Vehicle 1

FORD FLEX

300 complaints · 11 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,878 complaints · 98 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FORD FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Flex has 30 complaints per year and 11 recalls, while the Silverado has 687.8 complaints per year and 98 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and powertrain; the Flex's top issue is back-over prevention. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
FORD FLEX
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryFORD FLEXChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
300
✓ lower
6,878
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
11
✓ lower
98
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
13
✓ lower
206
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
30.0
✓ lower
687.8

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD FLEX

1. BACK OVER PREVENTION128
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER69
3. STRUCTURE60
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
5. SUSPENSION26

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,056
2. POWER TRAIN1,925
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,263
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,077
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER735
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Flex has far fewer complaints per year (30.0 vs 687.8) and fewer recalls (11 vs 98), suggesting it has been less problematic overall. However, its lower volume may reflect lower sales, so buyers should still inspect specific issues.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize reliability and lower complaint rates, the Ford Flex is the better choice. If you need a heavy-duty truck and can accept higher risk of engine or powertrain issues, the Silverado may suit you, but be prepared for more frequent repairs.

Key Differences
  • Ford Flex averages 30.0 complaints/year vs Silverado's 687.8/year.
  • Silverado has 98 recalls vs Flex's 11.
  • Silverado's top issues are ENGINE (2056) and POWER TRAIN (1925); Flex's top is BACK OVER PREVENTION (128).
  • Crash complaints: Flex 13, Silverado 206.
⚠ Watch on FORD FLEX
  • Check for back-over prevention system failures (128 complaints).
  • Inspect structure (60 complaints) for rust or damage.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Watch for engine problems (2056 complaints) like stalling or failure.
  • Check powertrain (1925 complaints) for transmission or driveline issues.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Review service history for any major repairs.
  • For Flex, test backup camera and sensors; for Silverado, check brakes.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD FLEXChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
45
2025
0
115
2024
0
460
2023
0
375
2022
0
1172
2021
0
844
2020
0
787
2019
203
1932
2018
58
0
2017
39
1148
FORD FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD FLEX vs Chevrolet Silverado
FORD FLEX total complaints
300
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,878
FORD FLEX total recalls
11
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
98
FORD FLEX avg complaints/year
30.0
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
687.8
More reliable overall
FORD FLEX
FORD FLEX top complaint area
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD FLEXReliability & Problems

300 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet SilveradoReliability & Problems

6,878 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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