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 averaged 9.3 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. MR2 owners report transmission and engine failures; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and 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 two-seat sports car with a mid-engine layout, and its complaint pattern is dominated by transmission and engine issues rather than crash safety. Over eight years, it averaged 9.3 complaints per year and had no recalls, but owners report expensive failures like a $3,500 transmission repair and engine bearing problems. The main takeaway is that living with an MR2 means budgeting for potential drivetrain repairs, especially if it has the automated manual transmission.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging 822.7 per year, plus 101 recalls. Owners report serious issues including engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems even on very new trucks. The data suggests that while the Silverado is capable, it has a wide range of reported reliability problems that can affect safety and cost of ownership.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 MR2
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 04SERVICE BRAKES8
- 05ENGINE6
Owners of the MR2 Spyder with the SMT (clutchless manual) transmission report it failing to shift, slipping out of gear into neutral, and requiring expensive repairs—one owner paid $3,500 to replace two assemblies. This matters because the car can become undrivable without warning, and fixes are costly.
Complaints include a ticking noise leading to a spun bearing due to oil starvation, even with regular oil changes, and clutch replacements that revealed the transmission also needed replacing. These are major mechanical failures that can strand a buyer and cost thousands.
One owner reported sudden acceleration without pressing the pedal, causing a crash into a curb; another said the SMT slipped into neutral mid-drive and only reset after disconnecting the battery overnight. These issues can lead to loss of control or unexpected stops.
Although some brake complaints may be for other Toyota models, owners report undersized calipers, warped rotors, and violent shaking when braking. This can make stopping unpredictable and require frequent brake work.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that need dealer service. These can leave you stranded and may recur even after repairs.
Complaints include a new truck suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues on the 6.2L model. This can cause loss of power and potential rollback, which is dangerous in traffic.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and the engine shutting off with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions.
Similar to electrical complaints, some owners describe the truck completely shutting off and losing braking ability in parking lots. This means the brakes may not work as expected during low-speed maneuvers, increasing crash risk.
“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 — 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 MR2 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota MR2 has far fewer issues per year (9.3 vs. 822.7) and no recalls, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and many more complaints. In practice, the MR2 is a simpler, lower-volume sports car with concentrated drivetrain problems, whereas the Silverado's issues are widespread and often involve safety-critical systems like brakes and engine shutdowns.
Key differences
- The MR2 has 0 recalls and 74 complaints over 8 years, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and 8,227 complaints over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- MR2 owners most often report transmission and engine failures, such as SMT shifting problems and spun bearings, which are expensive but not typically sudden safety failures.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission going into neutral, which are safety-critical and can happen even on new trucks.
- The MR2's complaints are concentrated in a few components, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes, suggesting broader reliability concerns.
- Test the SMT transmission thoroughly: check for delayed or missed shifts, slipping into neutral, and any warning lights; a replacement can cost thousands.
- Listen for engine ticking noises and check for oil consumption or low oil pressure, as spun bearings have been reported even with regular maintenance.
- During a test drive, watch for any sudden engine shutdown, warning messages like 'Return to Neutral', or loss of braking; these are reported even on low-mileage trucks.
- Check for transmission hesitation or unexpected neutral engagement, especially at low speeds or uphill, and verify that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the Silverado's 101 recalls.
- For the MR2, have a mechanic inspect the SMT transmission and engine for bearing noise or oil starvation signs before purchase.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and in parking lots to check for engine stalling, brake loss, or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly oil changes for the MR2 and any transmission or electrical repairs for the Silverado.
- Budget for potential repairs: MR2 transmission fixes can exceed $3,000, while Silverado electrical or engine issues may require dealer visits.
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
- 8,227
- Toyota MR2 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota MR2 avg complaints/year
- 9.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota MR2
- Toyota MR2 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE