Head-to-head reliability
FORD Expedition vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Expedition 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 Expedition vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Expedition averages 212.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5. Expedition owners report unintended movement and electrical brake failures; Silverado owners face engine failures and sudden power loss. Both have recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Expedition or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Expedition
The Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV, shows a high complaint rate averaging over 200 per year, with the powertrain being the most frequent source of trouble. Owners report serious issues like unintended vehicle movement even when in Park, and vibrations at highway speeds, which can undermine confidence in the vehicle's reliability and safety. Engine problems, including smoke and odors, and electrical glitches affecting brakes and turn signals add to the ownership burden. While no deaths are reported, the nature of these complaints suggests a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits and could pose safety concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has an even higher complaint rate, averaging over 500 per year, with engine issues dominating. Owners describe catastrophic engine failures, such as a 6.2L motor failing within 2,500 miles, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring repeated dealer service. Powertrain and electrical system complaints include sudden loss of power and braking, which are critical safety concerns. With one reported death and numerous injuries, the Silverado's reliability record is concerning for potential buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Expedition | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,127 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 92 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 63 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 212.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 143 | 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 Expedition
- 01POWER TRAIN804
- 02ENGINE369
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM254
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 05SEAT BELTS150
Owners report unintended vehicle movement even when shifted into Park, with the vehicle driving on its own after being stationary. Others experience strong vibrations at highway speeds, making long trips difficult.
There are reports of smoke and unusual odors entering the cabin, which could indicate a fire risk or serious mechanical failure. This is alarming for families, as one incident occurred with children in the vehicle.
Electrical issues can lead to brake failure, where the vehicle does not slow down despite pressing the pedal. Also, turn signals activate spontaneously, which Ford itself acknowledged as a safety risk.
“This is a report of a recurring, life-safety defect involving unintended vehicle movement in a 2024 Ford Expedition. The vehicle has experienced two separate incidents where it was placed in 'Park,' remained stationary for 13-30 seconds, and then began drivin…”
“I purchased a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max. Since I left the dealer’s lot, the vehicle has had a strong vibration at any speed over 60 miles per hour, which makes highway driving and longer distance trips very challenging or impossible. Since I bought the veh…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are common, including a 6.2L motor that failed within 2,500 miles, leaving a family stranded far from home. Diesel models face repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmission issues cause the vehicle to suddenly shift into neutral, losing power while driving, which is dangerous in traffic. This can happen with very low mileage, as one owner experienced under 300 miles.
Electrical problems can cause a sudden loss of braking power, with the pedal firm but ineffective. In some cases, the vehicle loses motive power, brakes, and steering simultaneously, leading to a complete loss of 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 Expedition — 92 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil 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 inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of…
The risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expec…
The fix: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of…
The risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expec…
The fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identi…
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 Expedition or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Expedition has fewer complaints per year (212.7) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so buyers should be cautious. The Expedition's lower complaint rate may translate to fewer problems in practice, but the nature of the issues in both is concerning.
Key differences
- The Expedition has fewer complaints per year (212.7) than the Silverado (510.5), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues.
- Expedition owners report unintended vehicle movement and electrical brake failures, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and braking, often simultaneously.
- Engine problems are more prevalent in the Silverado, with failures occurring at low mileage, whereas Expedition engine issues include smoke and odors.
- The Silverado has one reported death, while the Expedition has none, but both have injuries and crashes.
- Check for any signs of unintended movement: ensure the vehicle stays in Park and does not roll or move on its own.
- Inspect the electrical system, especially brakes and turn signals, for any intermittent failures.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or warning lights related to the diesel particulate filter, and check service history for repeated filter cleanings.
- Test the transmission for any slipping or sudden neutral shifts, especially during low-speed maneuvers.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the powertrain and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or loss of power.
- Ask for service records, especially for engine or transmission repairs.
- Check for any NHTSA investigations or complaints related to 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 Expedition | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 98 |
| 2025 | 30 | 150 |
| 2024 | 71 | 0 |
| 2023 | 64 | 0 |
| 2022 | 111 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 230 | 934 |
| 2020 | 400 | 0 |
| 2019 | 484 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 372 | 591 |
| 2017 | 356 | 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 Expedition or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Expedition vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Expedition total complaints
- 2,127
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Expedition total recalls
- 92
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Expedition avg complaints/year
- 212.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD Expedition
- FORD Expedition top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE