Vehicle 1

FORD Explorer

0 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

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

Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Explorer has 0 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 6,180 complaints and 100 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine (1,861) and powertrain (1,714). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
FORD Explorer
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryFORD ExplorerChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
0
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
0
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
0.0
✓ lower
618.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Explorer

No component data available

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE1,861
2. POWER TRAIN1,714
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,163
4. SERVICE BRAKES950
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Explorer has zero complaints and recalls over 10 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 618 complaints per year. This suggests the Explorer may have fewer reported issues, but low complaint numbers don't guarantee trouble-free ownership.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize a model with minimal reported problems, the Ford Explorer is the stronger choice. If you need a truck and are willing to inspect for common issues like engine or powertrain problems, the Silverado could still work, but budget for potential repairs.

Key Differences
  • Ford Explorer: 0 total complaints vs Chevrolet Silverado: 6,180 complaints over 10 years.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls; Ford Explorer has 0.
  • Silverado's top issues: Engine (1,861), Power Train (1,714), Electrical System (1,163), Service Brakes (950).
  • Silverado has 192 crash complaints; Explorer has 0.
⚠ Watch on FORD Explorer
  • No complaints or recalls reported, but this could mean low sample size or unreported issues.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • High number of engine and powertrain complaints—check for known failures like transmission shudder or engine stalling.
  • Electrical system issues (1,163 complaints) may cause intermittent problems with lights, infotainment, or starting.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Check the vehicle's recall status on NHTSA.gov.
  • Review service history for any major repairs.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission or brake issues.
  • For Silverado, specifically ask about engine and electrical system fixes.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD ExplorerChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
51
2025
0
117
2024
0
470
2023
0
385
2022
0
1204
2021
0
864
2020
0
0
2019
0
1941
2018
0
0
2017
0
1148
FORD Explorer vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Explorer vs Chevrolet Silverado
FORD Explorer total complaints
0
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
FORD Explorer total recalls
0
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
0.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
FORD Explorer
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Explorer Reliability & Problems

0 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FORD Explorer or Chevrolet Silverado?

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