Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Supra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Supra 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 Supra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Supra averages 6.4 complaints per year with 45 total, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year with 5,105 total. The Silverado also has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, versus 4 and 1 for the Supra. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Supra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is a low-volume sports car, averaging about 6.4 complaints per year over seven years. Owners report electrical issues like unpredictable throttle and starter relay recalls, brake noise and parking brake quirks, and engine oil pump concerns. With only 45 total complaints, it's a niche vehicle where problems tend to be specific and recurring rather than widespread.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck, averaging about 510 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report serious engine and power train failures, including sudden loss of power and transmission shifting into neutral, plus brake and electrical problems. With over 5,000 complaints, it's a mainstream truck with a broad range of reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Supra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Supra
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 02SERVICE BRAKES9
- 03ENGINE9
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 05STEERING5
Owners report unresponsive or unpredictable throttle behavior, and some mention a starter assembly relay recall. These issues can affect drivability and may require dealer attention.
Complaints include chronic braking noise from delivery and a parking brake system that may disengage unexpectedly. Brake problems can be both annoying and safety-relevant.
The B58TU engine uses a variable-displacement oil pump with a thermoplastic component that owners say can fail. This could lead to oil pressure loss and engine damage if not addressed.
Reports include rear hatch failing to open electrically or manually, which could trap someone inside. This is a functional and safety concern for owners.
“I own a new 2021 Toyota Supra and along with other owners of this new model, there is a safety issue that has been identified. There is a repeating issue with unresponsive/unpredictable throttle behavior for me and other Toyota Supra owners. It only happens o…”
“See attached document for complaint. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. has failed or is unable to remedy the safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 25V-636), issued on 26 September 2025, for my 2021 Toyota Supra within a reasonable period of time. According to the no…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report rough running, loss of motive power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission control issues, sometimes with very low mileage. This can cause loss of drive and potential crash risk.
Owners describe severe loss of braking and inoperable steering, often accompanied by warning messages. Electrical faults affecting critical systems are a major safety concern.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. Brake failures are among the most dangerous issues a driver can face.
“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 Supra — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact B…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complet…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Veh…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
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 Supra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Supra has far fewer issues per year (6.4 vs. 510.5), but both have serious reported problems. In practice, the Supra's lower volume means fewer overall complaints, while the Silverado's high volume means many more owners report failures, including crashes and injuries.
Key differences
- The Supra averages 6.4 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 510.5 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Supra complaints often involve electrical throttle and brake noise; Silverado complaints include sudden power loss and transmission shifting to neutral.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries; the Supra has 4 crash-related and 1 injury, though both are concerning.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 recalls versus 19 for the Supra, covering issues like tailgate latches and brake fluid warnings.
- Check for any signs of throttle hesitation or unresponsiveness during a test drive, especially at low speeds.
- Listen for brake noise and test the electronic parking brake engagement and release multiple times.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any transmission hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
- Look for warning lights related to brakes or engine, and ask for service records regarding diesel particulate filter or brake system repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- For the Supra, test the throttle response and brake system thoroughly, including the parking brake.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored trouble codes and check transmission and brake function during a lengthy test drive.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance and repair records, especially for engine, transmission, and brake work.
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 Supra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 20 | 934 |
| 2020 | 16 | 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 Supra or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Supra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Supra total complaints
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Supra total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Supra avg complaints/year
- 6.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Supra
- Toyota Supra top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE