Head-to-head reliability
FORD C MAX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD C MAX 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 C MAX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford C-Max averaged 2.3 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also had 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, compared to none for the C-Max. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD C MAX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD C MAX
The Ford C-Max is a compact hybrid hatchback that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint volume of 14 over six years, averaging 2.3 per year. The most frequent owner complaints involve the rear-view camera and backup prevention system, often tied to a recall for the camera display. Other issues include touchscreen failures and occasional stalling from fuel system or throttle body problems. Overall, the complaint pattern suggests a vehicle with manageable but recurring electronic and backup camera concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 5,105 over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and brake problems. There are also 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death reported. This pattern indicates a vehicle that can experience serious and frequent reliability issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD C MAX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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.
FORD C MAX
- 01BACK OVER PREVENTION6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners report the rear-view camera not working or displaying a blank screen, often related to recall 25V695. This matters because a non-functional backup camera can make parking and reversing more difficult and less safe.
Complaints include touchscreen failures that affect GPS, audio, and even the rear-view camera, as well as a customer satisfaction program for a contaminated electronic throttle body that may cause the vehicle to enter limp mode. These electronic glitches can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Some owners of 2017 C-Max Energi report stalling and failure to accelerate at low speeds without warning lights. This could pose a risk if it happens in traffic, though it appears infrequent.
While only one complaint is listed under electrical system, the touchscreen and throttle body issues often have electrical roots. Buyers should be aware that electronic components may fail over time.
“See attached document for complaint. RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 25V695 To whom it may concern, In August 2025 we took our 2016 CMAX into the Ford Dealer we purchased it from to have the check out the back-up camera that was not working and have a service done. T…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral while driving and transmission problems. This can cause a loss of control, especially at low speeds or in parking situations.
Reports include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and inoperable brakes and steering at highway speeds. Such failures are extremely dangerous and should be taken seriously.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, sometimes accompanied by other system failures. Brake issues are critical for safety and require immediate attention.
“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 C MAX — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
FORD C MAX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford C-Max has far fewer complaints per year (2.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a much lower rate of reported problems. In practice, this means a C-Max buyer is less likely to encounter frequent or severe issues, while a Silverado buyer faces a higher risk of engine, transmission, and brake problems that could lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Ford C-Max averages 2.3 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Silverado complaints often involve serious safety issues like engine failure, sudden loss of braking, and transmission problems, whereas C-Max complaints are mostly about backup cameras and touchscreen glitches.
- The Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints, 104 injuries, and 1 death reported, while the C-Max has zero in these categories.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Silverado has 100 recalls versus 27 for the C-Max, reflecting more widespread or recurring issues.
- Check if the rear-view camera recall (25V695) has been performed and that the camera displays properly; a blank or non-functional screen is a common complaint.
- Test the touchscreen and all electronic features, including GPS, audio, and backup camera, for glitches or failures, as owners report these worsening over time.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises such as pinging or knocking, and check for any loss of power or limp mode symptoms during a test drive.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and effectiveness, and be alert for any warning messages related to brake fluid or braking system failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed, especially the backup camera recall on the C-Max and any brake or engine recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the specific problem areas: backup camera and electronics for the C-Max; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, deliberately test the backup camera, touchscreen, and all electronic features on the C-Max, and for the Silverado, test acceleration, braking, and transmission shifting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for any recurring issues like stalling or brake problems that may indicate unresolved defects.
- Verify the vehicle's complaint history on NHTSA's website using the VIN to see if it has been involved in any serious incidents.
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 C MAX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 |
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 C MAX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD C MAX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD C MAX total complaints
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD C MAX total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD C MAX avg complaints/year
- 2.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD C MAX
- FORD C MAX top complaint area
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE