Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Yaris IA vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Yaris IA 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 Yaris IA vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Yaris IA has 65 complaints over 3 years and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years and 101 recalls. The Yaris IA averages about 22 complaints per year versus about 823 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Yaris IA or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Yaris IA
The Toyota Yaris IA is a subcompact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 65 complaints over 3 years, averaging about 22 per year, and no recalls on record. Owner reports cluster around engine, fuel/propulsion, and electrical issues, often describing intermittent no-start or hesitation symptoms that can be hard for dealers to reproduce. There are 9 crash-related complaints and 6 injuries reported, but no deaths. For a first-time buyer, this suggests a car that may have occasional starting or electrical quirks, but the overall reported problem rate is modest.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year, plus 101 recalls. The most common complaint areas are engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with owners describing serious issues like sudden engine shutdown, loss of braking, and transmission problems. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths reported. For a buyer, this points to a truck that can be capable but may demand more attention and carry higher risk of costly repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Yaris IA | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 21.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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 Yaris IA
- 01ENGINE12
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05AIR BAGS9
Owners report warning lights (forward collision, TPMS) and a failure to accelerate even when the pedal is pressed, as well as needing multiple attempts to start and transmission hesitation. These symptoms can leave a driver without power when merging or pulling out, which is a safety concern.
Complaints describe the vehicle cranking but not starting, sometimes intermittently and hard to duplicate, and one case of sluggish acceleration on a hot day. A no-start condition can strand a buyer and may be difficult to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
Owners report issues like Bluetooth failing to connect and the car cranking but not starting, which overlaps with fuel/propulsion complaints. Electrical gremlins can affect convenience features and starting reliability, and intermittent faults are often frustrating to fix.
There are 9 complaints filed under air bags, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Any air bag complaint is worth noting because these systems are critical in a crash, and buyers should check for open recalls or warning lights.
“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Yaris IA. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Yaris. The contact initially stated that multiple attempts were needed to start his vehicle. When the vehicle would start, the transmission would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with several unknown warning…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report severe engine problems, including a 6.2L motor issue that occurred shortly after purchase and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. Engine shutdown while driving is also reported, which can be extremely dangerous.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill and transmission hesitation. Losing drive power unexpectedly can leave a driver unable to move in traffic, increasing crash risk.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical/software glitches can disable critical functions.
Reports include severe loss of braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot with no acceleration. Brake failure is a top safety concern, and buyers should have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
“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 Yaris IA
No recalls on record.
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 Yaris IA or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Yaris IA has far fewer issues per year (about 22 complaints/year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 complaints/year). In practice, the Yaris IA is likely to generate fewer owner-reported problems and no recalls, while the Silverado has a much higher volume of serious complaints and many recalls. However, the Silverado's larger sales volume means raw counts are not directly comparable, so buyers should focus on the specific failure patterns.
Key differences
- The Yaris IA has 0 recalls and 65 complaints over 3 years, while the Silverado has 101 recalls and 8,227 complaints over 10 years.
- Yaris IA complaints often involve no-start or hesitation, while Silverado complaints include sudden engine shutdown and loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, versus 9 crash-related and 6 injuries for the Yaris IA.
- Silverado recalls cover fuel pump, tires, forward collision warnings, and owner's manual issues, while the Yaris IA has no recalls on record.
- Check for intermittent no-start or cranking-but-not-starting issues, especially after the car sits or in hot weather.
- Test all electrical features, including Bluetooth and warning lights, and look for any stored trouble codes related to engine or fuel system.
- Look for any history of engine shutdown, transmission slipping, or sudden loss of braking, and check for related recalls.
- Inspect for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with the Duramax diesel, and verify that all recall repairs have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- For the Yaris IA, test cold starts and drive at various speeds to check for hesitation or warning lights.
- For the Silverado, test braking firmly and check for any messages about neutral or start issues during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or fuel system 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 Yaris IA | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 26 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 8 | 597 |
| 2017 | 31 | 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 Yaris IA or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Yaris IA vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Yaris IA total complaints
- 65
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Yaris IA total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Yaris IA avg complaints/year
- 21.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Yaris IA
- Toyota Yaris IA top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE