Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 250 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD E 250 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 250 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford E 250 has 77 complaints over 10 years (7.7/year) and 166 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The E 250 reports fewer crashes (12 vs. 233) and injuries (15 vs. 160). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 250 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 250
The Ford E 250 is a full-size van often used for commercial work or as a people mover. Over 10 years, it has 77 complaints (7.7 per year) and 166 recalls, with 12 crash-related, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths. Owners report engine stalling, tire failures, and air bag issues, but the low complaint rate suggests fewer reported problems overall.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck popular for both personal and work use. It has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7 per year) and 101 recalls, with 233 crash-related, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Common complaints involve engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, indicating a higher volume of reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 250 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 77 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 166 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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 250
- 01ENGINE11
- 02TIRES9
- 03AIR BAGS8
- 04FUEL SYSTEM6
- 05GASOLINE6
Owners report the PCM causing fuel pumps to burn out, leading to engine stalls at high speed, and spark plugs blowing out, which can damage coils. These failures can leave you stranded and are costly to repair.
Complaints include tires failing prematurely, such as a tire rated for 50,000 miles wearing out at 13,000 miles, and severe thumping from the rear. Tire problems can affect handling and safety, especially when carrying heavy loads.
One owner reported a crash after the vehicle fishtailed, and another noted the absence of a passenger-side air bag on/off switch despite the manual. Air bag issues can impact safety for passengers, particularly children.
Owners describe transmission failure and fuel relay leaks causing abnormal odors. These issues can lead to drivability problems and potential fire hazards, requiring immediate attention.
“THE PCM AT 34,000 MILES CAUSED TWO FUEL PUMPS TO BURN OUT IN 4 DAYS. A "WRENCH" WARNING SYMBOL APPEARED ON THE DASH AND THE VANS ENGINE DIES WHILE GOING AT HIGH SPEED (WE PULL A PRESSURE WASHING TRAILER HOLDING WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS & WATER). IF IT WAS RAI…”
“THANKFULLY I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY BETWEEN CURVES ON A STRETCH OF ROADWAY WITH A 30MPH SPEED LIMIT (ONE LANE EACH DIRECTION) WHEN I 'BLEW A SPARK PLUG'. THE COIL WAS ALSO DAMAGED I WAS TOLD. I WAS ALSO TOLD THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and engine shutting off, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software issues.
Owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-off with warning messages. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems, increasing crash risk.
Complaints describe the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effect reduced, and the truck shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are a serious safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
“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 250 — 166 recalls
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2008, 2013 and 2014 Ford E-250 vehicles modified to be equipped with Ricon Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As…
The risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards towards the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: New England has notified owners, and Ricon dealers will replace the lift positioning input cam, free of charge. The recall began on March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or New England customer service…
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additional…
The risk: If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platfor…
The fix: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29,…
The defect: Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affec…
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator. Add…
The fix: Mobility Specialists will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The…
The defect: National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform s…
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
The fix: National Van will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on…
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 250 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford E 250 has far fewer complaints per year (7.7 vs. 822.7) and fewer crash-related reports (12 vs. 233), though it has more recalls (166 vs. 101). In practice, the E 250 may have fewer reported day-to-day issues, but both vehicles have safety-related complaints that warrant careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford E 250 has 77 complaints over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported issues per year.
- Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and brake loss, which are severe safety concerns; E 250 complaints include engine stalls and tire failures.
- The E 250 has 166 recalls, many for equipment adaptive/mobility, while the Silverado has 101 recalls covering fuel pumps and forward collision warnings.
- Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 15 injuries for the E 250, though these numbers depend on many factors.
- Check for engine stalling or wrench warning lights, as PCM and fuel pump failures are reported; test drive at highway speeds if possible.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or bulges, especially if they are the Sentinel or Hankook models mentioned in complaints, and verify air bag functionality.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and check for any electrical warnings or messages about returning to neutral.
- Listen for engine noises or check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with Duramax, and ensure the transmission shifts smoothly without sudden neutral engagement.
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 engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific complaints noted.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate potential issues.
- For the E 250, check tire age and condition, and confirm air bag operation; for the Silverado, verify software updates and brake performance.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, transmission, or brake repairs, and be wary of vehicles with repeated complaints.
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 250 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 250 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD E 250 total complaints
- 77
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD E 250 total recalls
- 166
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD E 250 avg complaints/year
- 7.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 250
- FORD E 250 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE