Head-to-head reliability
FORD Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Escape 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 Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Escape averages 739.7 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both show serious issues like power loss and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Escape or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 740 complaints per year over the last decade. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, unintended acceleration, and engine revving, often pointing to engine and power train problems. With 102 recalls and 131 crash-related complaints, living with an Escape means staying on top of recall notices and being alert for hesitation or surging while driving.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with a higher total of 8,227 over ten years. Complaints often describe engine shutoff while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission issues like going into neutral unexpectedly. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, Silverado owners should be prepared for potential electrical and brake-related failures that can occur even at low speeds.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Escape | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,397 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 739.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 163 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Escape
- 01ENGINE3,281
- 02POWER TRAIN1,130
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING975
- 04STRUCTURE820
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER722
Owners report sudden loss of power while accelerating or pulling into traffic, and some describe the engine revving unexpectedly while parked. These issues can leave you stranded or unable to merge safely, and they often appear at low mileage.
Complaints include unintended acceleration and transmission problems, such as the vehicle suddenly accelerating without throttle input. There are also reports of high-voltage battery fire risks in some models, leading to recalls with no immediate fix.
Drivers notice exhaust fumes entering the cabin, loud noises from under the hood, and power loss during acceleration. These symptoms suggest exhaust leaks or cooling system failures that can be dangerous if ignored.
Owners report sudden acceleration at low speeds, causing the vehicle to strike objects, and trim pieces like liftgate hinge covers flying off. These structural and unintended acceleration issues can lead to crashes or costly repairs.
“I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to resp…”
“Purchased brand new 11/2023, immediately started with electrical problems 01/2024, also would put car in reverse and car would cut off, was dropped off at service but never given a reason for the issue or a repair. 01/2025 car had acceleration issues, dropped…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutoff while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These problems can cause dangerous stalls and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This transmission behavior can be hazardous in traffic or tight spaces.
Drivers experience sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shutoff while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Reports describe the truck completely shutting off, screens going blank, and inability to accelerate, often in parking lots. Braking effectiveness can be severely compromised, increasing crash risk at low speeds.
“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 Escape — 102 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy pa…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such,…
The risk: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
The risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend o…
The fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
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 Escape or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Escape has fewer complaints per year (about 740) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have similar recall counts. In practice, the Escape's issues often center on engine power loss and unintended acceleration, while the Silverado's problems more frequently involve engine shutoff and brake failures. Neither is clearly better; the choice depends on which failure patterns you can better manage.
Key differences
- Ford Escape complaints often involve sudden loss of power and unintended acceleration, while Silverado complaints more frequently mention engine shutoff and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs 131) and deaths (3 vs 1) in the data, though these are raw counts and not rates.
- Escape has a higher proportion of engine complaints (3,281 out of 7,397), whereas Silverado has more balanced issues across engine, power train, and electrical systems.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but Escape recalls include fuel injection and adaptive cruise control, while Silverado recalls include fuel pump and tire pressure monitoring.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and at highway speeds to check for hesitation, sudden power loss, or unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the liftgate hinge covers and ask if any recalls related to fuel injection or engine issues have been addressed.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and in a parking lot; a firm pedal with poor stopping may indicate the reported brake loss issue.
- Check for any messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dashboard, and ask about engine shutoff incidents or diesel particulate filter problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for the specific symptoms reported by owners.
- Test drive in various conditions, including highway merging and low-speed parking, to replicate complaint scenarios.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and electrical system, including dashboard warnings.
- For the Escape, check for exhaust smells in the cabin and listen for unusual engine noises.
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 Escape | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 120 |
| 2025 | 29 | 157 |
| 2024 | 76 | 527 |
| 2023 | 99 | 450 |
| 2022 | 234 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 348 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1531 | 868 |
| 2019 | 588 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1801 | 597 |
| 2017 | 2687 | 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 Escape or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Escape total complaints
- 7,397
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Escape total recalls
- 102
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Escape avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Escape
- FORD Escape top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE