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: Over 10 years, the Tundra averaged 163 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 3 deaths. The Tundra also had 75 recalls versus 101 for the Silverado. 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 is a full-size pickup that, over the past decade, has generated about 163 owner complaints per year, with 75 recalls and no reported deaths in the data. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, where owners describe sudden stalling, loss of power, and transmission complaints. While the Tundra has fewer complaints than some rivals, the pattern shows that even a relatively low-volume truck can have serious drivability issues that leave you stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged roughly 823 complaints per year over the same period, with 101 recalls and 3 reported deaths. Owner reports cluster around engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, often involving sudden shutdowns, loss of braking, and transmission failures. The sheer volume of complaints suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability problems, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
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 | 1,633 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 75 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 163.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Tundra
- 01ENGINE549
- 02POWER TRAIN323
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM261
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER197
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM190
Owners report the engine stalling without warning, sometimes while driving at speed, and the air conditioning compressor seizing and causing the truck to slow suddenly. These failures can leave you stranded and may require expensive repairs.
Complaints include the accelerator not responding when pressed and a total loss of power at highway speeds, forcing the driver to pull over with minimal control. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen in traffic.
Drivers describe the engine shutting off while driving, with no warning lights beforehand, often requiring a tow. This points to a fuel delivery issue that can cause sudden stalls.
Reports include the moonroof glass spontaneously exploding and the SOS system failing to send the correct VIN to emergency services. These are less frequent but still frustrating and potentially dangerous.
“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…”
“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…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel models suffer from repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These issues can strand you and lead to costly dealer visits.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off, even at low speeds in parking lots. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic or when maneuvering.
Drivers report a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. Electrical glitches like these can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe the truck completely shutting off and losing all braking ability, sometimes while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. This is a severe safety risk that needs 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 Tundra — 75 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: 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 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 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
The risk: If the turn signals or hazard lamps do not flash brightly enough, other drivers may fail to see that the turn signal or hazard lamp functions have been activated, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-270-9371. Toyota's number fo…
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 Tundra or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tundra has far fewer complaints per year (about 163) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and the Tundra also has fewer recalls and no reported deaths in the data. In practice, this means a used Tundra is likely to spend less time in the shop for major issues, while a Silverado may require more frequent repairs and carry a higher risk of sudden breakdowns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about five times as many complaints per year as the Tundra, with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Tundra owners report sudden stalling and loss of power, but the Silverado adds frequent electrical and brake failures, including loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in the data, while the Tundra has 0 deaths and 36 injuries.
- Both trucks have fuel pump and power train recalls, but the Silverado also has recalls for forward collision warnings and tire pressure monitoring.
- During a test drive, listen for loud noises when the air conditioning is turned on, as this may indicate a seizing compressor that can cause sudden slowing.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or loss of power, especially at highway speeds, and ask if the fuel pump recall has been performed.
- Test the brakes at low speed and in parking lots; a firm pedal with reduced stopping power could signal an electrical or brake system fault.
- Look for signs of repeated diesel particulate filter issues on Duramax models, such as frequent warning lights or dealer visits for soot accumulation.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full NHTSA complaint and recall history for the specific VIN, and confirm all open recalls have been fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers to check for stalling, loss of power, or brake problems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system, focusing on the components mentioned in owner complaints.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and ask about any software updates or repairs related to braking and engine shutdown.
- For the Tundra, check the air conditioning operation and moonroof for cracks or unusual noises, and verify the SOS system works if equipped.
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 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 134 | 157 |
| 2024 | 341 | 527 |
| 2023 | 408 | 450 |
| 2022 | 428 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 24 | 961 |
| 2020 | 46 | 868 |
| 2019 | 74 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 100 | 597 |
| 2017 | 78 | 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 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
- 1,633
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Tundra total recalls
- 75
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Tundra avg complaints/year
- 163.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Tundra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE