Head-to-head reliability
FORD Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Focus 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 Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Focus averages 1,316 complaints per year and has 68 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. Both have reported injuries and deaths, but the Silverado has fewer complaints overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Focus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Focus
The Ford Focus is a compact car that has generated a high volume of owner complaints over the past decade, averaging over 1,300 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and steering, with reports of stalling, transmission problems, and steering failures. These patterns suggest that many Focus models may require frequent repairs, which could be costly and frustrating for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a lower complaint rate than the Focus, averaging about 823 complaints per year. However, it has more recalls (101 vs. 68) and reports of engine, power train, and electrical problems, including sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns. While the Silverado may have fewer complaints overall, the severity of some issues could pose significant safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Focus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13,162 | 8,227 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 374 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1316.2 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 293 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 12 | 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 Focus
- 01POWER TRAIN6,276
- 02ENGINE2,216
- 03STEERING1,656
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,390
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,273
Owners report vibrations, shaking, and abnormal noises from underneath the vehicle, often accompanied by a wrench warning light. Some also experience door latch failures that prevent doors from opening or unlocking, which can be a safety concern.
Complaints include stalling while driving, failure to restart, and all warning lights illuminating. This can leave drivers stranded and may indicate underlying electrical or fuel system issues.
Drivers report the steering wheel failing to turn in the intended direction or even turning in the opposite direction, with no warning. This is a serious safety issue that could lead to loss of control.
Owners describe stalling at stop lights, mystery battery drains, and acceleration problems where the MPH needle drops. These issues can cause unpredictable driving behavior and potential breakdowns.
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle.…”
“ONLY 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS OPEN, THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED SINCE PURCHASE IN 2013. HAVE ALSO CONTINUALLY FAILED/RE-BROKE AFTER BEING FIXED. CAR ALSO DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING LOCKED AND INSIDE DOOR MECHANISMS DO NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING ENGAGED.. HUGE S…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Reports include engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and rough running. These can lead to dangerous situations if the engine cuts out unexpectedly.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues. This can cause loss of power and control, especially in traffic.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, engine shut-off with 'Return to Neutral' messages, and screen blackouts. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features.
Drivers experience severe loss of braking, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This is a critical safety defect that could result in 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 Focus — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel ta…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
The risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded pl…
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 Focus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823 vs. 1,316 for the Ford Focus), suggesting it may have fewer overall issues. However, the Silverado has more recalls and some complaints involve severe safety failures like brake loss and engine shutdown, so the difference in complaint volume doesn't necessarily mean it's problem-free.
Key differences
- The Ford Focus has a much higher complaint rate (1,316 per year) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (823 per year), but the Silverado has more recalls (101 vs. 68).
- Focus complaints often center on power train, engine, and steering issues like stalling and steering failure, while Silverado complaints frequently involve engine shutdowns, brake loss, and electrical glitches.
- The Silverado has fewer reported deaths (3) than the Focus (12), but both have injury reports (160 vs. 293).
- Focus owners report door latch failures and fuel system problems, while Silverado owners report diesel particulate filter issues and sudden loss of braking.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or warning lights, as power train complaints are common.
- Test the steering at low speeds for any resistance or unusual behavior, and inspect door latches for proper operation.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or firm pedal, and check for electrical issues like screen blackouts.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any history of engine shutdowns or diesel particulate filter problems, especially on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine, and steering for the Focus, and brakes and electrical system for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- For the Silverado, verify that any diesel particulate filter recalls or services have been completed.
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 Focus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 835 | 597 |
| 2017 | 903 | 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 Focus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Focus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Focus total complaints
- 13,162
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Focus total recalls
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Focus avg complaints/year
- 1316.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Focus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE