Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Sienna vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Sienna 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 Sienna vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Sienna averaged 76.6 complaints per year and had 44 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year and had 101 recalls. The Sienna's issues often involve seats and brakes, whereas the Silverado's include engine shutdowns and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Sienna or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that owners often keep for many years, and the complaint pattern reflects that long-term family use. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 77 complaints per year, with seats being the most common trouble spot. Owners report issues like seat popping, floor mats jamming seat rails, and occasional power train and brake problems. While no vehicle is immune to issues, the Sienna's complaint volume is relatively low for its class.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume is much higher: about 823 per year over the same period. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and braking failures. These issues can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations, especially when they occur at speed. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests a more troubled ownership experience.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Sienna | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 766 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 76.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Sienna
- 01SEATS234
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
- 03POWER TRAIN80
- 04SERVICE BRAKES74
- 05STRUCTURE60
Owners report loud popping noises from the driver's seat when moving it, and second-row seats getting jammed on all-weather floor mats, which can trap passengers. These issues affect comfort and safety, especially if a seat cannot slide or lock properly.
Some owners describe shuddering, RPM jumps, and sudden engine shutdowns while driving, leading to a loss of power. This is dangerous, particularly when transporting children, and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include skidding, ABS warning lights, and abnormal brake noises, which can reduce stopping confidence. Brake issues are critical for a family vehicle and should be checked thoroughly.
There are reports of water leaks from the seat belt area and stained panels near air bags, which could lead to mold or electrical problems. These leaks may also indicate poor sealing that worsens over time.
“We brought our 2022 Toyota Sienna in for service January 2024 for the driver's seat. The seat would make really loud popping noises that sounded like something was loose when the seat moved forward and backward. We brought the vehicle in, and the service tech…”
“PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOYOTA ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS INCLUDED WITH THE 2020 SIENNA DO NOT ALLOW THE 2ND ROW SEATS TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH ON THE RAILS WITHOUT GETTING JAMMED ON THE MATS. MY SON WAS IN THE 3RD ROW AND THE SEAT GOT JAMMED N THE MAT AND HE COULD N…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' leaving them unable to accelerate. Diesel models also show excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can strand drivers and create hazardous situations.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission shuddering or jerking. This can cause loss of control, especially at low speeds or in parking lots, and may indicate serious internal damage.
Reports describe severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and engine shut-offs. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety features and are hard to diagnose.
Owners experience sudden loss of normal braking and complete shutdowns where the truck won't accelerate. Brake failures are extremely dangerous and may require 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 Sienna — 44 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: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.
The risk: If the steering shaft extension completely fractures, it can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: An improperly tightened seatback may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the seat assembly bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA05.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Sienna vehicles equipped with seating for eight passengers. An incorrect seat belt webbing guide may have been installed on the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies.
The risk: During seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, the incorrect webbing guide may damage the seat belt webbing, causing it to tear and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are…
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 Sienna or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sienna has far fewer complaints per year (about 77) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning Sienna owners report fewer problems overall. In practice, this suggests the Sienna may be a less troublesome used vehicle, while the Silverado's higher complaint rate points to more frequent and potentially severe issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times as many complaints per year as the Sienna, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Sienna complaints often involve seats and floor mat interference, while Silverado complaints frequently describe sudden engine shutdowns and braking loss.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls (101 vs. 44) and far more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 36).
- Sienna owners report fewer life-threatening failures, whereas Silverado owners describe dangerous events like engine shut-off while driving.
- Test the driver's seat by moving it forward and backward; listen for loud popping or grinding noises that could indicate a loose or failing seat mechanism.
- Check that second-row seats slide freely on their rails and are not jammed by floor mats; ensure the seats lock securely in place.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or sudden loss of power; ask if the engine or transmission has ever shut off unexpectedly.
- Test the brakes at low speed and listen for abnormal noises; check for any warning lights related to ABS or stability control.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the Sienna's seats and brakes, or the Silverado's engine, transmission, and electrical system.
- For the Sienna, verify that all seats slide and lock properly and that there are no signs of water leaks near the seat belts or ceiling.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes and test drive extensively, including highway speeds, to check for sudden power loss or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any major repairs (like engine or transmission work) have been performed.
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 Sienna | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 267 | 157 |
| 2024 | 66 | 527 |
| 2023 | 66 | 450 |
| 2022 | 15 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 43 | 961 |
| 2020 | 38 | 868 |
| 2019 | 45 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 72 | 597 |
| 2017 | 154 | 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 Sienna or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Sienna vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Sienna total complaints
- 766
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Sienna total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Sienna avg complaints/year
- 76.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Sienna top complaint area
- SEATS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE