Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Yaris vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Toyota Yaris 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Yaris has 146 complaints over 10 years (about 15 per year) and 24 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. The Yaris reports 6 deaths and 40 injuries; the Silverado reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Yaris or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 146 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 15 per year. The most common owner-reported issues involve air bags, electrical problems, and unintended braking or acceleration. While the Yaris has fewer complaints than many vehicles, the air bag complaints include cases where the air bags failed to deploy in a crash, which is a serious concern. Overall, it appears to be a vehicle with manageable but potentially significant safety-related faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 800 per year. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, often occurring at low mileage. Many complaints describe sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and braking failures, which can be dangerous. The high number of complaints and recalls suggests that owning a Silverado may require more frequent repairs and attention to safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Yaris | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 146 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 40 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 3 Better |
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
- 01AIR BAGS55
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL18
- 04ENGINE16
- 05SERVICE BRAKES14
Owners report air bag warning lights illuminating and, in some crashes, air bags failing to deploy. For example, a 2015 Yaris owner stated that after a front-end collision, the air bags did not deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. This is critical because air bags are a primary safety feature.
Complaints include intermittent starting problems, where the vehicle cranks but does not start, and Bluetooth connectivity failures. One owner described multiple instances of the car not starting despite attempts to fix it. These issues can leave a driver stranded and are frustrating to diagnose.
Some owners report unnecessary abrupt braking on the highway and unexpected activation of collision-related braking when parking. For instance, one owner said the braking system activated when trying to park near another vehicle. This can cause loss of control or rear-end collisions.
Owners report intense vibrations when coming to a stop and hesitation during acceleration. A 2020 Yaris owner complained of a vibration like a massage chair at stops, while a 2019 owner noted transmission hesitation. These issues affect drivability and comfort.
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt light flashed on the instrument panel, indicating that the seat belt was not being worn. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was t…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA YARIS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE S…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. One 2026 Silverado owner experienced the engine shutting off with a 'Return to Neutral' message, which is dangerous. Another had repeated P2463 codes requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving and transmission hesitation. A 2026 Silverado owner reported the truck went into neutral in a parking garage with less than 300 miles. This can cause loss of power and control.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns with warning messages. One owner experienced a firm brake pedal but ineffective braking, while another had the engine shut off while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include complete loss of braking ability and unintended acceleration or shutdowns. A 2026 owner stated the truck shut off and screens went blank while barely applying throttle in a parking lot. Brake failures are extremely hazardous.
“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 — 24 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the c…
The risk: In the event of a crash, front seat side air bags and curtain shield air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wire harness assembly in the front doors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number fo…
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added…
The risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will notify owners, and provide them a corrected label to be installed over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Yaris, Yaris Hatchback, and Yaris Sedan vehicles. An impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: A fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB05 a…
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is S…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Toyota Yaris has far fewer complaints per year (about 15) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Yaris has more reported deaths (6 vs. 3) despite fewer complaints, suggesting that when problems occur, they may be severe. In practice, a Silverado owner is more likely to experience frequent repairs, while a Yaris owner may face fewer but potentially serious safety defects.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Yaris averages ~15 complaints/year; Silverado averages ~823/year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Crash-related complaints: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints vs. Yaris's 36, but Yaris has more deaths (6 vs. 3), indicating different severity patterns.
- Top issues: Yaris complaints center on air bags and electrical; Silverado on engine, power train, and brakes, often involving sudden loss of power or braking.
- Recalls: Silverado has 101 recalls vs. Yaris's 24, suggesting more widespread defect campaigns for the truck.
- Check for air bag warning lights and ensure the air bag system has been inspected or repaired under recall; test that the seat belt reminder works.
- Test drive at various speeds and during parking to detect any unintended braking or acceleration, and listen for engine vibrations at idle.
- Look for any signs of engine shutdowns or electrical glitches; ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter or fuel pump recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, and check for any messages about transmission or neutral engagement during a test drive.
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 air bag system, electrical components, and brakes, focusing on the specific complaints for each model.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway driving, and parking maneuvers to check for hesitation, unintended braking, or vibrations.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance and repair records, especially for engine, transmission, and brake work.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed, and if not, schedule them with a dealer before purchase.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 | 868 |
| 2019 | 26 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 4 | 597 |
| 2017 | 15 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Toyota Yaris inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Yaris vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Yaris total complaints
- 146
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Toyota Yaris total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Toyota Yaris avg complaints/year
- 14.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Yaris top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE