Head-to-head reliability
Toyota MR2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota MR2 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 MR2 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MR2 averages 9.3 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints and 100 recalls. MR2 owners report SMT transmission failures and engine bearing issues; Silverado owners face engine failures and electrical problems causing brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota MR2 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is a niche sports car that rewards enthusiasts but demands attention to maintenance. Owner complaints center on the powertrain, especially the SMT automated manual transmission, which can fail and require costly repairs. Engine issues like oil starvation and bearing failure also appear, along with reports of sudden unintended acceleration. While the MR2 has no recalls, its reliability record is mixed, and buyers should expect potential repair bills.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints and recalls. Owners report serious engine problems, including failures in 6.2L and Duramax diesel variants, as well as transmission issues that can leave drivers stranded. Electrical system faults can lead to sudden loss of braking and steering, making these trucks potentially dangerous. With 100 recalls, the Silverado has a much higher risk of safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota MR2 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 74 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 MR2
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 04SERVICE BRAKES8
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
The SMT (sequential manual transmission) is a common failure point. Owners report it slipping out of gear, failing to shift, or needing complete replacement, costing thousands. This can leave you stranded or require expensive repairs.
Some MR2 engines suffer from oil starvation leading to spun bearings and ticking noises, even with regular oil changes. This can cause catastrophic engine damage if not addressed promptly.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, where the car accelerates without input, potentially causing loss of control and crashes. This is a serious safety concern.
Owners report brake vibration and warped rotors, often due to undersized components. This can reduce braking effectiveness and lead to premature wear.
“TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER SMT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. (5 SPEED - CLUTCHLESS SHIFTING SYSTEM) SMT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY MR2 SPYDER CAR. GOT IT FIXED (OR SO I THOUGHT)AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER EXCESSIVE EXPENSE ($3,500) REPLACING TWO ASSEMBLIES WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AF…”
“Within the first two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a transmission issue where the vehicle would not properly shift gears. I sometimes would try to up or downshift but there would be no change in the display on the gear indicator. Later there b…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including 6.2L motors failing with low mileage and Duramax diesels experiencing excessive soot accumulation in the DPF. These can cause loss of power and require costly repairs.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral, especially when driving uphill, which can be dangerous. Owners also report transmission failures that leave the vehicle inoperable.
Electrical problems can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling. These are critical safety issues that can lead to crashes.
Brake failures are reported, including a firm pedal but reduced braking effect, and complete loss of braking power. This is a severe safety defect.
“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 MR2
No recalls on record.
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 MR2 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota MR2 has far fewer complaints per year (9.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5). While the MR2 has no recalls, its issues are still serious but less frequent. In practice, the MR2 may be more reliable in terms of avoiding major safety recalls, but the Silverado's problems are more widespread and potentially more dangerous.
Key differences
- The MR2 has no recalls, while the Silverado has 100, indicating a much higher rate of safety defects.
- MR2 complaints are mostly about the SMT transmission and engine, while Silverado issues include engine failures, transmission problems, and electrical failures that can disable brakes and steering.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5 per year) compared to the MR2 (9.3 per year), suggesting a greater likelihood of encountering problems.
- Silverado owners report sudden loss of braking and steering, which is a critical safety concern not as prominent in MR2 complaints.
- Inspect the SMT transmission operation carefully, including gear changes and any warning lights, as it is a known failure point.
- Check for engine ticking noises or oil consumption, which could indicate bearing issues or oil starvation.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning messages about brake fluid or system failure.
- Listen for unusual engine sounds and check for any DPF-related warning lights, especially on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Review maintenance records, especially for transmission and engine services.
- Test drive at various speeds and inclines to check for transmission slipping or shifting issues.
- Ask about any previous repairs related to the known problem areas.
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 MR2 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota MR2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota MR2 total complaints
- 74
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota MR2 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota MR2 avg complaints/year
- 9.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota MR2
- Toyota MR2 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE