Head-to-head reliability
FORD FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD FLEX 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 FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Flex averages 174 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints and 101 recalls. The Flex's top issues are electrical and steering; the Silverado's are engine and powertrain. Both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD FLEX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD FLEX
The Ford Flex is a three-row crossover that averages about 174 complaints per year over a decade, with 33 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like backup cameras that fail or show upside-down images, and steering problems that can cause fishtailing or power steering loss. Recalls for rear suspension toe links and airbags add to the ownership burden, so a used Flex demands a thorough recall check.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are engine and powertrain failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, plus brake and electrical issues. With 233 crash-related reports and 3 deaths, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent and potentially serious problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD FLEX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,744 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 50 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 FLEX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM363
- 02STEERING363
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER235
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION229
- 05STRUCTURE179
Owners report backup cameras that display a blank or upside-down image, and power liftgates that open unexpectedly. These failures can make reversing unsafe and are frustrating to live with.
Complaints describe sudden fishtailing at highway speeds and power steering loss, sometimes linked to unresolved recalls. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to loss of control.
The rearview camera system often fails, showing no image or an inverted view. This defeats a key safety feature for avoiding back-over accidents.
Some owners report rear suspension toe link failures outside recall VIN ranges, which can affect handling and stability. Recalls for body structure also exist, so inspect for rust or damage.
“My 2017 Ford Flex has an open safety recall for the rearview camera system (Ford Recall 25S49 / NHTSA Recall 25V695). The recall states the camera may display a blank image or show the message “Camera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My veh…”
“Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can leave you stranded and are expensive to fix.
Complaints include sudden shifts into neutral and transmission failures at low mileage. This can cause loss of power and is a major reliability red flag.
Drivers describe a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, making stopping difficult. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Electrical glitches can cause the engine to shut off and display warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These faults can disable the truck unexpectedly.
“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 FLEX — 33 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
The risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy p…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
The risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
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 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated M…
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 FLEX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Flex has far fewer complaints per year (about 174) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and fewer recalls (33 vs 101). In practice, the Flex may have fewer day-to-day problems, but both have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The Silverado has nearly five times as many complaints per year as the Flex, with engine and powertrain issues dominating.
- The Flex's top complaints are electrical and steering, including backup camera failures and fishtailing, while the Silverado's are engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 33 for the Flex, meaning more potential trips to the dealer for fixes.
- Both have crash-related reports, but the Silverado has more (233 vs 57) and more deaths (3 vs 1), though these numbers don't account for how many vehicles are on the road.
- Check for open recalls on the rear suspension toe links and backup camera; confirm they've been repaired.
- Test the power steering and listen for whining or difficulty turning, and test the backup camera for proper image.
- Test drive for any hesitation, sudden shutdowns, or transmission slipping; check for stored engine codes.
- Inspect brake function carefully and ask about any brake-related recalls or repairs.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if all recalls are completed.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model.
- Test all electrical features: backup camera, power liftgate, infotainment, and lights.
- During the test drive, listen for engine noises and feel for transmission shifts or brake pulsation.
- Request maintenance records to see if known issues like steering or brake problems have been addressed.
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 FLEX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 251 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 67 | 597 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 FLEX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD FLEX total complaints
- 1,744
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD FLEX total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD FLEX avg complaints/year
- 174.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD FLEX
- FORD FLEX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE