Vehicle 1

FORD Focus

1,701 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,578 complaints · 74 recalls

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

FORD Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Focus has 170.1 complaints per year and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 757.8 complaints per year and 74 recalls. The Focus's top issue is powertrain (757), and the Silverado's is engine (2225). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
FORD Focus
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryFORD FocusChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,701
✓ lower
7,578
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
74
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
33
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
170.1
✓ lower
757.8

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Focus

1. POWER TRAIN757
2. ENGINE450
3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM241
4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING201
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER156

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,225
2. POWER TRAIN2,144
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,398
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Focus has far fewer complaints per year (170.1 vs 757.8), suggesting a lower likelihood of issues overall. However, its top problems are concentrated in the powertrain and engine, which can be costly to repair.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower overall complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Ford Focus is the better choice. If you need a truck and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Silverado may still suit you, but be prepared for potential electrical and brake issues.

Key Differences
  • Ford Focus has 0 recalls; Chevrolet Silverado has 74 recalls.
  • Chevrolet Silverado has 219 crash complaints vs Ford Focus's 33.
  • Ford Focus's top issue is powertrain (757 complaints); Silverado's top is engine (2225).
  • Silverado averages 757.8 complaints per year; Focus averages 170.1.
⚠ Watch on FORD Focus
  • Watch for powertrain problems, especially transmission issues, which account for 757 complaints.
  • Engine complaints (450) are also common; check for stalling or loss of power.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine complaints are the highest (2225); look for signs of engine failure or excessive oil consumption.
  • Electrical system issues (1398) may cause intermittent problems with lights, infotainment, or starting.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission hesitation or slipping (Focus) or engine roughness (Silverado).
  • Inspect service history for regular maintenance, especially oil changes and transmission fluid.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system (Silverado) or powertrain (Focus) before purchase.
  • Review NHTSA complaint summaries for the specific model year you are considering.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD FocusChevrolet Silverado
2026
0
54
2025
0
117
2024
0
472
2023
0
389
2022
0
1205
2021
0
869
2020
0
804
2019
0
1943
2018
816
577
2017
885
1148
FORD Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado
FORD Focus total complaints
1,701
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,578
FORD Focus total recalls
0
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
74
FORD Focus avg complaints/year
170.1
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
757.8
More reliable overall
FORD Focus
FORD Focus top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Focus Reliability & Problems

1,701 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,578 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FORD Focus or Chevrolet Silverado?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.