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 averaged 351.8 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 over 10 years. Both have serious reported issues like transmission problems and engine shutdowns. 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 owners often buy for fuel economy and low price, but NHTSA data shows a high rate of complaints relative to its size. Over 9 years, it averaged 351.8 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, engine, and structure. Many owners report transmission jerking, hard shifts, and engine stalling, which can make daily driving frustrating and potentially costly. With 23 recalls and 6 deaths reported, it's important to check for open recalls and have a mechanic inspect thoroughly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that owners often choose for towing and hauling, but NHTSA data shows a very high number of complaints. Over 10 years, it averaged 822.7 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners report serious problems like engine shutdowns while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures, even on new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's crucial to verify all recall work is done and to test-drive extensively.
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 | 3,166 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 351.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 3 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
- 02ENGINE505
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER397
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM338
Owners frequently report transmission jerking, hard shifts between gears, and shuddering, especially in models like the 2017 and 2018 Fiesta. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and make the car feel unreliable in stop-and-go traffic.
Complaints include abnormal knocking sounds, loss of power while driving, and stalling after refueling. These symptoms can be dangerous if they occur at speed and may indicate underlying mechanical problems that are costly to fix.
Some owners describe the rear of the vehicle lifting or feeling unstable at highway speeds, which could affect handling and safety. This is a serious concern that should be inspected before purchase.
While less common than power train issues, electrical problems can cause various malfunctions, from warning lights to sensor failures. These can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
“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 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and experienced hard shifts from first to second gear and from second to third gear. The contact stated that the RPM were significantly high prior to s…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe issues like engine shutdown while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation in the particulate filter, and loss of power. These problems can leave you stranded and may require major repairs, even on low-mileage trucks.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral, transmission failures, and loss of motive power. These issues can happen at any speed and are dangerous, especially when towing or in traffic.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist, engine shut-off, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing on the dash. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems and are a major red flag.
Reports of brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and complete loss of normal braking. This is a critical safety issue that should be addressed immediately if experienced.
“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 — 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 Fiesta or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Fiesta has far fewer complaints per year (351.8) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Fiesta's problems are more often transmission and engine-related, while the Silverado's include life-threatening brake and engine shutdowns. Neither is trouble-free, but the Silverado's higher volume and severity of complaints make it a bigger risk for costly and dangerous failures.
Key differences
- The Ford Fiesta averages 351.8 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 822.7, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Fiesta owners most often report transmission jerking and engine stalling, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 23 for the Fiesta over 9 years, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Both have reported deaths (6 for Fiesta, 3 for Silverado), but the Silverado's complaints include more incidents of sudden loss of braking and engine power, which can be catastrophic.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission behavior: jerking, hard shifts, or shuddering between gears could indicate a failing transmission.
- Listen for abnormal engine knocking or stalling after refueling, and check for any open recalls related to the fuel pump or engine.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: a firm pedal with reduced braking effect or any warning lights could signal a serious brake system issue.
- Check for engine shutdowns or electrical glitches by driving at various speeds and watching for messages like 'Return to Neutral' or sudden loss of power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify all safety recalls have been completed by a dealer.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, engine, and brakes.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway speeds, and braking to check for symptoms.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- Check NHTSA's website for any new complaints or recalls specific to the model year you're considering.
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 | 105 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 35 | 597 |
| 2017 | 74 | 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 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
- 3,166
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 351.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Fiesta
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE