Head-to-head reliability
FORD FIVE Hundred vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD FIVE Hundred 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 FIVE Hundred vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford Five Hundred averages 358 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averages 510 per year over 10 years. The Five Hundred has 6 recalls, the Silverado 100. Owners report unintended acceleration and CVT issues in the Ford, and engine and brake failures in the Chevy. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD FIVE Hundred or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD FIVE Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of powertrain and speed-control troubles that can make it feel unpredictable. Complaints about unintended acceleration and transmission issues are common, and electrical gremlins can darken the dash. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting throttle and transmission—can be concerning for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints, but spread over a decade, averaging about 510 per year. Owners frequently report engine problems, including severe failures in newer models, as well as transmission and electrical issues. Brake problems also appear, sometimes with sudden loss of braking, which is a serious safety concern. The Silverado's issues are more varied and can be catastrophic, but the truck's popularity means many are on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD FIVE Hundred | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,073 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 357.7 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 FIVE Hundred
- 01POWER TRAIN299
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL292
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 04ENGINE115
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING91
Owners report the CVT transmission failing or having issues, with some mentioning a recall for throttle body and MAF sensor. The transmission can be a major expense, and failures may leave you stranded.
Multiple complaints describe unintended acceleration, where the car surges forward on its own when shifting into gear or even while driving. This is a serious safety issue that requires constant brake readiness.
The dash lights and instrument cluster can flicker or go dark while driving, which can obscure critical information like speed and warning lights. This is both annoying and potentially dangerous.
Engine issues often tie back to the throttle body and MAF sensor, which can cause stalling or poor performance. Some owners report engine problems that are hard to diagnose, possibly related to fuel or ignition.
“THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2005, 2006, AND 2007 MY FORD 500/FREESTYLE AND MERCURY MONTEGO. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE THROTTLE BODY & MAF SENSOR. WHAT IS NOW HAPPENING IS THE CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION C…”
“MY THROTTLE BODY WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 99481 MILES. I PAID APPROX. $800 FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REIMBURSED FOR THE SERVICE ON 12/11/2012 AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN MADE ABOUT THE THROTTLE BODY IN THIS MODEL THAT THEY WERE PAYING…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including a 6.2L motor failing with low miles, and diesel particulate filter clogging issues in Duramax engines. These can lead to costly repairs or even engine replacement.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous, especially in traffic. Some engine failures also affect the powertrain, leaving the vehicle without drive.
Electrical issues can cause sudden loss of braking and steering, as reported in one complaint, and may also trigger warning lights. These failures are unpredictable and can happen at highway speeds.
Brake problems include a sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness even though the pedal feels firm. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes.
“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 FIVE Hundred — 6 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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 FIVE Hundred or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Five Hundred has fewer complaints per year (about 358) compared to the Silverado (about 510), but its issues are more concentrated on safety-critical systems like unintended acceleration and transmission failure. The Silverado's higher volume reflects a longer production run and more vehicles on the road, but the severity of engine and brake failures is alarming. In practice, the Five Hundred may be less troublesome per vehicle, but the Silverado's issues are more varied and can be catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Five Hundred has a higher proportion of complaints about unintended acceleration and CVT transmission issues, while the Silverado has more engine failures and brake problems.
- The Silverado's complaints span 10 years, indicating ongoing issues across model years, whereas the Five Hundred's are concentrated in a 3-year period, possibly reflecting a specific generation.
- The Silverado has a much higher number of recalls (100) compared to the Five Hundred (6), suggesting more widespread factory defects.
- The Five Hundred's electrical issues often affect the dash cluster, while the Silverado's electrical problems can lead to loss of braking and steering, which is more dangerous.
- Test the throttle response carefully: check for any surging or unintended acceleration when shifting into gear or during stops.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or hesitation, and ask about CVT maintenance or replacement history.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights related to the engine or emissions system, especially on models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally, and check for any brake fluid leaks or warning messages.
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.
- Review the maintenance history, especially for transmission fluid changes and engine services.
- Test drive at various speeds, including stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or surging.
- Ask about any prior repairs for throttle body, CVT, or engine issues.
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 FIVE Hundred or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD FIVE Hundred vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD FIVE Hundred total complaints
- 1,073
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD FIVE Hundred total recalls
- 6
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD FIVE Hundred avg complaints/year
- 357.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD FIVE Hundred
- FORD FIVE Hundred top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE