Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fiesta vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Fiesta 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 Fiesta vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Fiesta has 350.9 complaints per year, mostly about transmission shuddering and stalling, while the Silverado has 510.5 per year, with serious engine and brake failures. The Silverado also has 100 recalls, compared to the Fiesta's 23. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fiesta or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that, in ownership terms, is often a first car or budget commuter. Its complaint history is dominated by transmission and engine issues, with owners frequently reporting sudden loss of power, shuddering, and stalling. Living with a Fiesta may involve unexpected breakdowns and visits to the shop, especially for the automatic transmission.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup known for work and towing, but its complaint pattern reveals serious engine and electrical problems. Owners report sudden loss of motive power, brake failure, and steering issues, often at highway speeds. Despite its rugged image, the Silverado can have reliability concerns that affect safety and usability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fiesta | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,158 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 350.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 | 104 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 1 Better |
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 Fiesta
- 01POWER TRAIN1,497
- 02ENGINE504
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER395
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM337
Owners report the automatic transmission shuddering, slipping, and suddenly losing motive power, with messages like 'Transmission Malfunction Service Now.' This can leave you stranded or in dangerous traffic situations.
Engine stalling after refueling or at stops is common, often linked to purge valve or fuel system issues. Some owners also report hard starting not related to battery or starter, indicating potential fuel or ignition problems.
Structural complaints often involve delays in getting parts for repairs, as seen in one owner's letter about a service not authorized. This suggests that even when you identify a problem, fixing it may be slow.
Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration, often preceded by a shudder, which can be terrifying and lead to crashes. This may be related to transmission or throttle issues.
“Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me…”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shou…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with reports of sudden loss of power, loud pinging sounds, and even complete engine failure. Diesel models have had repeated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) soot accumulation issues, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds, which can be dangerous in parking garages or traffic. Loss of motive power is also reported.
Electrical issues can cause severe braking loss, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective, and can also lead to loss of power steering and engine power. These are critical safety failures.
Brake-related complaints include sudden loss of normal braking, often without warning, making it difficult to stop. This is a serious safety concern, especially in stop-and-go driving.
“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 Fiesta — 23 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
The risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 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 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder…
The risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January…
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 Fiesta or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Fiesta has fewer complaints per year (350.9) than the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but both have serious issues. The Fiesta's problems are more about drivability and stalling, while the Silverado's can involve sudden loss of brakes and steering, which are more immediately dangerous. In practice, the Fiesta may be less costly to fix but still unreliable, while the Silverado's issues are more alarming.
Key differences
- The Fiesta's top issue is the automatic transmission, which shudders and loses power, while the Silverado's top issue is engine failure, including sudden loss of power and DPF problems.
- The Silverado has more electrical system complaints, leading to brake and steering failures, which are not as prominent in the Fiesta.
- The Fiesta has more structural complaints, often about repair delays, while the Silverado has more brake complaints, indicating a safety-critical difference.
- The Fiesta has fewer complaints per year overall, but the Silverado has more recalls (100 vs 23), suggesting broader systemic issues.
- Test the automatic transmission thoroughly: check for shuddering, slipping, or delayed engagement, especially when shifting into second gear.
- Ask about any history of stalling after refueling or at stops, and check for pending codes related to the purge valve or fuel system.
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of electrical issues, such as warning lights or intermittent brake failure, and have a mechanic check the brake control module.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises, especially pinging, and check for any DPF-related warning lights if it's a diesel model.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including stop-and-go traffic and highway, to feel for transmission or engine issues.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the transmission, engine, or brakes.
- Consider a warranty or extended service plan to cover potential costly repairs.
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 Fiesta | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 99 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 35 | 591 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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 Fiesta or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fiesta vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Fiesta total complaints
- 3,158
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 350.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD Fiesta
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE