Head-to-head reliability
FORD Contour vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Contour 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 Contour vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Contour has 252 complaints per year and 7 recalls, while the Silverado has about 823 complaints per year and 101 recalls. Both show serious issues like stalling and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Contour or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Contour
The Ford Contour is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. In just one year of data, it racked up 252 complaints, with structure and fuel system issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like stalling in traffic and fuel leaks, which can be dangerous. With only 7 recalls, it's clear that many issues are addressed through complaints rather than formal recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its complaint volume reflects that: over 8,200 complaints across 10 years. The most common trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with reports of sudden shutdowns and transmission problems. Electrical and brake issues also appear frequently. While it has 101 recalls, the sheer number of complaints suggests owners face a wide range of reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Contour | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 252 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 252.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Contour
- 01STRUCTURE82
- 02FUEL SYSTEM38
- 03GASOLINE34
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 05VISIBILITY29
Owners report dashboard warping that can interfere with defrost vents and visibility, and in some cases, loose trim pieces become projectiles during sudden stops. This matters because it can affect your ability to see clearly and could cause injury in a crash.
Complaints include stalling or hesitation around a quarter tank, often traced to fuel filter or pump issues, and strong fuel odors after refueling due to tank leaks. These problems can leave you stranded and pose a fire risk.
Instrument panel warping is a recurring electrical-related complaint, sometimes affecting air bag performance and creating loose components. This is important because it can compromise safety systems and lead to distracting rattles.
Dashboard curling can obstruct defrost vent flow, making it hard to clear the windshield in cold weather. Poor visibility increases the risk of an accident, especially in winter.
“I HAD JUST GOT ON INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED CUTTING OUT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FLASHERS ON & TRIED TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE SO I COULD GET ON SHOULDER OF INTERSTATE BUT CARS WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO GET OVER. MY CAR DIED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE. I CALLED ASAP…”
“2000 FORD CONTOUR SVT, 71K MILES THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CURLING, FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS THE DASHBOARD, FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. THE PROCESS HAS BEEN VERY SLOW, BUT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT NOW SEVERELY INTERFERES WITH DEFROST VENT FLOW AND VISI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' There are also reports of excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and are costly to fix.
Complaints include sudden loss of power or unintended shifting into neutral, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance and engine shut-offs while driving, with screens going blank. These electrical glitches can be terrifying and may lead to accidents.
Reports of brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and instances where the truck shuts off during braking. This is a critical safety concern that needs 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 Contour — 7 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE M…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
The risk: THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE MAY BELIEVE THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED WHEN IT WAS NOT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS W…
The risk: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
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 Contour or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Contour has far fewer complaints per year (252) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823 per year), but the Contour's issues are concentrated in dangerous areas like stalling and fuel leaks. The Silverado's higher volume reflects its popularity and longer production span, but its problems are also severe, including engine shutdowns and brake failures. In practice, both have significant reliability concerns, but the Contour's lower annual complaint rate might mean fewer overall incidents, though each could be serious.
Key differences
- The Ford Contour has 252 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating the Silverado generates more owner complaints annually.
- The Contour's top issues are structure (dashboard warping) and fuel system (stalling, leaks), whereas the Silverado's are engine (shutdowns, soot) and powertrain (sudden neutral).
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 7 for the Contour, suggesting more widespread safety defects addressed by the manufacturer.
- Crash-related complaints: Silverado has 233 and 160 injuries, while Contour has 12 crashes and 12 injuries, but these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Check the dashboard for warping or curling, especially near the windshield, as this can block defrost vents and affect visibility.
- Test drive at various fuel levels and inspect for fuel odors or leaks around the tank and lines, as stalling and leaks are common.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden shutdowns, or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'—these could indicate engine or electrical faults.
- Check for brake performance: a firm pedal with reduced braking could signal a serious issue; also look for signs of transmission problems like delayed engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific trouble areas: fuel system and dashboard for the Contour; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions: highway, stop-and-go, and parking lot maneuvers to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel system repairs (Contour) or engine/transmission service (Silverado).
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, and if not, factor in the cost and time to get them fixed.
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 Contour or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Contour vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Contour total complaints
- 252
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Contour total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Contour avg complaints/year
- 252.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Contour
- FORD Contour top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE