Head-to-head reliability
FORD Ecosport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Ecosport 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 Ecosport vs Chevrolet Silverado: The EcoSport averages 369 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Silverado averages 511 complaints per year with 100 recalls. EcoSport issues often involve sudden engine power loss; Silverado issues span engine, transmission, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Ecosport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Ecosport
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that has generated 1,843 complaints over five years, an average of about 369 per year. The complaint pattern is heavily concentrated in engine and cooling problems, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power, low oil pressure warnings, and timing belt failures even after recall repairs. Power train issues, particularly front half shaft problems, also appear. This suggests that living with an EcoSport may involve recurring engine-related downtime and safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has accumulated 5,105 complaints over ten years, averaging about 511 per year. Complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brake systems, with reports of sudden loss of motive power, braking failures, and transmission problems. The higher annual complaint rate and broader range of issues indicate that Silverado ownership may require more frequent attention to multiple systems. However, the longer production history means many problems are known and may have fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Ecosport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,843 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 368.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Ecosport
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING839
- 02ENGINE797
- 03POWER TRAIN218
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER149
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM111
Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, low oil pressure warnings, and timing belt failures that can shred and cause loss of braking assist. These failures often occur at highway speeds and may happen even after recall repairs, leaving drivers stranded.
Complaints include engines dying prematurely, requiring towing at owner expense, and battery drain from prolonged non-use. Some owners report that recall fixes did not prevent repeat failures, leading to repeated shop visits.
Front half shaft issues are common, with reports of contact with the transmission and loss of power without warning. Owners describe unsafe situations on freeways, and some inspections passed despite obvious problems.
Brakes locking up, overheating after recall repairs, and vehicles failing to start are reported. These issues can leave the vehicle undrivable and may not be easily reproduced by dealers.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the highway and pulled into a truck stop service station, where the contact was informed that the oi…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report rough running, loss of motive power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some engines fail at low mileage, leaving families stranded far from home.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the odometer. These issues can occur at low speeds or while driving, increasing crash risk.
Complaints include severe loss of braking, inoperable steering, and loud engine pinging followed by loss of power. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Owners describe brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, leading to inability to stop normally. This can happen shortly after starting a trip, such as after dropping children at school.
“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 Ecosport — 12 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
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 Ecosport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford EcoSport has fewer complaints per year (about 369) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but the EcoSport's issues are more concentrated in engine and power train failures that can cause sudden loss of power. The Silverado's higher annual rate and wider range of problems mean more overall shop visits, though many are known and may have fixes. In practice, the EcoSport may have fewer total complaints but its failures are often severe and safety-related.
Key differences
- The Ford EcoSport has a much higher proportion of engine and cooling complaints (839 out of 1,843), often involving sudden power loss, while the Silverado's complaints are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- EcoSport owners report timing belt failures and half shaft problems that can cause loss of braking assist, whereas Silverado owners report transmission shifting into neutral and brake system failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years versus 12 for the EcoSport over 5 years, indicating more widespread known issues but also more potential fixes.
- EcoSport complaints include repeat failures after recall repairs, while Silverado complaints include low-mileage failures on new vehicles, suggesting different reliability profiles.
- Check for any history of timing belt replacement or recall work related to engine oil pump and front half shaft; ask for documentation and verify that repairs were done correctly.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for unusual noises or loss of power; also check for low oil pressure warning lights and any signs of overheating.
- Inspect for transmission issues by test driving at low speeds and in parking garages, feeling for sudden neutral engagement or loss of power.
- Check brake system function carefully, including pedal feel and stopping ability, and ask about any electrical system repairs or software updates.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair documentation for both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions: highway, stop-and-go, and parking garages, to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- Ask the seller about any recurring issues, warning lights, or recent repairs, and verify with service records.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN and confirm they have been addressed.
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 Ecosport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 257 | 934 |
| 2020 | 393 | 0 |
| 2019 | 458 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 725 | 591 |
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 Ecosport or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Ecosport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Ecosport total complaints
- 1,843
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Ecosport total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Ecosport avg complaints/year
- 368.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD Ecosport
- FORD Ecosport top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE