Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Chevrolet edges out Hyundai on reliability, though only slightly. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold on the Chevrolet side, but Hyundai costs less to repair each year. Both brands rate good overall and both are improving, so model and year matter more than badge.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 1001 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $492/yr |
Chevrolet vs Hyundai: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Chevrolet on reliability, and both brands rate good. Chevrolet is stronger on complaint severity, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. It also leads in SUVs and trucks, while sedans are even. Owners file about 1 complaint per 1,000 sold, against 1.4 for Hyundai.
Cost cuts the other way. Hyundai averages $492 a year in estimated repairs, against $641 for Chevrolet. Chevrolet has more recalls on record, 324 to 232, though it tracks 17 models to Hyundai's 10. Its complaints cluster in the power train, while Hyundai's lean toward the electrical system and engine.
Where Chevrolet and Hyundai Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Chevrolet scores 6 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chevrolet vs Hyundai: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chevrolet and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Hyundai
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Hyundai?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. That's a difference of $149/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Chevrolet vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(10 vs 6 models) | 70/100 | 67/100 | Chevrolet |
| Sedans(3 vs 3 models) | 76/100 | 75/100 | Chevrolet |
| Trucks(3 vs 1 models) | 78/100 | 68/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Hyundai
| Component | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 15%1,289 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 20%1,751 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 18%1,597 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 12%1,095 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 8%745 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 3%226 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 3%260 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 2%203 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%148 | 3%272 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%60 | 4%330 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Hyundai Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Hyundai Models
Chevrolet vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 76/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 74/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 72/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 67/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 64/100(9) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 69/100(7) | Tie |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 66/100(7) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 68/100(5) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 67/100(5) | Chevrolet |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chevrolet vs Hyundai: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Hyundai. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Hyundai?
If you want an SUV or a truck, lean Chevrolet. Its lineup is deeper, and the Trax rates excellent. The Colorado rates good among trucks, and a 2024 Silverado EV is the pick in that model. Skip the Bolt and Blazer-EV, which both rate mixed. The Blazer-EV has drawn reports of sudden power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning.
If you want the lowest running costs, lean Hyundai. The Elantra is the strongest car in its lineup, and a 2024 is the one to favor. Skip the 2020 and 2022, because sudden engine failure is the big worry on that car. The Ioniq 6 and Venue also rate good. Avoid the Ioniq 5 in 2022 and 2023, where loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit is the main complaint. A 2024 is the better used pick.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Hyundai?
Choose Chevrolet if you want the safer overall bet, especially in an SUV or truck. The Silverado EV is the strongest single model across both lineups, and 2024 is the year to look for. Choose Hyundai if yearly cost matters most. Its lower average repair bill adds up to about $745 saved over five years. Either way, buy the specific model and year, not the badge.
Chevrolet vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Hyundai?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Hyundai?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Hyundai?
What goes wrong most on Chevrolet and Hyundai vehicles?
Which Chevrolet and Hyundai models should I avoid?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Hyundai? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Chevrolet and Hyundai models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.