Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD E 450 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 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The E-450 has 71 complaints over 10 years (7.1/yr) with 19 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints (510.5/yr) with 100 recalls. E-450 issues center on steering and brakes, Silverado on engine and powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 450 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 450
The Ford E-450 is a heavy-duty chassis used in commercial cutaway vans and motorhomes, so its reliability picture is shaped by fleet-style use and long idle times. Owners report a cluster of steering and brake complaints, many tied to recalls for power steering line issues and parking brake behavior. The pattern suggests that while the engine is not a major sore point, the steering and braking systems demand attention, especially in RV conversions where weight and driving dynamics amplify any fault.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mainstream full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, reflecting both its popularity and a broad range of issues. Engine and powertrain problems dominate, including reports of sudden power loss, transmission neutral events, and diesel particulate filter clogging. Electrical system complaints also surface, sometimes linked to braking failures, which is concerning for a vehicle expected to handle heavy loads and daily driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 450 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 71 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.1 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 E 450
- 01STEERING25
- 02SERVICE BRAKES20
- 03ENGINE14
- 04HYDRAULIC12
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
Owners report loose steering and delayed wheel response at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to drift strongly left or right. This is often linked to the power steering pressure line recall (22S08), where the line can leak or fail, leading to a loss of power steering assist.
Brake complaints include issues with the parking brake, where engaging it may not prevent unintended movement, and problems with the hydroboost system that can affect braking performance. Some complaints are tied to the same power steering line recall, as the hydroboost relies on hydraulic pressure from the power steering pump.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent but include concerns about performance and drivability, often in the context of motorhome use. Some owners mention that the engine feels underpowered or that there are hesitation issues, but these are not as prominent as steering or brake problems.
Hydraulic system complaints center on the power steering pressure line, which can leak or rupture, causing a loss of power steering and potentially affecting braking. This is a known recall issue (22S08) that owners say was sometimes only inspected, not replaced, leading to ongoing concerns.
“We received the two recall notice letters from Ford Motor Company, 20V795 & 22V089, for our 2021 Jayco Redhawk class C RV. Upon receiving the first recall notice, 20V795, an appointment was made with our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pu…”
“Parking Brake The Sticker on this U-Haul 15 foot Truck says, "Engage the Parking Brake before turning off the Engine, otherwise UNCONTROLLED OPERATION OF VEHICLE may occur.". I pulled on the Parking Brake as the Sticker warned. With my foot off the Gas Pedal,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine complaints are the most common, with reports of sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters. Some owners describe the engine stalling or losing power at highway speeds, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Powertrain issues include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, and transmission problems that can leave drivers stranded. These events often occur with low mileage, suggesting potential manufacturing or design flaws.
Electrical complaints range from warning lights and sensor failures to more serious issues like a sudden loss of braking and steering while driving. Some owners report that the vehicle's computer systems malfunction, leading to a cascade of failures that compromise safety.
Brake complaints include a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even when the pedal feels firm, and instances where the brakes and steering become inoperable simultaneously. These are often linked to electrical or hydraulic failures, making them unpredictable and hazardous.
“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 450 — 19 recalls
The defect: SVO Group Inc. (SVO Group) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350 and E-450-based shuttle buses equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be re…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SVO Group will work with ASA to notify owners, and ASA will provide a harness relay capacitor module to eliminate the image reversal, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service at 1-80…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2027 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The backup alarm connector may become loose and detach, preventing the alarm from sounding when the vehicle is backing up.
The risk: A backup alarm that fails to alert pedestrians and other vehicles of a reversing vehicle, increases the risk of crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exterior sound connector on the frame wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
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.
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 E 450 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford E-450 has far fewer complaints per year (7.1 vs 510.5) and a lower rate of crashes and injuries, making it a more predictable choice in terms of reported issues. However, the Silverado's problems are more varied and severe, with a higher likelihood of sudden power loss or brake failure, which could be a deal-breaker for safety-conscious buyers.
Key differences
- The Ford E-450 has a much lower complaint rate (7.1 per year) compared to the Silverado (510.5 per year), indicating fewer reported problems overall.
- Ford E-450 issues are concentrated in steering and brakes, often linked to a specific recall, while Silverado issues span engine, powertrain, and electrical systems with more severe consequences.
- Silverado complaints include sudden loss of power and braking, leading to a higher number of crashes (117) and injuries (104), whereas the E-450 has only 1 crash and no injuries.
- The E-450 is often used as an RV or commercial vehicle, so its problems may be exacerbated by heavy loads, while the Silverado is a personal truck facing similar demands but with more frequent failures.
- Check for any open recalls, especially 20V795 and 22S08, and verify that the power steering pressure line was replaced, not just inspected.
- Test the steering at highway speeds for looseness or delayed response, and inspect the parking brake function to ensure it holds the vehicle securely.
- Look for signs of engine trouble such as unusual noises, loss of power, or frequent regeneration cycles if it's a diesel, and check the service history for DPF issues.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting, especially at low speeds, and be alert to any warning lights related to the electrical system or brakes.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- For the Ford E-450, ask for proof that the steering and brake recalls were completed, including the replacement of the power steering line.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan to check for any stored trouble codes related to engine, transmission, or electrical systems.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for steering, braking, and transmission issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the braking system, including the hydroboost on the E-450 and the brake sensors on the Silverado.
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 450 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 27 | 934 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 5 | 591 |
| 2017 | 11 | 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 E 450 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD E 450 total complaints
- 71
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD E 450 total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD E 450 avg complaints/year
- 7.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 450
- FORD E 450 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE