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 219 complaints per year with 94 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints and 101 recalls. Both have serious engine and brake issues, but the Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 64) and 3 deaths. 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 is a full-size SUV that owners often rely on for family hauling and towing. Over the past decade, it has averaged about 219 complaints per year, with the most frequent issues in the power train, engine, and electrical systems. Many complaints describe serious problems like transmission hesitation, engine fires, and brake failures, which can make ownership stressful. While it has fewer complaints than some rivals, the severity of reported issues means buyers should be cautious.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck popular for work and daily driving. It has a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year—with major problem areas in the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss, often at low mileage. These issues can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations, so a thorough inspection is critical.
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 | 2,193 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 94 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 64 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 219.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 151 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 Expedition
- 01POWER TRAIN826
- 02ENGINE374
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER265
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM258
- 05SEAT BELTS168
Owners report strong vibrations at highway speeds and instances where the vehicle acts like it's in neutral, refusing to accelerate. These issues can make merging or passing dangerous and may indicate transmission or driveline problems.
Complaints include engine fires with smoke entering the cabin, as well as engine stalling or restarting while driving due to software glitches. Such failures pose immediate safety risks and can lead to costly repairs.
Drivers describe brake failure where the pedal is pressed but the vehicle doesn't slow, along with multiple warning lights. This suggests electronic brake control or sensor faults that could cause accidents.
Although specific complaint text isn't provided, the high number of seat belt complaints (168) indicates potential issues with pretensioners or buckle mechanisms. Buyers should verify that all belts latch and retract properly.
“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…”
“Driving on highway, tried to accelerate, the car was acting like it was in neutral and would not accelerate. Checked to ensure I was not. the car began decelerating and I started to pull over. As I entered the brake down lane - the car automatically switched…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, often with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' There are also cases of excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing acceleration, even at low speeds in parking lots. This can leave the driver unable to move and may indicate transmission or control module faults.
Drivers experience severe loss of braking where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, along with engine shut-off and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Reports describe the truck completely shutting off and losing braking ability while barely applying throttle. This suggests a link between electrical failure and brake assist, making stopping unreliable.
“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 — 94 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 — 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 Expedition or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Expedition has far fewer complaints per year (about 219 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both show serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Expedition may have fewer overall problems, yet the severity of reported engine fires and brake failures means neither vehicle is immune to dangerous defects. Buyers should weigh the lower frequency against the potential for costly or hazardous repairs.
Key differences
- The Silverado has nearly four times as many complaints per year as the Expedition, with engine and power train issues dominating both.
- Expedition owners report engine fires and brake failures, while Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and loss of braking—both are serious safety concerns.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 151 injuries for the Expedition.
- Recalls are similar in number (94 vs. 101), but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues, while the Expedition's include brake software and air bags.
- During a test drive, accelerate to highway speeds and feel for vibrations or hesitation; also test that the transmission engages smoothly without slipping into neutral.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: ensure all warning lights illuminate and go off, test the brakes firmly at low speed, and verify that the running boards deploy and retract properly.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots, paying attention to any sudden loss of power or transmission slipping into neutral; also listen for unusual engine noises.
- Check the brake pedal feel and responsiveness—if it feels firm but stopping is weak, that's a red flag. Also ask for service records related to diesel particulate filter or engine software updates.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on transmission, engine, and brake repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored error codes and a road test at various speeds.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- For the Expedition, specifically test the power running boards, air conditioning, and infotainment system for glitches.
- For the Silverado, check for excessive diesel particulate filter regeneration history (if diesel) and test the trailer brake controller if equipped.
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 | 13 | 120 |
| 2025 | 36 | 157 |
| 2024 | 76 | 527 |
| 2023 | 65 | 450 |
| 2022 | 113 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 235 | 961 |
| 2020 | 419 | 868 |
| 2019 | 504 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 375 | 597 |
| 2017 | 357 | 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 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
- 2,193
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Expedition total recalls
- 94
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Expedition avg complaints/year
- 219.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Expedition
- FORD Expedition top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE