Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Venza vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Venza 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 Venza vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Venza had 418 complaints (42/year) and 0 deaths, while the Silverado had 8,227 complaints (823/year) and 3 deaths. The Venza's top issue is a sun visor blocking the view; the Silverado's are engine and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Venza or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover that, over ten years, has generated 418 complaints—about 42 per year—with 19 recalls and no reported deaths. The most common gripe is a sun visor that flops down and blocks the driver's view, a nuisance that owners say happens while driving. Other frequent issues include airbag wiring under the seat and brakes that surge or seize. Overall, it's a lower-volume vehicle with fewer reported problems per year than the Silverado, but the visor and brake complaints are worth checking.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has racked up 8,227 complaints over ten years—roughly 823 per year—along with 101 recalls and 3 deaths. Owners report serious engine and transmission failures, sometimes on nearly new trucks, including sudden shutdowns and loss of braking. Electrical glitches that cut engine power and brake problems are also common. This is a high-volume truck with a much higher rate of reported issues, many of which can strand a driver.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Venza | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 418 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 71 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 52 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 Venza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER96
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER93
- 03AIR BAGS44
- 04SERVICE BRAKES42
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
Owners repeatedly complain that the driver-side sun visor flops down on its own and won't stay up, blocking the view of the road while driving. Some say the hinge breaks even after a dealer replacement, making it a persistent safety annoyance.
Complaints describe frayed wires under the driver's seat that trigger the airbag warning light and require harness replacement. This matters because a faulty airbag system may not deploy in a crash.
Drivers report a surging forward feeling when lifting off the gas, and rear brakes that vibrate and then seize while driving. These issues can make stopping unpredictable and increase crash risk.
Electrical complaints are among the top five, though sample texts focus on other areas. Buyers should still check for warning lights and battery/charging issues, as electrical faults can affect multiple systems.
“THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FLOPS DOWN INTO THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. IT WILL NOT STAY OUT OF THE LINE OF SIGHT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED FOR TOYOTA CAMRYS AND TOYOTA ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. NOTHING HAS BEEN…”
“VISOR FLIP DOWN SPONTANEOUSLY AND HINGE BREAKS AFTER SOME TIME EVEN AFTER DEALER REPLACED WITHIN WARRANTY NOW THEY WONT REPLACE. VISOR WILL HANG DOWN AND BLOCK VIEW OF ROAD. THIS OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THIS CAUSES A BLOCKED VIEW AND IS UNSAFE A…”
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.' Others cite diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power.
Complaints include transmissions suddenly shifting into neutral and engines stalling at low speeds, even with under 300 miles on the odometer. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, creating a dangerous loss of control.
Drivers describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engines shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety functions without warning.
Reports include brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, and trucks shutting off completely when barely applying throttle. Such brake failures can prevent stopping in an emergency.
“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 Venza — 19 recalls
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model…
The risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury…
The fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
The defect: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2…
The risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
The fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 2…
The defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accum…
The risk: A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a s…
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2009-2015 Venza vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring may become damaged with regular use of the driver-side door.
The risk: Damaged wires may cause the air bag sensor to become inoperable, preventing the deployment of the side and curtain air bags on the driver side and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-side front door wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number…
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 Venza or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Venza has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and no reported deaths versus three for the Silverado. In practice, this means a used Venza is likely to have fewer serious, recurring problems, while the Silverado's higher volume and complaint rate suggest a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or brake issues.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Venza averages 42 per year; Silverado averages 823 per year—a 20-fold difference.
- Serious outcomes: Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported; Venza has 0 deaths and 52 injuries.
- Top issues: Venza's top complaint is a sun visor that blocks the view; Silverado's top complaints are engine and transmission failures that can cause stalling or loss of power.
- Recalls: Silverado has 101 recalls versus 19 for the Venza, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Check the driver-side sun visor: ensure it stays up and the hinge is intact, as owners report it flopping down and blocking the view.
- Test the brakes for surging or vibration, especially at low speeds, and listen for rear brake noise or seizing.
- During a test drive, watch for any engine shutdown, transmission slipping into neutral, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'—these are reported even on low-mileage trucks.
- Test the brakes firmly from various speeds; a firm pedal with poor stopping could indicate the reported brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's 101 recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Venza's airbag wiring under the driver's seat and the sun visor hinge.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test drive at highway and parking-lot speeds to check for stalling or shifting issues.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, particularly airbag and brake-related recalls.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior engine, transmission, or brake repairs.
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 Venza | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | 527 |
| 2023 | 21 | 450 |
| 2022 | 42 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 188 | 961 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Venza or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Venza vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Venza total complaints
- 418
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Venza total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Venza avg complaints/year
- 41.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Venza
- Toyota Venza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE