Vehicle 1

FORD Escape

4,385 complaints · 102 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,570 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FORD Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Escape has 438.5 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 757.0. The Silverado has more crash complaints (219 vs 87) and significant powertrain issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
FORD Escape
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Chevrolet Silverado
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryFORD EscapeChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
4,385
✓ lower
7,570
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
102
100
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
87
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
438.5
✓ lower
757.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Escape

1. ENGINE1,553
2. STRUCTURE745
3. POWER TRAIN659
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER533
5. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING448

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,222
2. POWER TRAIN2,141
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Escape has fewer complaints per year (438.5 vs 757.0), suggesting it may have a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have high complaint volumes, so a thorough inspection is still important.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints per year, the Ford Escape may be a better choice. If you need a truck for towing or hauling, the Chevrolet Silverado is more suitable, but be aware of its higher complaint rate, especially in engine and powertrain areas.

Key Differences
  • Ford Escape has 438.5 complaints per year vs Chevrolet Silverado's 757.0.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has more crash complaints (219 vs 87).
  • Ford Escape's top issue is ENGINE (1553); Chevrolet Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2222) and POWER TRAIN (2141).
  • Chevrolet Silverado has significant ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1395) and SERVICE BRAKES (1183) complaints, which are not top issues for the Escape.
⚠ Watch on FORD Escape
  • Watch for engine problems, as ENGINE complaints total 1553.
  • Inspect structure integrity due to 745 STRUCTURE complaints.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be alert for engine and powertrain issues, with 2222 and 2141 complaints respectively.
  • Check electrical system and brakes, as they have 1395 and 1183 complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for past recalls and repairs.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Check for any open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
  • Review NHTSA complaint data for the specific model year you are considering.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD EscapeChevrolet Silverado
2026
3
54
2025
20
117
2024
73
471
2023
89
387
2022
214
1204
2021
314
866
2020
1447
804
2019
544
1942
2018
1681
577
2017
0
1148
FORD Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Escape vs Chevrolet Silverado
FORD Escape total complaints
4,385
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,570
FORD Escape total recalls
102
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
FORD Escape avg complaints/year
438.5
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
757.0
More reliable overall
FORD Escape
FORD Escape top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Escape Reliability & Problems

4,385 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,570 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FORD Escape or Chevrolet Silverado?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.