Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs FORD F 150: The Silverado 1500 has 5,537 complaints and 56 recalls over 10 years, while the F 150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The F 150 averages 1,162 complaints per year versus 554 for the Silverado. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup that owners rely on for work and family duty. Over 10 years, NHTSA logged 5,537 complaints—about 554 per year—with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners report serious failures like internal engine breakdowns and unexpected rollaway, so a used Silverado demands careful inspection of these systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is also a full-size pickup, but it generates far more owner complaints: 11,621 over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical problems are the most common, with repeated reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Recalls are also higher at 151, so buyers should verify all recall work is done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,537 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 146 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 553.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 01ENGINE1,886
- 02POWER TRAIN1,611
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM937
- 04SERVICE BRAKES777
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER550
Owners of 2025 Silverado 1500s report catastrophic internal engine failures, such as a failed thrust bearing or cylinder wall damage, often requiring a whole long block replacement. These failures can happen at low mileage (around 16,500 miles), leaving buyers with a truck that may need major engine work even when relatively new.
Complaints describe unexpected rollaway while parked and unoccupied, as well as engine failures in the 6.2L V8. A truck that can roll away is a serious safety concern, and power train problems can strand owners or cause collisions.
Owners report repeated serious electrical failures within the first year, including issues that may contribute to rollaway events. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix, affecting everything from starting to safety systems.
Drivers describe sudden brake warning lights, loss of power steering, and brakes that go hard with little stopping power, even when pressed firmly. One owner narrowly avoided a collision when the truck failed to slow at a stop sign, highlighting a potential safety risk.
“My 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 experienced an internal engine failure at approximately 16,500 miles, requiring replacement of the entire long block under the factory powertrain warranty. The authorized Chevrolet dealership diagnosed internal cylinder wa…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 experienced a catastrophic internal failure caused by a failed thrust bearing in the crankshaft assembly. The fai…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, especially a 'lead frame' issue that can cause limp mode, stuck gears, or sudden downshifts. Owners report this recurring for over a decade, and some say it nearly caused a crash, so a used F-150's transmission history is critical.
Electrical complaints often involve the same lead frame, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and trouble codes like P0722. These faults can leave the truck undrivable or in a reduced-power state, and software recalls may not fully solve the problem.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward shortly after using the defroster, which was linked to a short in the defroster circuit. While not universal, this shows how electrical faults can cause surprising and dangerous failures.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area, though specific failure details are not in the sample. Lighting problems can affect visibility and safety, and may be tied to electrical issues, so check all lights and related recalls.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 56 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
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…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has far fewer complaints per year (about 554) than the Ford F 150 (about 1,162), and fewer recalls (56 vs. 151). In practice, that means a used Silverado may have a lower chance of frequent shop visits, but both trucks have serious reported issues in engines, transmissions, and brakes that require a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F 150 has more than double the annual complaints (1,162 vs. 554) and nearly triple the recalls (151 vs. 56) compared to the Silverado 1500.
- Silverado owners report internal engine failures and unexpected rollaway, while F-150 owners most often report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Brake complaints on the Silverado include hard pedal and loss of power steering, whereas F-150 electrical issues often involve speed sensors and rear window defroster shorts.
- Both trucks have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 146) and injuries (297 vs. 102).
- Listen for engine knocking or ticking and check for low oil pressure; owners report internal engine failures like thrust bearing and cylinder wall damage, sometimes at low mileage.
- Test the brakes firmly at low speed and check for warning lights; complaints include sudden hard pedal, loss of power steering, and brakes that fail to slow the truck.
- Scan for transmission codes (especially P0722) and test drive for limp mode, stuck gears, or harsh shifting; lead frame and output speed sensor failures are common.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation; one owner reported the window exploding after defroster use due to a short circuit.
Before you buy
- Ask for a complete recall history and verify all open recalls are fixed, especially brake and engine recalls on the Silverado and power train recalls on the F-150.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine compression, transmission function, and electrical system codes.
- Test drive both trucks for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for limp mode, brake performance, and unusual noises.
- Check for signs of rollaway risk on the Silverado by testing the park pawl on a slight incline, and on the F-150 test the transmission in all gears.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering, as some years may have more reports than others.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 104 | 35 |
| 2025 | 102 | 345 |
| 2024 | 311 | 638 |
| 2023 | 384 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 634 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 830 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 731 | 44 |
| 2019 | 1085 | 52 |
| 2018 | 519 | 79 |
| 2017 | 837 | 59 |
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 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total complaints
- 5,537
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 total recalls
- 56
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 avg complaints/year
- 553.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN