Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 150 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD F 150 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The F-150 has 1131 complaints per year, mostly transmission and electrical, while the Silverado has 510 per year, but with more severe engine and brake failures. Both have recalls, but the Silverado's brake issues are a critical safety concern. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 150 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150, over the past decade, has been a top-selling full-size pickup, but its reliability record shows a heavy reliance on the dealer for powertrain and electrical fixes. Owners frequently report harsh shifting and sudden power loss from the 10-speed automatic, along with recurring camera and sensor warnings. While not universally problematic, these issues suggest a truck that may spend more time in the shop than owners expect.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, also a full-size pickup, has a lower complaint volume but a more alarming pattern of engine and brake failures. Owners describe sudden loss of motive power, brake effectiveness, and steering control, often linked to engine or electrical faults. The diesel particulate filter clogging is a notable maintenance headache, and brake-related complaints are more prominent than in the Ford.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 150 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11,311 | 5,105 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 145 | 100 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 328 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1131.1 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 287 | 104 Better |
| 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
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The 10R80 automatic transmission is a frequent source of complaints, with owners reporting hard, jerky shifts between gears (e.g., 4-5, 5-6, 7-8) and occasional sudden loss of power while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues manifest as warning lights for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist unavailability, appearing every time the truck starts. Some owners also report loud bangs from the transmission area, possibly linked to electrical or sensor problems.
Headlight-related recalls indicate potential issues with visibility, though specific owner complaints are not detailed here. This could affect nighttime driving safety.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine problems are the top complaint, with owners of 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines reporting sudden loss of motive power, loud pinging sounds, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) occurs repeatedly, requiring dealer service.
Transmission issues include sudden shifting into neutral while driving uphill, which can lead to loss of control. This is particularly concerning in parking garages or traffic.
Brake failures are reported as sudden severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety issue, sometimes accompanied by electrical system warnings.
“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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (510.5 vs. 1131.1), but its issues are more severe, involving engine and brake failures that can lead to loss of control. The Ford F-150 has more frequent but less catastrophic transmission and electrical glitches. In practice, the Silverado may pose higher safety risks, while the F-150 may require more frequent dealer visits for annoyances.
Key differences
- Ford F-150 has over twice the annual complaints (1131 vs 510) but focuses on transmission harshness and electrical warnings.
- Silverado has more engine-related complaints (1698 vs 847) including diesel particulate filter issues and sudden power loss.
- Silverado has a higher proportion of brake complaints (691 vs 0 in top 5) indicating a more serious safety concern.
- Both have recalls, but Ford's include headlights and battery cables, while Silverado's include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
- Test drive at various speeds to feel for hard shifts or jerks, especially between 4-5 and 5-6 gears.
- Check for any warning lights on startup, particularly front camera or pre-collision assist messages.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises (pinging) and check for any loss of power during acceleration.
- Test brakes at low and high speeds to ensure they respond normally; ask about any brake fluid warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls are performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission (F-150) or engine/brakes (Silverado) for signs of wear or previous issues.
- Check for any pending diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to transmission or engine.
- Review maintenance records, especially for diesel particulate filter cleaning on Silverado diesel models.
- Take a thorough test drive including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate common complaint scenarios.
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 F 150 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 98 |
| 2025 | 329 | 150 |
| 2024 | 617 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1507 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3432 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 5234 | 934 |
| 2020 | 33 | 0 |
| 2019 | 36 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 56 | 591 |
| 2017 | 43 | 0 |
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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 150 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE