Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Tacoma averaged 119 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also had 233 crash-related reports vs. 71 for the Tacoma. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup that owners often keep for many years, but the complaint pattern shows recurring powertrain and brake issues. Over 10 years, it averaged about 119 complaints per year, with 25 recalls and 71 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe transmission shudder and brake vibrations, which can mean costly repairs if not addressed early.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: about 823 per year, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports over the same period. Engine, powertrain, and electrical problems dominate owner reports, including sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. These issues can be severe and may affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tacoma | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,194 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 71 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 93 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Tacoma
- 01POWER TRAIN258
- 02SERVICE BRAKES211
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM158
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 05ENGINE138
Owners report transmission shuddering under load, especially uphill or from a stop, often linked to a failing torque converter. Some also find black, burnt transmission fluid at low mileage, which can lead to expensive repairs if ignored.
Complaints include vibrating seats when braking and rear brake drum problems. These symptoms can reduce braking confidence and may require repeated dealer visits.
Owners describe engine light warnings for electronic faults and sudden loss of engine response while driving. This can leave a driver stranded or cause hesitation in traffic.
Some reports mention paint failure (e.g., Super White) and torque converter symptoms filed under this category. Paint issues are cosmetic but can be costly to fix if not covered by warranty.
“Vehicle exhibits symptoms typically associated with (at least in older vehicles) of a failing torque converter. Initial onset was around the 5k mile mark, the truck was purchased brand new. Vehicles shudders under load, especially uphill or from a stop, the t…”
“Transmission is failing, fluid was black and burnt at 35k miles (dealer did not provide a large enough sample to allow for testing the fluid because I didn't specify the amount I needed), and vehicle is not throwing a CEL or MIL so therefore Toyota says that…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and in some cases engine shutdown while driving. These can lead to dangerous situations and major repair bills.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on hills, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off while driving, and dashboard messages like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can disable critical functions without warning.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced stopping power, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake performance issues are especially concerning for a heavy vehicle.
“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 Tacoma — 25 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may con…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
The risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota custo…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
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 Tacoma or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tacoma has far fewer complaints per year (about 119 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer crash-related reports (71 vs. 233). In practice, this means a used Tacoma is likely to have fewer owner-reported problems, but both trucks have serious issues that require a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 7 times more complaints per year than the Tacoma, with engine and electrical issues being the most common.
- Tacoma owners often report transmission shudder and brake vibrations, while Silverado owners describe sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls vs. 25 for the Tacoma, covering more safety-related systems like fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Crash-related reports are much higher for the Silverado (233 vs. 71), suggesting a higher rate of incidents tied to reported defects.
- During a test drive, accelerate uphill or from a stop and feel for shuddering or hesitation, which could indicate a failing torque converter.
- Check the transmission fluid color and smell; black or burnt fluid at low mileage is a warning sign of transmission problems.
- Test the brakes at low speed and on a slight incline; a firm pedal with poor stopping or any warning messages could indicate electrical or brake assist issues.
- Ask for service records related to engine stalling, diesel particulate filter cleaning, or electrical repairs, as these are common complaint areas.
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 transmission and brakes, focusing on the specific symptoms reported for each model.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and electrical fault codes, especially related to fuel pump, brake assist, and engine shutdown.
- For the Tacoma, check for paint defects (especially white) and confirm if any warranty extension covers paint or transmission issues.
- Test drive both trucks in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway merging, uphill starts, and stop-and-go traffic.
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 Tacoma | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 100 | 157 |
| 2024 | 151 | 527 |
| 2023 | 54 | 450 |
| 2022 | 59 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 80 | 961 |
| 2020 | 87 | 868 |
| 2019 | 218 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 206 | 597 |
| 2017 | 239 | 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 Tacoma or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Tacoma total complaints
- 1,194
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Tacoma total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
- 119.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE