Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Explorer 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Explorer averages 492 complaints per year with 138 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. Both have serious issues, but the Silverado has more frequent complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a three-row family SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 492 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners frequently report structural issues like exploding glass roofs, plus power train problems such as failure to engage reverse or unintended movement. There are also many complaints about missing features and engine assembly defects. With 169 recalls and 138 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, notably higher than the Explorer. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, plus 3 deaths reported. This suggests a pattern of serious mechanical and safety defects that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,919 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 169 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 138 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 491.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 167 | 160 Better |
| 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 Explorer
- 01STRUCTURE1,196
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER992
- 03POWER TRAIN912
- 04ENGINE567
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM481
Owners report the glass roof exploding while driving, with no apparent cause. This is a serious safety concern because flying glass can injure occupants and distract the driver.
Complaints include the car not going into reverse, a loud pop from the rear, and wobbling when braking. Another report describes the vehicle not engaging park properly, which could lead to unintended movement.
Some owners cite improperly installed camshaft roller finger followers that can cause engine failure. Others mention driver seat memory issues that move the seat unexpectedly while driving, risking loss of control.
There are complaints about the 360 camera system not being included despite being part of a standard package. Electrical glitches can affect driver assistance features and overall reliability.
“The glass roof exploded while traveling down the road. No cause for failure present.”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave you stranded and may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and transmission issues with low mileage. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking and the engine shutting off with warning messages. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners experience severe loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping. This is a major safety hazard that could lead to crashes.
“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 — 169 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. 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 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford'…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Explorer has fewer complaints per year (about 492 vs. 823 for the Silverado) and fewer crash-related reports (138 vs. 233). However, both have serious issues. In practice, the Explorer may have a lower frequency of reported problems, but the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent owner dissatisfaction and potential safety defects.
Key differences
- The Silverado has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Explorer (823 vs. 492), indicating more frequent owner-reported issues.
- The Explorer's top complaint area is structure (e.g., exploding glass roof), while the Silverado's is engine (e.g., shutdowns and soot accumulation).
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 233 crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 138 crash-related complaints for the Explorer.
- Both have electrical and power train issues, but the Silverado also shows many service brake complaints, which are less prominent for the Explorer.
- Inspect the panoramic glass roof for cracks or signs of stress, as owners report sudden shattering.
- Test the transmission engagement in reverse and park, and listen for popping noises from the rear, which could indicate power train problems.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or shutdowns, and ask about diesel particulate filter maintenance if equipped with a diesel engine.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, as owners report sudden brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Ford Explorer's roof glass, transmission, and engine for the specific issues reported.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, have a mechanic check the engine for stalling, the brakes for proper function, and the electrical system for glitches.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including reversing, braking, and highway driving, to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Silverado's diesel particulate filter and the Explorer's engine assembly.
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 Explorer | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 120 |
| 2025 | 101 | 157 |
| 2024 | 21 | 527 |
| 2023 | 110 | 450 |
| 2022 | 267 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 430 | 961 |
| 2020 | 1221 | 868 |
| 2019 | 298 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 730 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1703 | 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 Explorer or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 4,919
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 169
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 491.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Explorer
- FORD Explorer top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE