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: Over 10 years, the Ford F 150 averaged 1,162 complaints per year and had 151 recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have serious reported issues, but the Silverado has fewer complaints overall. 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 is a full-size pickup that has been a best-seller for decades, but NHTSA data shows owners file a lot of complaints—about 1,162 per year over the past decade. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with many reports of transmission problems and a recurring 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden limp mode or gear sticking. There are also 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, so while many trucks run fine, this is a model where you should budget for potential repairs and check for open recalls.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is another full-size pickup that competes directly with the F 150, and it averages about 823 complaints per year—noticeably fewer than the Ford. The biggest complaint areas are the engine and power train, with some owners of newer trucks reporting sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems. There are 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, and while the overall complaint rate is lower, the types of failures reported can be serious and occur at low mileage.
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 | 11,621 | 8,227 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 151 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 330 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1162.1 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 297 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission issues, especially a 'lead frame' failure that can cause the truck to suddenly downshift, get stuck in 5th gear, or enter limp mode. This is dangerous because it can happen without warning and leave you unable to accelerate or maintain speed.
Many complaints involve the same lead frame problem, plus other electrical glitches like a rear window defroster short that can cause the back window to shatter. These faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
While less common than transmission issues, some owners report engine problems that may lead to stalling or reduced power. This matters because engine repairs can be costly and may leave you stranded.
There are over 1,200 complaints about exterior lighting, which could include headlights, taillights, or turn signals failing. Faulty lighting reduces visibility and can be a safety risk, especially at night.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report serious engine problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving and diesel particulate filter issues that require dealer service. These can happen at very low mileage and may cause loss of power or leave you stranded.
Complaints include transmissions that suddenly shift into neutral or fail to engage, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the truck. This can happen at low speeds or in parking lots, making the truck unpredictable.
Some owners experience a sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck doesn't stop effectively. Others report the engine shutting off while driving with a 'Return to Neutral' message, which is a serious safety concern.
Brake-related complaints include reduced braking power and complete loss of braking assistance. This is critical because it directly affects your ability to stop the vehicle in an emergency.
“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 — 151 recalls
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 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 and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
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 F 150 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F 150) and fewer recalls (101 vs. 151). In practice, that means you're statistically less likely to run into problems with a Silverado, but the Ford's issues are often well-known and may have aftermarket fixes. Both trucks have serious reported failures, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Ford F 150 has a much higher complaint rate (1,162/year) than the Chevrolet Silverado (823/year), largely due to widespread transmission and electrical issues.
- Ford owners repeatedly report 'lead frame' failures causing limp mode and gear sticking, while Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has fewer recalls (101 vs. 151) but some of its reported failures occur at very low mileage, which can be alarming for new buyers.
- Both trucks have crash-related complaints, but the Ford has more (330 vs. 233) and more injuries reported (297 vs. 160), though these numbers don't tell the whole story.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough shifting, or sudden downshifts—these can signal the notorious lead frame issue in the transmission.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN, especially for the lead frame and rear window defroster, and confirm they've been fixed.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low speeds and listen for any unusual noises; some owners report sudden loss of braking assistance.
- Ask for service records related to engine and transmission software updates or repairs, as some 2026 models have had issues with stalling and shifting into neutral.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who specializes in trucks, focusing on transmission and electrical systems.
- Run the VIN on the NHTSA website to check for open recalls and see if the truck has been repaired.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any transmission or engine work.
- Test drive the truck in various conditions—highway, stop-and-go, and parking lots—to feel for shifting problems or sudden power loss.
- Check the rear window defroster on the Ford F 150 for any signs of shorting or cracking, as some owners report the window shattering.
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 | 35 | 120 |
| 2025 | 345 | 157 |
| 2024 | 638 | 527 |
| 2023 | 1527 | 450 |
| 2022 | 3493 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 5349 | 961 |
| 2020 | 44 | 868 |
| 2019 | 52 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 79 | 597 |
| 2017 | 59 | 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 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
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE