Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Explorer Sport 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Explorer Sport has 1,313 complaints per year and 1 recall, while the Silverado has 511 per year and 100 recalls. The Explorer's top issues are liftgate cracks and transmission slipping; the Silverado's are engine and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer Sport or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer Sport
The Ford Explorer Sport is a performance-oriented SUV that, based on NHTSA data, shows a high complaint rate of 1,313 per year over just one year. The most common issues involve structural problems like liftgate cracks and unexpected openings, as well as power train failures such as transmission slipping out of gear. These reports suggest that living with this vehicle may involve persistent reliability concerns, particularly with the liftgate and transmission.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much lower complaint rate of about 511 per year over ten years, but a higher total number of complaints and recalls. Owners frequently report engine problems, including rough running and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as power train and electrical failures. While the annual rate is lower, the sheer volume of complaints and recalls indicates that many Silverado owners experience significant issues over time.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer Sport | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,313 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1313.0 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 66 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 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
- 01STRUCTURE389
- 02POWER TRAIN356
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING87
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM81
- 05SUSPENSION77
Owners report cracks in the liftgate and instances where the liftgate opens automatically, sometimes while driving. This can lead to unexpected openings and potential safety hazards, especially if it occurs at speed.
Complaints include the transmission slipping out of gear, often when decelerating or accelerating, and the shift lever breaking off inside the steering column. These failures can leave the vehicle unable to move or cause loss of control.
While fewer complaints, some owners report engine stalling without warning, which can lead to crashes. This is a critical safety concern as it can happen at any speed.
Electrical issues can cause stalling and other malfunctions, as seen in a complaint where the vehicle stalled and crashed into a ditch. Such failures can disable safety features and leave drivers stranded.
“There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the…”
“AWOKE THE MORNING OF MAY 10, 2017 TO FIND THE ENTIRE BACK LIFTGATE AND WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARDS AND INWARDS OF OUR FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOME, WE ARE RURAL, SO NO EVIDENCE OF SOMEONE PURPOSELY BREAKING IT. OUR SHERIFF IN CASCAD…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including loss of power and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These can occur at low mileage and lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of motive power and increase crash risk. This is particularly dangerous in traffic or on inclines.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking and steering assist, as reported in a complaint where the vehicle lost motive power and brakes became inoperable. This is a severe safety hazard.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, with the brake pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This can lead to crashes and is a critical safety issue.
“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 — 1 recall
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 — 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 Explorer Sport or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has a lower complaint rate per year (about 511) compared to the Ford Explorer Sport (1,313), but the Silverado has far more total complaints and recalls over a longer period. In practice, this means the Explorer Sport may have more frequent issues in a short time, while the Silverado has a broader range of problems over many years. Buyers should weigh the higher annual rate of the Explorer against the long-term volume of Silverado complaints.
Key differences
- The Ford Explorer Sport has a much higher complaint rate per year (1,313) than the Chevrolet Silverado (511), indicating more frequent issues in a shorter timeframe.
- The Explorer Sport's top complaints are structural (liftgate cracks and automatic openings) and power train (transmission slipping), while the Silverado's top complaints are engine and power train failures.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls compared to the Explorer Sport's 1 recall, suggesting a wider range of potential safety defects over its longer production span.
- Both vehicles have reports of sudden loss of power or braking, but the Silverado's electrical and brake complaints describe more severe safety failures like inoperable brakes and steering.
- Inspect the liftgate for cracks, especially along the middle section, and test the automatic opening function to ensure it does not open unexpectedly.
- Check the transmission for slipping out of gear, particularly during deceleration or acceleration, and examine the shift lever for any signs of weakness or breakage.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises, such as pinging, and check for loss of power or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on diesel models.
- Test the brakes for sudden loss of braking effectiveness and ensure the brake pedal feels normal; also check for any electrical issues that could affect braking or steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the vehicle has been subject to any recalls or has a history of repeated complaints.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the liftgate and transmission on the Ford Explorer Sport, and the engine, transmission, and brakes on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway driving and stopping, to check for transmission slipping, brake performance, and unexpected liftgate openings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and engine services, to gauge how well the vehicle has been cared for.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific vehicle by VIN and ensure they have been addressed.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer Sport vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Explorer Sport total complaints
- 1,313
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Explorer Sport total recalls
- 1
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Explorer Sport avg complaints/year
- 1313.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Explorer Sport top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE