Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC 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 Explorer Sport Trac vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sport Trac averaged 786 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year over 10 years. The Sport Trac had 10 deaths and 415 injuries; the Silverado had 3 deaths and 160 injuries. Both show serious power train and safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size pickup that owners often buy for its versatility, but the complaint pattern shows a vehicle that demands attention, especially in the powertrain. Over nine years, it averaged about 786 complaints per year, with power train issues dominating. Many reports describe transmission problems and sudden acceleration, which can be both frustrating and dangerous. With 10 deaths and 415 injuries reported, buyers should carefully inspect any used example.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a huge following, but the data shows a high volume of complaints, averaging about 823 per year over ten years. Engine and power train problems are most common, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power or transmission failures. Electrical and brake issues also appear frequently, sometimes leading to dangerous situations. Despite 101 recalls, the sheer number of complaints suggests that not all problems are addressed by recalls alone.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer Sport TRAC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,071 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 345 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 785.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 415 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 10 | 3 Better |
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 Explorer Sport TRAC
- 01POWER TRAIN2,552
- 02STRUCTURE1,537
- 03SUSPENSION595
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING408
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM390
Owners report the transmission failing to upshift from low gear, triggering a wrench light and disabling cruise control. Some also describe sudden acceleration or lurching, which can cause loss of control. These issues often require costly repairs and can compromise safety.
Complaints include excessive vibration when rear windows are open and front windows are closed, which dealers may dismiss as normal. More seriously, some owners report that braking can cause the accelerator to engage, leading to unintended acceleration and crashes. This indicates potential design flaws that affect drivability and safety.
Reports describe shimmying and loss of control at moderate speeds, sometimes due to missing wheel studs. This can lead to wheel detachment and crashes. Buyers should check for proper wheel hardware and suspension integrity.
Sudden acceleration episodes are reported, where the engine revs unexpectedly and the vehicle lurches forward. Radiator leaks are also common, causing coolant loss and potential overheating. These issues can strand drivers and lead to expensive repairs.
“I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN MAY 2010. I HAD ALL THE SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTENANCE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN ENGAGED TWICE, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THIRTY MILES FR…”
“THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAUL…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including diesel particulate filter clogging that requires dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving. These can leave drivers stranded and pose safety risks, especially at highway speeds.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, causing loss of power. This can happen at low speeds or in parking situations, increasing the risk of collisions. Transmission failures are also reported, often requiring major repairs.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking assistance, where the brake pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective. The engine may also shut off while driving, displaying warnings like 'Return to Neutral.' These electrical glitches can be dangerous and hard to diagnose.
Owners report that the truck can shut off completely during low-speed maneuvers, leaving them unable to accelerate or brake normally. This can happen in parking lots or when barely applying throttle, creating a risk of rolling into obstacles or traffic.
“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 Explorer Sport TRAC — 17 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES…
The risk: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has fewer complaints per year (about 786) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious safety-related reports. The Sport Trac's issues are more concentrated in the power train and structure, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes. In practice, the Sport Trac may have slightly fewer overall complaints, but the severity of reported failures means neither should be bought without a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 10 reported deaths and 415 injuries, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries, despite the Silverado having more complaints overall.
- Power train complaints dominate the Sport Trac (2,552), often involving transmission and acceleration issues, whereas the Silverado's top category is engine (2,521), with reports of diesel particulate filter problems and engine shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 17 for the Sport Trac, but many Silverado complaints involve newer models (e.g., 2026) with low mileage, suggesting ongoing quality issues.
- Structural issues like unintended acceleration when braking are reported in the Sport Trac, while the Silverado more often reports sudden loss of braking or engine shut-off while driving.
- Check for transmission behavior: test drive at various speeds and ensure it upshifts smoothly; look for wrench lights or cruise control issues.
- Inspect wheel studs and suspension components for missing or loose hardware, and listen for excessive vibration with windows open.
- Test the braking system thoroughly: ensure the pedal doesn't feel firm without braking effect, and check for any warning messages about brake assist.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden engine shutdowns or messages like 'Return to Neutral'; also check for diesel particulate filter warnings if equipped with Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission, engine, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific complaint areas for each model.
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate conditions that trigger reported issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- For the Silverado, verify if the diesel particulate filter has been serviced or replaced; for the Sport Trac, check for radiator leaks and wheel stud integrity.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total complaints
- 7,071
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC avg complaints/year
- 785.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE