Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD E 350 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 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford E-350 has 63 complaints and 22 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The E-350 reports steering and brake issues, but the Silverado sees more engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 350 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 350
The Ford E-350 is a heavy-duty van or cutaway chassis often used for commercial work, ambulances, or large passenger transport. Over 10 years, it has 63 complaints and 22 recalls, with steering and brake issues being the most common. Owners report sudden loss of power steering and spongy brakes, which can be alarming in a large vehicle. The low complaint count suggests fewer reported problems per year, but the severity of some issues means careful inspection is crucial.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup available in many configurations, from work truck to luxury trim. It has a staggering 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls over 10 years, with engine, power train, and electrical problems dominating. Owners describe serious issues like engine shutdowns while driving and sudden loss of braking. The high volume of complaints indicates that many owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 350 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 63 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 350
- 01STEERING19
- 02ENGINE15
- 03SERVICE BRAKES14
- 04POWER TRAIN8
- 05HYDRAULIC7
Owners report abnormal popping sounds followed by loss of power steering and a spongy brake pedal, as well as steering becoming very difficult after hitting rough pavement. These failures can make the vehicle hard to control, especially at speed or in tight spaces.
Complaints include emissions-related sensor failures leading to power loss while towing, and engine misfires on the 7.3L V8 used in delivery vans. These issues can cause breakdowns and expensive repairs, affecting reliability for work use.
Drivers describe brakes feeling mushy and the pedal going to the floor, requiring emergency brake use to stop. In one case, an ambulance experienced unintended acceleration and braking problems, leading to crashes. This is a critical safety concern.
Transmission failures involve the CDF clutch cylinder, torque converter, and internal damage with metal debris. There are also reports of unintended acceleration in reverse and drive. These issues can lead to costly repairs and loss of control.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a tra…”
“After hitting a very rough patch of interstate, our steering became very difficult. The driver thought that maybe we had a low tire, so looked for a place to pull over. We crested a hill, and there was an exit with a truck stop. As we attempted to slow for th…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado with the 6.2L engine report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, and diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These problems can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive fixes.
Complaints include vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues linked to engine shutdowns. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Owners report severe loss of braking despite a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems and are frightening for drivers.
Braking problems include sudden loss of normal braking and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. These issues make stopping unpredictable and increase crash risk.
“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 350 — 22 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F600, and 2023 E-Series vehicles. In addition, certain 2016 E-Series, 2017 and 2019 F-450, 2021 F-350, and 2021 Transit vehicles that received a reprinted label are also included in this recall. The Safety…
The risk: Missing tire information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed, or incorrect tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the Safety Certification Label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C09.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 E-350, E-450, and 2021-2022 F-59 vehicles. The paint along the weld seam of the fuel tank may peel and lead to corrosion of the exposed metal, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S76.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ford E-350, F-650, and F-750 vehicles. The park pawl may not fully engage the park gear due to a casting defect in the transmission.
The risk: A vehicle which does not have the park pawl fully engaged may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, or the valve body and extension housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ford E-350, F-650, and F-750 vehicles. The park pawl may not fully engage the park gear due to a casting defect in the transmission.
The risk: A vehicle which does not have the park pawl fully engaged may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, or the valve body and extension housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332…
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 350 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford E-350 has far fewer complaints per year (6.3 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (22 vs. 101), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems. However, the Silverado's massive complaint volume means many owners face serious issues like engine shutdowns and brake failures. In practice, the E-350 may be less troublesome overall, but both have safety-related faults that demand attention.
Key differences
- The Ford E-350 has 63 complaints over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227, a massive difference in reported issues per vehicle.
- Ford E-350 problems often involve steering loss and brake pedal issues, whereas Silverado complaints frequently cite engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, compared to 4 crashes and 2 injuries for the E-350, indicating more severe outcomes reported.
- Recalls are more frequent for the Silverado (101 vs. 22), covering systems like fuel pumps and forward collision avoidance, while E-350 recalls include park pawl and fuel tank issues.
- During a test drive, listen for popping sounds from the steering and check for any difficulty turning, especially after rough roads, as this may indicate power steering failure.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: a spongy or soft pedal that sinks to the floor could signal a brake system problem that owners have reported.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or messages like 'Return to Neutral' on the dashboard, as owners report sudden shutdowns while driving.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and in parking situations; a firm pedal with reduced braking effect or complete loss of braking has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system, including power steering pump and lines, especially on the Ford E-350.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored error codes related to engine, transmission, and electrical systems, and test drive at various speeds.
- Test all brakes, including emergency brake, and look for any signs of fluid leaks or unusual pedal feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on transmission and brake service, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer 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 E 350 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 2 | 157 |
| 2024 | 2 | 527 |
| 2023 | 2 | 450 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 22 | 961 |
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 3 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 3 | 597 |
| 2017 | 13 | 1154 |
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 350 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD E 350 total complaints
- 63
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD E 350 total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD E 350 avg complaints/year
- 6.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 350
- FORD E 350 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE