Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Prius C vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Prius C 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 Prius C vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Prius C averages 110.7 complaints per year and has 5 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. The Prius C's main issues are brakes and electrical, whereas the Silverado suffers more engine and power train problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Prius C or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Prius C
The Toyota Prius C is a subcompact hybrid that averages about 111 complaints per year over nine years, with brakes being the most common trouble spot. Owners frequently describe sudden unintended acceleration and unusual brake noises, which can be alarming in daily driving. Electrical gremlins, such as starting problems and sensor-triggered battery warnings, also appear in the complaints. Overall, it's a fuel-efficient car but one where braking and electrical quirks deserve attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners report severe problems like engine shutdowns while driving, transmission failures, and braking loss, often on relatively new trucks. With 101 recalls, it's clear that many systems have required corrective action. This suggests that while capable, the Silverado can be a high-maintenance vehicle with potentially serious safety-related faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Prius C | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 996 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 122 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 110.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 75 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Prius C
- 01SERVICE BRAKES362
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM165
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER145
- 04ENGINE101
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL78
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, where the car lunges forward even with the brake pedal pressed, and loud ringing noises from the brakes. These issues can lead to crashes, especially in parking lots or driveways, so a thorough brake inspection is critical.
Complaints include the car not starting properly if accessories are left on, triggering low battery warnings, and sensors causing erratic behavior. This can leave you stranded and points to a need for checking the battery and charging system.
Some owners describe losing power while driving, with the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive, forcing them to coast to the shoulder. This sudden loss of power can be dangerous on highways and suggests potential issues with the hybrid system or throttle control.
There are reports of unintended acceleration and speed control malfunctions, which overlap with brake complaints. These incidents can be frightening and may indicate software or sensor problems that need addressing.
“On 9/14/22 I was almost a hundred miles from my home in Sherrill, NY on Rte 81 south, approaching the bridge in Binghamton, NY when I heard a loud ringing noise. At first I thought it was my phone; then I thought it was a police vehicle; then a construction n…”
“I HAD AN SUA (SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION). I DROVE UP AN INCLINE INTO THE "DRIVEWAY" OF THE HOLIDAY IN IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO, PULLED UP INTO A SMALL CIRCULAR AREA/DRIVEWAY WHERE YOU CAN REGISTER FOR YOUR ROOM OR PICK UP OR DROP OFF PEOPLE. MY FOOT WAS ON…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' as well as diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in parking garages, and transmission problems. This can cause a loss of motive power and potential rollaways, so testing the transmission thoroughly is wise.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective, and engine shut-offs with electrical warnings. These electrical faults can compromise safety-critical functions and are a major concern.
Reports include complete loss of braking ability and the truck shutting off while braking, leading to inability to stop. Such failures are extremely dangerous and warrant a detailed brake system inspection before purchase.
“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 Prius C — 5 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
The risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Prius C vehicles sold in Puerto Rico. The front passenger air bag and recommended child occupant seating positions label may not have been attached during assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req…
The risk: If the label is missing, occupants may not follow the proper restraint usage guidelines, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners and will mail the removable labels to all known owners of the subject vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for…
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated…
The risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
The risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this…
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 Prius C or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Prius C has far fewer complaints per year (about 111) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (5 vs. 101). In practice, this means the Prius C is likely to have fewer visits to the shop for unexpected repairs, while the Silverado may demand more frequent attention to serious issues like engine and transmission problems.
Key differences
- The Prius C's most common complaint area is service brakes, with reports of unintended acceleration and noise, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems, including shutdowns and diesel particulate filter issues.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 5 for the Prius C, indicating a much higher rate of manufacturer-identified defects.
- Owners of the Silverado report severe safety issues like loss of braking and engine shut-off while driving, whereas Prius C complaints more often involve starting problems and brake noise.
- The Prius C averages about 111 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823, meaning the Silverado generates roughly seven times more complaints annually.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any unusual noises, pulsation, or unintended acceleration; have a mechanic inspect the brake system and hybrid regenerative braking components.
- Check the electrical system, including battery health and starting reliability, especially if accessories were left on; look for any low battery warnings or sensor issues.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to the transmission for any hesitation, sudden neutral shifts, or rough engagement; also listen for engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the engine or emissions.
- Inspect the brake system for firm pedal but ineffective braking, and ask about any history of engine shut-offs or electrical glitches; a diagnostic scan can reveal stored codes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website, especially for the Silverado's many recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the brake system for the Prius C and the engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, simulate various driving conditions: for the Prius C, test low-speed braking and acceleration; for the Silverado, test highway merging and parking lot maneuvers.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and electrical repairs on the Prius C, and for engine/transmission service on the Silverado.
- Check for any outstanding recall repairs and ensure they have been completed, as unresolved recalls can pose safety risks.
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 Prius C | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 6 | 597 |
| 2017 | 91 | 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 Prius C or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Prius C vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Prius C total complaints
- 996
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Prius C total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Prius C avg complaints/year
- 110.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Prius C
- Toyota Prius C top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE