Head-to-head reliability
FORD EDGE vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD EDGE 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 EDGE vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Edge averages 524 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and has 3 deaths. Both show engine and power train issues, but the Silverado's higher volume and severity warrant extra caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD EDGE or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD EDGE
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of about 524 complaints per year to NHTSA. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with owners reporting issues like sudden loss of power, lunging when parking, and overheating that can lead to engine seizure. Brake problems also appear, including warning lights and stalling. While the Edge has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the pattern suggests that engine and transmission-related repairs are a recurring theme that buyers should be prepared for.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged roughly 823 complaints per year over the last decade, with engine and power train issues dominating the list. Owners describe serious problems such as engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures that can leave the truck in neutral unexpectedly. Electrical system complaints are also high, often tied to stalling or braking malfunctions. The higher complaint volume and the presence of three deaths in the data indicate that some reported failures have been severe, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection especially important.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD EDGE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,238 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 54 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 116 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 523.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 127 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 EDGE
- 01ENGINE1,902
- 02POWER TRAIN1,172
- 03SERVICE BRAKES637
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING595
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER482
Owners report backfiring, overheating, and engine seizure, sometimes without warning lights. Water leaks into the footwell after rain can also occur, potentially damaging interior components. These issues can lead to costly repairs or sudden breakdowns.
Complaints include sudden loss of motive power while driving, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, and lunging forward or backward when parking. Such failures can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate transmission or software problems.
Drivers have experienced brake warning lights, stalling, and a firm steering wheel, as well as cruise control failing to disengage after an impact. These symptoms suggest potential brake system or electronic control issues that could affect stopping ability.
This category overlaps with engine complaints, often involving overheating and cooling system failures. Owners may face repeated repairs if the cooling system is not properly maintained.
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a backfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine overheated and seized. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that failu…”
“The contact leased a 2023 Ford Edge. After a rainstorm, the contact discovered water accumulation in the footwell of the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where parts of the interior of the vehicle were removed to dry out…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Reports include engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation in the particulate filter, and rough running. These can strand drivers and require dealer service, sometimes repeatedly.
Owners describe the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, loss of power, and transmission failures at low speeds. Such events can leave the truck unable to move, posing a risk in traffic.
Complaints involve sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral', and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions and are hard to diagnose.
Drivers report a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect, and in some cases the truck shuts off entirely during braking attempts. This can severely compromise stopping distance and control.
“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 EDGE — 54 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge vehicles. The front right headlight may be too bright or aimed incorrectly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment…
The risk: A headlight that is too bright or aimed incorrectly may cause a glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
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 EDGE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Edge has fewer complaints per year (about 524) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), suggesting the Edge may have a lower overall rate of reported problems. However, both vehicles have significant engine and power train complaints, so the difference is not absolute. In practice, the Edge might mean fewer trips to the shop, but buyers should still prioritize a thorough inspection of either vehicle.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 60% more complaints per year than the Edge, with higher counts in engine, power train, and electrical categories.
- The Silverado data includes 3 deaths and 160 injuries, while the Edge has 0 deaths and 127 injuries, indicating that some Silverado failures have been fatal.
- Ford Edge complaints often involve engine overheating and sudden power loss, while Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and braking failures.
- Recalls for the Edge include back-over prevention software and child seat tether anchors, whereas Silverado recalls cover fuel pump control and forward collision warnings.
- Check for signs of water leaks in the front footwell, especially after rain, as owners report water accumulation that can damage electronics.
- Test the transmission for sudden lunging or loss of power when parking or driving at low speeds, and listen for engine backfiring or overheating signs.
- Verify that the engine does not shut off unexpectedly while driving; test drive at various speeds and check for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
- Inspect the braking system for a firm pedal or reduced braking effect, and ask about any history of electrical glitches or screen failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and braking systems for the specific issues reported for each model.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden power loss, or unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the electrical system by operating all accessories and checking for any warning lights or messages.
- For the Edge, check for water leaks by inspecting the footwells and asking if the vehicle has been exposed to heavy rain.
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 EDGE | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44 | 527 |
| 2023 | 22 | 450 |
| 2022 | 131 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 111 | 961 |
| 2020 | 319 | 868 |
| 2019 | 769 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 832 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1366 | 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 EDGE or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD EDGE vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD EDGE total complaints
- 5,238
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD EDGE total recalls
- 54
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD EDGE avg complaints/year
- 523.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD EDGE
- FORD EDGE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE