Head-to-head reliability
FORD Bronco vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Bronco 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Bronco has 1,111 complaints over 6 years (185.2/year), while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (822.7/year). Both have over 100 recalls, but the Silverado has more crash-related reports (233 vs 44). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Bronco or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a lifestyle SUV that owners often drive daily, but NHTSA data shows 1,111 complaints over six years, averaging 185.2 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, visibility/wiper, and electrical system, with reports of engine fires, side mirrors moving on their own, and rear glass shattering. With 105 recalls and 44 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for work and family hauling, and it has 8,227 complaints over ten years, averaging 822.7 per year. Engine and power train issues dominate, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it has a higher volume of reported problems per year than the Bronco.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Bronco | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,111 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 105 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ENGINE179
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER178
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM147
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER139
- 05SERVICE BRAKES109
Owners report engine compartment fires, sometimes while idling, with smoke odor before flames. One complaint describes a total loss from fire. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to vehicle destruction or injury.
Complaints include side mirrors changing orientation while driving, unreliable blind spot warnings, and rear glass shattering spontaneously when shifting from park to drive. These issues can distract the driver and increase crash risk.
Owners report infotainment glitches and hands-free phone calls becoming unintelligible after software updates. These problems affect daily usability and can be frustrating to fix.
While fewer complaints than other areas, brake issues are reported. Owners may experience reduced braking performance, which is critical for safety.
“The failure appears to have originated in the passenger side engine compartment, but the exact component or system (fuel, electrical, or other) is unknown. The vehicle is a total loss from the fire but should be available for inspection at the tow or storage…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, a fire originated near the dashboard area without warning. The occupants inside the vehicle first noticed an abnormal smoke odor inside the vehicle. Shortly afterwards,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Diesel models show repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These can leave you stranded or cause loss of power.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can cause a loss of acceleration and potential rollaway.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features.
Reports of severe loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop normally. This is a major safety hazard.
“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 — 105 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco and Bronco Heritage vehicles. The rear quarter glass panels may have been improperly installed to the vehicle hard top, which can allow them to detach.
The risk: Detached rear glass panels may create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the rear glass panels on Bronco vehicles. On Bronco Heritage vehicles, dealers will replace the rear left-hand removable quarter glass panel. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Bronco owner notific…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco 4-door vehicles. The left-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
The risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the child safety locks and replace the rear door latch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
The risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters wer…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
The risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Bronco has far fewer complaints per year (185.2) than the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious safety-related reports. In practice, the Bronco may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means you are more likely to encounter problems. Neither is trouble-free, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Ford Bronco averages 185.2 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Bronco owners frequently report engine fires and rear glass shattering, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints versus 44 for the Bronco, suggesting more reported incidents involving crashes.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but the Bronco's recalls include suspension and glass issues, while the Silverado's include fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- Check for any signs of engine compartment fire damage, such as melted components or smoke odor, especially around the passenger side.
- Inspect the rear glass and side mirrors for cracks or loose fittings, and test the blind spot monitoring system for consistent operation.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to see if the transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral or the engine shuts off.
- Check for brake performance by applying firm pressure; if the pedal feels firm but braking is weak, it could indicate a known electrical brake issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for the specific issues reported.
- Test all safety features, including brakes, blind spot monitoring, and backup cameras, during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for software updates and any repairs related to the reported problems.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with these models.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 120 |
| 2025 | 180 | 157 |
| 2024 | 75 | 527 |
| 2023 | 226 | 450 |
| 2022 | 378 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 229 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Bronco vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Bronco total complaints
- 1,111
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Bronco total recalls
- 105
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Bronco avg complaints/year
- 185.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Bronco
- FORD Bronco top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE