Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD F 350 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 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford F 350 has 42 complaints over 10 years (4.2/year) and 6 crash-related reports, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 complaints (822.7/year) and 233 crash-related reports. Both have recalls, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 350 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 350
The Ford F 350 is a heavy-duty truck with a relatively low complaint volume: 42 complaints over 10 years, averaging 4.2 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some reports of driveshaft separation and electrical smoke. There have been 30 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, but no deaths reported. For a buyer, this suggests a truck that may have fewer overall complaints but still requires attention to specific safety-related faults.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size truck with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. The most frequent problems are engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes, with reports of engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission issues. There have been 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, including 3 deaths. For a buyer, this indicates a truck that owners report needing frequent repairs and experiencing serious safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 350 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 42 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| 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 F 350
- 01POWER TRAIN15
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
Owners report the driveshaft separating while driving at highway speeds, causing a loss of power and loud noises. This can leave you stranded and potentially cause a crash, so a pre-purchase inspection should check for driveshaft wear or recalls.
Complaints describe a burnt odor and smoke coming from the A/C vents, often shortly after purchase. This suggests potential wiring or component overheating that could lead to fire, so have the electrical system checked by a mechanic.
Owners report the rear camera screen freezing or flashing, and the collision warning and automatic braking not working when reversing. This can lead to backing into objects or people, so test the camera and sensors thoroughly before buying.
While fewer complaints, some owners report engine and cooling issues. These can cause overheating or breakdowns, so check for coolant leaks and listen for unusual engine noises during a test drive.
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. This can be extremely dangerous, especially at speed, so a thorough diagnostic scan and test drive are essential.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds. This can leave you unable to accelerate, so check for transmission software updates and any recall history.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is a critical safety issue, so have the brake system and electrical components inspected by a professional.
Reports include the truck shutting off completely while braking or moving slowly, with all screens going blank. This can cause a loss of control, so test the brakes and electrical system under various conditions.
“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 350 — 30 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 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…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel, 4X4 vehicles. The front axles may contain a wheel end yoke that was not properly welded to the axle tube end.
The risk: An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may con…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials. The passenger side rear axle shaft may fail prematurely due to a material issue.
The risk: A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number f…
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 350 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford F 350 has far fewer complaints per year (4.2 vs. 822.7) and fewer crash-related reports (6 vs. 233). In practice, this means a used F 350 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but both trucks have serious safety issues that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F 350 averages 4.2 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Ford F 350 complaints often involve driveshaft separation and electrical smoke, whereas Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 6 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the F 350.
- Both trucks have multiple recalls, but the Silverado has 101 recalls versus 30 for the F 350, suggesting more widespread issues.
- Listen for vibrations or clunking from the driveshaft during a test drive, as owners report driveshaft separation at highway speeds.
- Check for burnt odors or smoke from the A/C vents, which could indicate electrical overheating.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and in parking lots; owners report sudden loss of braking effectiveness and engine shutdowns.
- Watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' on the dashboard, which may indicate engine stalling issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the driveshaft and electrical system on the Ford F 350, and the engine and brake systems on the Chevrolet Silverado.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights, especially at highway speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a third party, focusing on the specific problem areas reported for each truck.
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 350 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 42 | 157 |
| 2024 | 0 | 527 |
| 2023 | 0 | 450 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 0 | 597 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 350 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 350 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 350 total complaints
- 42
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD F 350 total recalls
- 30
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD F 350 avg complaints/year
- 4.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 350
- FORD F 350 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE