Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 150 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD E 150 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 E 150 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford E 150 averaged 42.2 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado averaged 822.7 per year. The E 150 had 29 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths; the Silverado had 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. Both had over 100 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 150 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 150
The Ford E 150 is a full-size van often used for work or passenger transport, and its complaint pattern suggests that stalling and loss of steering or braking assist are recurring themes. Over 10 years, owners filed 422 complaints, averaging about 42 per year, with electrical system issues being the most common. Many reports describe sudden engine shutdowns that also cut power steering and power brakes, which can be alarming at speed. With 105 recalls and 29 crash-related complaints, a buyer should expect to address both mechanical and safety-related fixes.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, or about 823 per year. The most frequent trouble spots are the engine and powertrain, with owners reporting rough running, diesel particulate filter problems, and sudden loss of power or braking. There are also 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, indicating that some failures occur in motion. With 101 recalls, the Silverado has a similar recall count to the E 150 but far more owner complaints per year.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 150 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 422 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 105 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 33 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 E 150
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02POWER TRAIN52
- 03STRUCTURE52
- 04ENGINE43
- 05SERVICE BRAKES36
Owners report sudden stalling while driving, often with a loss of power steering and power brakes. The van may not restart or stay idle, leaving the driver with reduced control. This is the top complaint category for the E 150.
Complaints include stalling at low speeds and transmission problems, such as a vehicle that fails to move when shifted into reverse and makes loud noises. These issues can strand a driver or require a tow.
Some owners describe throttle sticking that prevents the engine from returning to idle, forcing hard braking to stop. Others report brake or steering problems that occur at low speeds, such as during parking lot maneuvers.
Reports include power loss on the highway where the van slows to a stop and the engine stalls, sometimes requiring a 20-minute wait before restarting. This can be dangerous in traffic.
“MY FORD E150, ECONO VAN CAME TO A SUDDEN STALL WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON HIGH WAY. ONCE IT GOT STALLED, I L DON'T HAVE STEERING, POWER AND BRAKE CONTROL. THE VAN WON'T START AND WON'T STAY IDLE. OR RUNNING, BUT AFTER LIKE 20 TIMES TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR, IT ST…”
“I OWN A 2006 FORD F-150 4X4 PICKUP. TWO WEEKS AGO THE SPEED ODOMETER WENT CRAZY, IT STARTED OUT STICKING AT 10 MPH AND MOVED ALL THE WAY OVER TO 120+ AND SOMETIMES DROPS TO THE 40 MPH AREA AND THEN RIGHT BACK UP TO THE 120 MPH ZONE. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TRUC…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events that require dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues that leave the truck unable to accelerate. This can happen even at low speeds in parking lots.
Some drivers experience a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective. Others report the engine shutting off while driving, with screens going blank.
Reports describe severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, and instances where the truck shuts off completely during low-speed maneuvers, requiring a restart. These brake issues are a safety concern.
“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 E 150 — 105 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.
The defect: VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM…
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix: VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
The defect: VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LI…
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix: VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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 E 150 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford E 150 has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have similar recall counts. In practice, the E 150's issues are less frequent but still include serious stalling and loss of control. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate means a buyer is more likely to encounter problems, especially with the engine and powertrain.
Key differences
- The Ford E 150 averages about 42 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a nearly 20-fold difference.
- Ford E 150 complaints often involve stalling with loss of steering and braking assist, while Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, compared to 29 crash-related and 0 deaths for the E 150.
- Both vehicles have over 100 recalls, but the E 150's recalls include fuel tank and adaptive equipment issues, while the Silverado's include fuel pump and forward collision warning problems.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation, stalling, or loss of power steering or brakes, especially at low speeds or when coming to a stop.
- Ask for service records related to electrical system repairs, throttle sticking, and transmission work, as these are common complaint areas.
- Test the brakes carefully for any firmness or reduced stopping power, and listen for unusual noises from the engine or transmission during acceleration.
- Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the diesel particulate filter (on diesel models) or transmission, and verify that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been remedied.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, transmission, and brakes, focusing on the specific complaint patterns for each model.
- During a test drive, include highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for stalling, power loss, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services, and check for any repeated repairs.
- Verify that the vehicle starts reliably and idles smoothly, and that all warning lights function correctly.
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 E 150 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 150 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD E 150 total complaints
- 422
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD E 150 total recalls
- 105
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD E 150 avg complaints/year
- 42.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 150
- FORD E 150 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE