Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD F 450 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 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The F-450 has 125 complaints over 10 years (12.5/yr) versus the Silverado's 5,105 (510.5/yr). F-450 owners report fires and driveshaft failures, while Silverado owners face engine and brake failures. The F-450 has fewer recalls (60 vs 100). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 450 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 450
The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty work truck that, over the past decade, has generated a modest 125 complaints—about 12.5 per year—against 60 recalls. Owners report issues that can strand you or cause serious concern: electrical gremlins like water intrusion soaking the dash and setting off alarms, powertrain vibrations that can lead to a fractured driveshaft, and engine fires originating near the fuel filter. Structural problems like tailgates opening on their own and doors failing to latch also appear, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection despite its lower complaint volume.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, in contrast, has a much higher complaint rate—5,105 over ten years, averaging 510.5 per year—with 100 recalls. The dominant issues are engine and powertrain failures, including severe problems like sudden loss of motive power and transmission slipping into neutral, often accompanied by brake and steering failures. Electrical system faults also contribute to braking loss, and service brake complaints are frequent. This pattern suggests a vehicle where major mechanical and safety-related failures are not uncommon, making thorough pre-purchase checks essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 450 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 125 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 60 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 450
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02POWER TRAIN22
- 03ENGINE18
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05STEERING14
Owners report water leaking into the cab, soaking the dash and console, and causing the alarm to go off. This can lead to electrical shorts and potential fire risk, as seen in engine compartment fires traced to the fuel filter area.
At highway speeds, the truck can shake violently, and in some cases the driveshaft fractures outward, damaging the transmission housing. This is a critical safety issue that could cause loss of control.
Engine compartment fires have occurred, originating near the secondary fuel filter, and oil leaks from injector seals are reported. These issues can lead to sudden engine failure or fire while driving.
The tailgate can open unexpectedly while driving, and doors may fail to latch properly, even after dealer repair. This poses a risk of cargo falling out or occupants being ejected in a crash.
“WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUN…”
“incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Compone…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, often linked to the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax engines. Diesel particulate filter clogging is also common, requiring frequent dealer visits.
Transmissions can suddenly slip into neutral while driving, especially uphill, and there are reports of driveline vibrations and failures. This can leave you stranded or cause accidents.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety concern that has led to crashes.
Brake failure is a recurring theme, with reports of the vehicle not stopping normally despite a firm pedal. This is often linked to electrical issues, making it unpredictable and dangerous.
“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 450 — 60 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: LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
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…
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 450 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford F-450 has far fewer complaints per year (12.5 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls, indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the F-450's problems include fire and driveshaft failures, which are serious. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering major mechanical or safety-related defects, making the F-450 the more reliable choice on paper.
Key differences
- The F-450 has 125 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 5,105—a 40-fold difference in complaint rate.
- F-450 owners report fires from fuel filter leaks and driveshaft fractures, while Silverado owners report sudden loss of power and brake failure.
- The Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 60) and more crash-related complaints (117 vs 4), indicating a higher safety risk.
- The F-450's issues are more sporadic, while the Silverado's engine and powertrain problems are widespread.
- Check for water damage under carpets and in the dash, as leaks can cause electrical shorts and fires.
- Inspect the driveshaft and transmission for signs of wear or previous failure, especially if the truck has high mileage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at low speeds, for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel.
- Look for evidence of engine or transmission repairs, such as new parts or service records, and ask about DPF issues.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the F-450's fuel system for leaks and check the driveshaft for play or damage.
- For the Silverado, request a diagnostic scan for engine and transmission codes, and test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations.
- Check the tailgate latch on the F-450 and ensure it stays closed when driving.
- On the Silverado, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those related to brakes and tailgate latch.
- Ask for service history on both vehicles, focusing on any repeated repairs for the issues mentioned.
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 450 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 98 |
| 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 19 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 17 | 934 |
| 2020 | 24 | 0 |
| 2019 | 19 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 10 | 591 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 450 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 450 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD F 450 total complaints
- 125
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD F 450 total recalls
- 60
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD F 450 avg complaints/year
- 12.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 450
- FORD F 450 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE