Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tundra vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Tundra 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 Tundra vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Tundra has 162 complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, with fewer engine and brake issues. However, both have serious engine stall reports. Inspect for recalls and test drive. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tundra or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra, over the past decade, has drawn complaints centered on sudden engine stalls and loss of power, often without warning lights, which can be alarming and dangerous on the road. Owners also report transmission hesitations and jolts, as well as issues with the air conditioning compressor causing the truck to slow unexpectedly. These patterns suggest that while the Tundra is generally durable, certain model years may have reliability concerns that could affect daily drivability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a higher volume of complaints, with frequent reports of engine problems, particularly with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines, including sudden loss of power and diesel particulate filter issues. Transmission problems are also common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral. Additionally, there are serious reports of brake failure and electrical issues that can lead to loss of braking and steering, making these critical areas for buyers to investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tundra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,622 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 74 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 162.2 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 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 Tundra
- 01ENGINE540
- 02POWER TRAIN321
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM263
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER198
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM186
Owners report the engine suddenly stalling while driving, often without any warning lights, leading to a loss of power and coasting to a stop. This can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds, and may require towing.
The transmission can hesitate and jolt, with the warning light illuminating, causing the driver to stop. This suggests potential transmission control module or internal issues that could lead to costly repairs.
Fuel system problems can cause the vehicle to stall and lose power at speed, with messages like 'Not ready to drive' appearing. Multiple episodes indicate a recurring issue that may not be easily resolved.
“Were were driving, my 2021 Toyota Tundra, just stopped running. No check engine lights had come on until the engine stalled as we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. We had it towed to the Central Maine Motor in Waterville, Maine 04901. Central Maine M…”
“Air conditioning compressor partially seizes if air conditioning is turned on while driving and when air conditioning knob is on at time engine is started. Makes very loud noise. When driving, and it occurs, truck will slow suddenly as if the brakes were appl…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engines, especially the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax, can experience sudden loss of power and abnormal noises, sometimes leading to complete failure. Diesel models also face excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer intervention.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, especially under load, which can be startling and dangerous. This may indicate a serious defect that could leave you stranded.
Electrical issues can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine power, often accompanied by warning messages. This is a critical safety concern that needs immediate attention.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This could be due to a faulty brake booster or electrical assist, posing a high crash risk.
“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 Tundra — 74 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
The risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota cus…
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…
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…
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 Tundra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tundra has significantly fewer complaints per year (162.2) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While both have serious engine and transmission concerns, the Silverado's higher frequency and additional brake/electrical failures suggest a higher risk of unexpected breakdowns and safety incidents.
Key differences
- The Tundra's most common issues are engine stalls and transmission hesitations, while the Silverado also has frequent engine failures but adds serious brake and electrical problems.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint volume, with over three times the annual average, suggesting a broader range of reliability concerns.
- The Silverado's brake failures are particularly alarming, as they can lead to crashes, whereas the Tundra's issues are more drivability-related.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 74), including tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors, which are safety-related.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or loss of power, especially in 2021 models, and ensure all recalls are addressed.
- Listen for unusual noises from the air conditioning compressor, as it can seize and cause sudden deceleration.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of previous failures, especially in 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax models, and verify the diesel particulate filter has been serviced.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, and check for any warning messages related to brake or electrical system failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for any hesitation, stalling, or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for fuel system and transmission services.
- Research specific model years known for issues, such as 2021 Tundra and 2026 Silverado, and avoid those if possible.
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 Tundra | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 98 |
| 2025 | 130 | 150 |
| 2024 | 326 | 0 |
| 2023 | 396 | 0 |
| 2022 | 425 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 24 | 934 |
| 2020 | 45 | 0 |
| 2019 | 72 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 99 | 591 |
| 2017 | 78 | 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 Tundra or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tundra vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Tundra total complaints
- 1,622
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Toyota Tundra total recalls
- 74
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Tundra avg complaints/year
- 162.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Tundra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE