Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Sequoia vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Sequoia 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 Sequoia vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sequoia averages 12.8 complaints per year with 32 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 3 deaths reported versus 0 for the Sequoia. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Sequoia or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 128 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 13 per year. Owners most often report issues with interior door handles breaking, sunroofs shattering, and occasional electrical glitches like warning lights. Recalls cover fuel pumps and power steering, but the overall pattern suggests fewer day-to-day problems than many large SUVs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission issues, electrical failures, and brake concerns, often on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the data shows a much higher rate of serious issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Sequoia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 128 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Sequoia
- 01STRUCTURE26
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER25
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 04POWER TRAIN13
- 05SERVICE BRAKES13
Owners report interior door handles breaking within low mileage, which could hinder escape in an emergency. Sunroofs have also shattered unexpectedly while driving, posing a risk of injury from glass.
Complaints include adaptive collision warning sensors illuminating randomly and blind spot monitoring errors appearing shortly after purchase. These glitches can distract the driver and may require dealer visits to reset.
Some owners describe unintended reversing when the driver's door is opened while parked, and others report temporary failure to accelerate at highway speeds. These incidents, though not widespread, could be dangerous in traffic.
While fewer complaints appear here, any brake issue is serious. Owners have not reported a dominant pattern, but the component is among the top five, so a pre-purchase brake inspection is wise.
“We have had 3 interior door handles malfunction within 12,000 miles. This poses a serious risk if the vehicle was in an accident where there was a fire and the interior door handle malfunctioned. Toyota has yet to publish a recall, but it is widely documented…”
“While I was driving on the freeway, my family and I heard a loud bang. I pulled over to check and discovered that our sunroof had exploded. We went to a Toyota dealership to have it examined, but the staff claimed it was caused by a rock. We opened the sunsha…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other failures at very low mileage. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the truck suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission problems that cause loss of power. Such failures can happen in parking lots or on the road, increasing crash risk.
Drivers report sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and blank instrument screens. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features without warning.
Owners describe the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems at any speed are a major safety concern.
“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 Sequoia — 32 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorr…
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall i…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorr…
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall i…
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 Sequoia or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sequoia has far fewer complaints per year (about 13) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Sequoia owners report fewer recurring problems, while Silverado owners face a much higher likelihood of experiencing engine, transmission, electrical, or brake issues, sometimes on brand-new trucks.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 64 times more complaints per year than the Sequoia, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Sequoia owners report structural problems like door handles and sunroofs, while Silverado owners report critical failures like engine shutdown and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 32 for the Sequoia, and 3 deaths versus 0 in the data.
- Silverado complaints often involve very new vehicles (under 10,000 miles), suggesting early-life reliability concerns.
- Check all interior door handles for smooth operation and signs of weakness, as they are a common failure point.
- Inspect the sunroof for cracks or previous replacement, and test it for proper function, since shattering has been reported.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine noises or hesitation; ask for service records for engine or transmission work.
- Check for any stored error codes related to brakes or electrical systems, and verify that all safety warnings and screens function correctly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models.
- For the Sequoia, test every door handle and the sunroof; for the Silverado, test the brakes, transmission shifting, and electrical features.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Sequoia for power train and brake issues, and the Silverado for engine, transmission, and brake problems.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if common issues apply.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed acceleration.
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 Sequoia | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 10 | 157 |
| 2024 | 37 | 527 |
| 2023 | 38 | 450 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 4 | 961 |
| 2020 | 4 | 868 |
| 2019 | 7 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 20 | 597 |
| 2017 | 7 | 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 Sequoia or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Sequoia vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Sequoia total complaints
- 128
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Sequoia total recalls
- 32
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Sequoia avg complaints/year
- 12.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sequoia
- Toyota Sequoia top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE