Head-to-head reliability
FORD Bronco Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Bronco Sport 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
FORD Bronco Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Bronco Sport has 1,408 complaints over 6 years (235/year) and 66 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (823/year) and 101 recalls. Both show serious issues like power loss and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Bronco Sport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that has generated 1,408 complaints over six years, averaging about 235 per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, power train, and engine, with owners reporting issues like hoods flying open, infotainment failures, and loss of drive power. With 66 recalls and 55 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection, especially for electrical and drivetrain problems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has racked up 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging about 823 per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. The 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints indicate a higher volume of serious issues, though the larger sales volume means per-vehicle risk may be lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Bronco Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,408 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 66 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 234.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 50 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.
FORD Bronco Sport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM358
- 02POWER TRAIN305
- 03ENGINE305
- 04SERVICE BRAKES201
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER197
Owners report infotainment failures (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto not working) and, alarmingly, hoods flying open while driving, obstructing the windshield. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and create immediate safety hazards.
Complaints include loss of drive power and violent shuddering from the rear drive unit during low-speed turns. This can leave a driver stranded or cause loss of control, making it a critical area to test on a test drive.
Some owners report the vehicle losing drive power and failing to accelerate, often accompanied by a powertrain failure notification. This suggests potential engine or transmission control issues that could lead to sudden power loss.
Reports include clicking noises, rough braking, and a whiplash-like sensation when braking. These symptoms may indicate brake component wear or failure, affecting stopping reliability.
“On XXX, driving at a relatively low rate of speed coming off the on-ramp from [XXX] onto [XXX], the hood of our Thrifty rental vehicle, a 2024 Ford Bronco, suddenly and without warning, flew up and completely obstructed the windshield. As we had just entered…”
“I am reporting ongoing electrical and infotainment system failures in my 2024 Ford Bronco Sport that present a potential safety risk to the driver and others on the road. The vehicle’s infotainment system, specifically Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, does not…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners describe engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. Sudden engine loss can be extremely dangerous, especially at speed, and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, as well as transmission issues. This can leave the driver unable to accelerate or move the truck, posing a risk in traffic.
Reports of severe loss of normal braking and engine shut-off with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. Electrical faults affecting braking and engine operation are serious safety concerns.
Owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This could lead to extended stopping distances and potential collisions.
“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.
FORD Bronco Sport — 66 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Failure to correctly detect a passenger may result in the air bag not deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C1…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and 2026 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
The risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, and inspect and replace the electrical cord if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have an alternative optio…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuck…
The risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Ow…
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
FORD Bronco Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Bronco Sport has far fewer complaints per year (about 235) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Silverado's higher volume may reflect its larger sales. In practice, the Bronco Sport's issues tend to be electrical and drivetrain-related, while the Silverado's are more often engine and transmission failures that can be more severe.
Key differences
- The Bronco Sport has 1,408 complaints over 6 years; the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, but the Silverado's annual average is much higher.
- Bronco Sport owners frequently report electrical issues like hood fly-open and infotainment failures; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, while the Bronco Sport has 0 deaths and 50 injuries, though these figures are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Recalls: Bronco Sport has 66, Silverado has 101, indicating both have had significant safety-related campaigns.
- Check the hood latch and alignment; multiple owners report hoods flying open while driving, which can obstruct the windshield.
- Test the rear drive unit for shuddering or binding during low-speed turns; this is a common complaint that can indicate costly repairs.
- Listen for engine shutdowns or rough running during the test drive; owners report sudden engine off events that require restarting.
- Test the brakes for firmness and stopping power; complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness, which is a critical safety issue.
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 electrical system, including infotainment and hood latch, on the Bronco Sport.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine for fault codes, transmission operation, and brake system integrity.
- During a test drive, simulate low-speed turns and braking to feel for shuddering or loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services, and verify that all recall work has been completed.
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 | FORD Bronco Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 120 |
| 2025 | 76 | 157 |
| 2024 | 109 | 527 |
| 2023 | 158 | 450 |
| 2022 | 359 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 699 | 961 |
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 FORD Bronco Sport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Bronco Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Bronco Sport total complaints
- 1,408
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Bronco Sport total recalls
- 66
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Bronco Sport avg complaints/year
- 234.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Bronco Sport
- FORD Bronco Sport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE