroof.
- Test acceleration from a stop to see if there is any hesitation or stalling, and check for fuel odors around the gas tank.
- Check for any engine warning lights and listen for unusual pinging sounds; have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond properly, and check for any electrical issues like flickering lights or warning messages.
Before you buy
- Review the NHTSA recall lists for both vehicles and ensure any open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- For the Grand Highlander, ask about the AC condenser protection and whether the grille has been modified.
- For the Silverado, request service records for any engine or transmission repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax engines.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic to check for stalling or hesitation.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
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 Grand Highlander | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 | 98 |
| 2025 | 66 | 150 |
| 2024 | 226 | 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 Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Grand Highlander total complaints
- 321
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Grand Highlander total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Grand Highlander avg complaints/year
- 107.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE