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 509.8 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averages 510.5. The Edge has 54 recalls, the Silverado 100. Both show serious engine and powertrain issues, but the Silverado also has notable electrical and brake problems. 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 crossover that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of engine and powertrain troubles that can strike suddenly, even on newer models. Complaints describe engines overheating and seizing, sudden loss of power at highway speeds, and intermittent shutdowns that dealers sometimes can't replicate or fix. Brake system warnings also appear, sometimes triggered in normal conditions like snow, which can undermine driver confidence. Overall, the Edge's reliability picture is concerning, with a high volume of complaints concentrated in critical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to owner reports, also has significant engine and powertrain issues, but with a broader spread across electrical and brake systems. Owners describe catastrophic engine failures in new trucks, diesel particulate filter clogging, and sudden loss of power or braking, sometimes at highway speeds. The Silverado has more recalls and a slightly higher complaint rate, but the nature of failures—especially those involving brakes and steering—can be equally alarming. It's a vehicle that demands careful pre-purchase inspection, particularly of the engine and electrical systems.
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 | 5,098 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 54 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 114 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 509.8 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 127 | 104 Better |
| 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 EDGE
- 01ENGINE1,816
- 02POWER TRAIN1,142
- 03SERVICE BRAKES628
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING580
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER475
Owners report engines overheating and seizing, sometimes with no warning light, and sudden shutdowns or backfires. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash if it happens in traffic.
Sudden loss of motive power at speed, with a jerking stop, and abnormal accelerator pedal sensations are described. These issues can be dangerous and may not be reproducible by dealers.
Brake failure and stability control warning lights come on, sometimes in normal conditions like snow, and may persist across visits. This suggests potential brake system malfunctions that could affect stopping ability.
“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…”
“Warning lights came on, dashboard goes dark, engine felt to shut off and then restart especially when driving on interstate highways. Possible cause of serious injury or death. Dealer has not found problem, been to dealership 4 times in 5 months, over 70 days…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Reports include catastrophic engine failure in new trucks, such as a 6.2L motor failing within 2500 miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging repeatedly. These can lead to costly repairs and downtime.
Sudden shifting into neutral while driving, especially uphill, and loss of motive power are reported. This can be particularly dangerous in traffic or on grades.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness and steering control, often accompanied by warning messages. These electrical issues can create critical safety hazards.
Brake failure incidents are reported where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, and there are recalls related to brake fluid level sensors. This points to potential brake system vulnerabilities.
“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 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 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicl…
The risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model an…
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…
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 EDGE or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Edge has slightly fewer complaints per year (509.8) than the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Edge's issues are more concentrated in engine and powertrain, while the Silverado has a broader range of electrical and brake problems. In practice, the Edge may have fewer overall incidents, but both vehicles show serious reliability concerns that warrant thorough inspection before purchase.
Key differences
- The Edge has more engine complaints (1816) than the Silverado (1698), but the Silverado has more powertrain complaints (1453 vs 1142).
- The Silverado has significantly more electrical system complaints (982) than the Edge (475), indicating a broader range of electronic issues.
- The Edge has fewer recalls (54) than the Silverado (100), but both have multiple recalls related to safety systems.
- The Edge has zero reported deaths, while the Silverado has one, but both have similar crash-related complaint counts.
- Check for any history of engine overheating or stalling, especially on 2023-2024 models, and ask if the dealer has performed any engine-related recalls or repairs.
- Inspect the brake system for warning lights or previous repairs, as owners report brake failure warnings in normal conditions.
- Look for signs of engine failure, such as unusual noises or a history of engine replacement, particularly on 2026 models with the 6.2L engine.
- Check the electrical system for any warning messages or previous repairs, as owners report sudden loss of braking and steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for any loss of power or unusual behavior.
- Ask for service records and verify that any reported issues have been addressed.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you're considering.
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 | 42 | 0 |
| 2023 | 22 | 0 |
| 2022 | 129 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 107 | 934 |
| 2020 | 312 | 0 |
| 2019 | 752 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 800 | 591 |
| 2017 | 1316 | 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 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
- 5,098
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD EDGE total recalls
- 54
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD EDGE avg complaints/year
- 509.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD EDGE
- FORD EDGE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE