Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Mirai vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Mirai 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 Mirai vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mirai averages 2.8 complaints per year with 7 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Silverado reports include engine, power train, and brake issues; Mirai reports include power loss and fuel system problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Mirai or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan with a very small owner base, averaging just 2.8 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners most often report sudden loss of power, often tied to forward collision avoidance or fuel/propulsion system issues, and some describe braking or acceleration problems. With only 7 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, the Mirai's issues are less frequent but can be severe when they occur.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base, generating about 823 complaints per year—far more than the Mirai. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with owners reporting stalling, loss of braking, and transmission problems. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, the Silverado's high volume means many more reported problems, though not every truck will experience them.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Mirai | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 28 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Mirai
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report sudden, total loss of motive power while driving, with multiple dashboard warnings. This can leave the car unresponsive in traffic, creating a serious safety hazard.
Complaints include loss of power due to contaminated hydrogen fuel, which can make the vehicle undrivable. This is a critical issue for a fuel-cell car, as it can strand the driver and raise safety concerns.
Some owners describe unintended acceleration or loss of control, such as brakes not slowing the car or sudden backing-up speed. These incidents can lead to crashes and injuries.
Reports include losing motive power at speed and cascading electrical failures. These problems can cause the car to decelerate unexpectedly, increasing crash risk.
“While driving in traffic, my 2023 Toyota Mirai suffered a sudden and total loss of motive power. The vehicle became completely unresponsive while in 'Drive', presenting a severe safety hazard. The dashboard displayed multiple cascading warnings, including 'FC…”
“I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the malfunction of the Teammate Advanced Drive package in my recent purchase of a 2022 Mirai Limited edition, with the Vehicle Identification Number (V…”
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.' There are also diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can leave the truck disabled and create dangerous situations.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking garages or on the road, leading to loss of control.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs while driving. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety functions.
Reports include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Brake failures are especially dangerous and can lead to crashes.
“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 Mirai — 7 recalls
The defect: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the…
The risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic cont…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TA01 and 24LA0…
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 Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the…
The risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number…
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 Mirai or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Mirai has far fewer complaints per year (2.8 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls, but its reported issues often involve sudden power loss. The Chevrolet Silverado's much higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, though many are common to high-volume trucks. In practice, the Mirai may have fewer overall incidents, but the Silverado's issues are more widely documented and may be easier to diagnose.
Key differences
- The Mirai averages 2.8 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Mirai owners frequently report sudden loss of power tied to forward collision avoidance and fuel system, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to the Mirai's 7 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints.
- Mirai issues often involve advanced driver-assist and hydrogen fuel components, while Silverado issues are more traditional mechanical and electrical systems.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or forward collision avoidance warnings; ask for service records related to software updates or fuel system repairs.
- Inspect the hydrogen fuel system for contamination signs and ensure all recalls (especially electronic stability control and back-over prevention) have been performed.
- Look for evidence of engine stalling or transmission problems; test drive at various speeds and check for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.'
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for fuel pump control and forward collision warnings, have been addressed; check brake function carefully during test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic experienced with the model, focusing on the components listed in complaints.
- For the Mirai, verify hydrogen fuel system integrity and test all driver-assist features.
- For the Silverado, test drive extensively, including highway and parking lot maneuvers, to check for stalling, braking, and transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past incidents of power loss, brake failure, or engine shutdown.
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 Mirai | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 0 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 6 | 450 |
| 2022 | 10 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 1 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1 | 868 |
| 2019 | 4 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 2 | 597 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 Mirai or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Mirai vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Mirai total complaints
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Mirai total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Mirai avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Mirai
- Toyota Mirai top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE