Vehicle 1

Toyota Tacoma

1,097 complaints · 24 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Tacoma averages 109.7 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Silverado averages 618.0 complaints per year with 100 recalls. The Tacoma's top issue is power train (250), Silverado's is engine (1861). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Toyota Tacoma
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryToyota TacomaChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,097
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
24
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
66
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
109.7
✓ lower
618.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota Tacoma

1. POWER TRAIN250
2. SERVICE BRAKES198
3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM157
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER143
5. ENGINE135

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE1,861
2. POWER TRAIN1,714
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,163
4. SERVICE BRAKES950
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Tacoma has far fewer complaints per year (109.7) than the Chevrolet Silverado (618.0), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Tacoma is the better choice. If you need a full-size truck and are willing to research specific issues like engine and electrical problems, the Silverado may still be an option, but expect higher risk.

Key Differences
  • Toyota Tacoma: 109.7 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado: 618.0 complaints/year
  • Toyota Tacoma: 24 recalls vs Chevrolet Silverado: 100 recalls
  • Top issue for Tacoma: Power train (250 complaints); top issue for Silverado: Engine (1861 complaints)
  • Crash complaints: Tacoma 66 vs Silverado 192
⚠ Watch on Toyota Tacoma
  • Watch for power train issues (250 complaints) and service brake problems (198 complaints).
  • Fuel/propulsion system complaints (157) may indicate fuel delivery or tank issues.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine complaints are very high (1861) – check for known engine failures or recalls.
  • Electrical system issues (1163) could cause intermittent problems with lights, sensors, or starting.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific model year.
  • Review service history for power train and brake repairs on Tacoma, or engine and electrical repairs on Silverado.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission hesitation or brake pulsation.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the top complaint areas.
  • Search online forums for common issues with that model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Toyota TacomaChevrolet Silverado
2026
4
51
2025
58
117
2024
134
470
2023
46
385
2022
55
1204
2021
74
864
2020
85
0
2019
209
1941
2018
196
0
2017
236
1148
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado
Toyota Tacoma total complaints
1,097
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Toyota Tacoma total recalls
24
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
109.7
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota Tacoma Reliability & Problems

1,097 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Silverado?

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