Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 150 Heritage vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD F 150 Heritage 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 F 150 Heritage vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford has 500 complaints per year with no recalls, while the Silverado has 510.5 per year and 100 recalls. Ford owners report engine failures and frame rust; Silverado owners face brake and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 150 Heritage or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 150 Heritage
The Ford F-150 Heritage, based on NHTSA data, shows a high rate of complaints concentrated in the engine and powertrain, with owners reporting sudden power loss, engine failure, and transmission issues. Visibility and structure problems, including shattered glass and severe frame rust, also appear. With no recalls on record, buyers should be aware of these potential costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a higher total number of complaints but over a longer period, averaging similar per-year rates. Its issues are spread across engine, powertrain, electrical, and brakes, with reports of sudden power loss, transmission failure, and brake system malfunctions. Multiple recalls address some of these concerns, but the frequency of serious issues is notable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 150 Heritage | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 500 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 500.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 F 150 Heritage
- 01ENGINE92
- 02POWER TRAIN71
- 03VISIBILITY70
- 04STRUCTURE57
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER45
Owners report sudden loss of power, engine shuddering, and even complete engine failure requiring replacement, often at relatively low mileage for a truck.
Transmission problems include failure to start, slipping, and revving without acceleration, indicating potential transmission failure.
The rear center glass can shatter spontaneously, and electrical issues cause wipers and lights to malfunction, reducing visibility and safety.
Severe rust on the frame and subframe is reported, which can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity.
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICE A NOISE AND A LOSE OF POWER PULL OFF AND HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER THEY CALLED ME TOLD ME NEEDED NEW MOTOR I WAS SHOCKED ONLY HAS 154000 MILES ON IT WHAT THE HELL DEALER TOLD ME $9000 TO REPLACE MOTOR WHAT TOLD THEM I WOU…”
“The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine issues include sudden power loss, loud pinging, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel models report frequent diesel particulate filter clogging.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of drive, and failure to accelerate properly.
Electrical failures can cause loss of braking assist, steering, and power, as well as warning lights and other malfunctions.
Brake system issues include sudden loss of normal braking effectiveness, with the pedal remaining firm but braking power reduced.
“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 F 150 Heritage
No recalls on record.
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 F 150 Heritage or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford F-150 Heritage has fewer complaints per year (500) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the difference is small. However, the Silverado has more recalls (100) and a broader range of issues, including brake and electrical failures that could be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- Ford F-150 Heritage has no recalls, while Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls, indicating more proactive safety campaigns.
- Ford owners report severe frame rust and spontaneous glass shattering, while Silverado owners report brake and electrical failures.
- Both have engine and transmission issues, but Silverado also has significant brake problems.
- Ford's complaint rate is slightly lower, but its issues are concentrated in fewer areas.
- Inspect the frame and subframe for rust, especially near the rear leaf spring mounts.
- Check the rear window for any signs of stress or previous replacement, and test all electrical components like wipers and lights.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, to ensure no loss of braking power.
- Check for any warning lights related to the electrical system, and have the transmission and engine inspected for any signs of failure.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and frame rust.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss, shuddering, or transmission slipping.
- Inspect the rear window and all electrical functions (wipers, lights, airbags) for proper operation.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any major repairs, especially engine or transmission replacements.
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 F 150 Heritage or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 150 Heritage vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 150 Heritage total complaints
- 500
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD F 150 Heritage total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD F 150 Heritage avg complaints/year
- 500.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 150 Heritage
- FORD F 150 Heritage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE