Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Prius V vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Prius V 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 V vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Prius V averaged 290 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Silverado averaged 511 per year over 10 years. The Prius V has 15 recalls and 6 deaths reported; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 1 death. Both have brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado's higher complaint rate and recalls suggest more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Prius V or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Prius V
The Toyota Prius V is a hybrid wagon that averaged about 290 complaints per year over six years, with 15 recalls. The most common complaint area is service brakes, followed by electrical system issues. Owners report serious brake problems, including sudden unintended acceleration and loss of braking, as well as electrical glitches that can leave the car undrivable. While the overall complaint rate is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of the brake complaints is concerning.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with 100 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners describe severe issues like engine failure, transmission problems, and sudden loss of braking or steering. The high number of recalls and complaints suggests a pattern of significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Prius V | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,739 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 192 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 289.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 117 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 1 Better |
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 V
- 01SERVICE BRAKES765
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER191
- 04ENGINE181
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL116
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure, sometimes with a loud ringing noise before braking loss. These incidents can lead to crashes and injuries, making it critical to have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
Complaints include starting problems and low battery warnings when accessories are left on. This can leave owners stranded and require costly diagnostics and repairs.
Some owners experience loss of power while driving, with the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive. This can be dangerous on highways and may indicate hybrid system faults.
Reports include exploding sunroofs and sudden lunging forward while braking. These unpredictable events can cause panic and potential injury.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine failure, excessive soot accumulation in diesel models, and loss of motive power. These issues often require major repairs and can leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission problems. This can cause loss of control, especially at low speeds or in parking situations.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking and steering, along with warning messages. These failures can be terrifying and lead to crashes.
Reports of brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, sometimes accompanied by engine pinging. This suggests potential brake system or hydraulic issues that need 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 Prius V — 15 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh…
The risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repa…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota Prius V vehicles manufactured November 7, 2013, to January 7, 2015. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the passenger seat air bag system may be improperly calibrate…
The risk: If the air bag does not deploy as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will re-calibrate of the OCS system, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh…
The risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repa…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall wh…
The risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repa…
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 Prius V or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Prius V has fewer issues per year (about 290 complaints) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511 complaints). However, the Prius V's brake complaints are severe, while the Silverado's problems span multiple major systems. In practice, the Prius V may have fewer overall problems, but the Silverado's higher complaint rate reflects more frequent and varied reliability issues.
Key differences
- The Prius V has a much lower annual complaint rate (about 290 vs. 511 for the Silverado), but its brake complaints often involve sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure.
- The Silverado has a higher number of recalls (100 vs. 15 for the Prius V), indicating more widespread safety issues.
- Engine problems are the top complaint for the Silverado, with reports of failure and loss of power, while the Prius V's top complaint is service brakes.
- Electrical system issues are common in both, but the Silverado's electrical complaints include loss of braking and steering, which are more severe.
- Check for any history of brake problems, including sudden unintended acceleration or unusual noises when braking.
- Inspect the electrical system for starting issues or battery drain, especially if accessories were left on.
- Look for engine issues such as excessive soot in diesel models or loss of power, and check for transmission problems like sudden shifting into neutral.
- Test the brakes and steering thoroughly, as some owners report sudden loss of braking and steering assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brake system, especially for the Prius V, and the engine and transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and parking situations, to check for hesitation, braking issues, or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealership or independent shop familiar with the specific model.
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 V | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 101 | 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 Prius V or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Prius V vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Prius V total complaints
- 1,739
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Prius V total recalls
- 15
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Prius V avg complaints/year
- 289.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Prius V
- Toyota Prius V top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE