Head-to-head reliability
FORD Freestar vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Freestar 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 Freestar vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Freestar has 2533 complaints over 4 years (633/yr) and 14 recalls, while the Silverado has 5105 over 10 years (511/yr) and 100 recalls. The Freestar's main issue is transmission failure, while the Silverado's is engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Freestar or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Freestar
The Ford Freestar is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, has serious reliability issues, especially with the powertrain. Owners report sudden loss of power, transmission failures, and even the vehicle rolling away when the gear shift is touched. Electrical problems, such as water entering the computer, can also cause unexpected loss of gears and speed. Structural rust and dim headlights add to the list of concerns, making it a vehicle that may require frequent and costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a high volume of complaints, but spread over more years. Engine issues dominate, including failures of the 6.2L motor and diesel particulate filter problems. Powertrain complaints include sudden neutral shifts, and electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering. Brake system failures are also reported, sometimes with no warning, which is a serious safety concern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Freestar | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,533 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 633.3 | 510.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Freestar
- 01POWER TRAIN1,819
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM248
- 03ENGINE157
- 04STRUCTURE136
- 05SEATS121
Owners report transmissions slipping into neutral, failing at around 100,000 miles, and even the vehicle rolling away when the gear shift is touched. This can lead to loss of control and dangerous situations.
Water entering the computer can cause hesitation and loss of all gears while driving, with no warning lights. This is a sudden and potentially hazardous failure.
Sudden loss of power while driving, such as stalling at intersections, can leave the driver unable to accelerate. Some owners find a temporary workaround by shifting to a lower gear.
Rust and corrosion on rear quarter panels are reported, which can affect the vehicle's structural integrity. Headlamp covers also become yellowed and dim, reducing visibility at night.
“WHEN I TOUCHED THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT ONE MORNING, THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY & ROLLED INTO THE STREET. I HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT YET RUNNING & THE POWER BRAKES WERE NOT ON. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WOULD N…”
“I HAVE A 2007 FORD FREESTAR SE. VIN# [XXX]. AT 102,296 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS DRIVING IT ON A SIDE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. I LOOKED AND…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
The 6.2L motor can fail completely, leaving families stranded far from home. Diesel models have repeated diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service multiple times.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral while driving, such as in a parking garage, which can be startling and dangerous if it happens on a busy road.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of motive power, and also make the brakes and steering inoperable, as reported in one incident at 70 mph. This is a critical safety issue.
Brakes can fail to stop the vehicle normally, even though the pedal feels firm. This can happen without warning, making it impossible to avoid a collision.
“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 Freestar — 14 recalls
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. 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: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 Freestar or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Freestar has a higher average complaint rate per year (633.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Silverado has more recalls and a broader range of issues. In practice, the Freestar's problems are more concentrated in the powertrain, while the Silverado's issues span engine, brakes, and electrical systems, which could mean more varied repair costs.
Key differences
- The Freestar has a higher rate of complaints per year, but the Silverado has many more recalls (100 vs 14).
- The Freestar's most common issue is transmission failure, while the Silverado's is engine failure.
- The Silverado has significant brake problems, which are not a top issue for the Freestar.
- The Freestar has structural rust issues, while the Silverado has tailgate latch and seat belt anchor recalls.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or delayed engagement, and check for any previous transmission repairs.
- Check the electrical system for any signs of water damage, especially around the computer module, and look for corrosion or moisture.
- Ask for service records related to the engine, especially if it's a 6.2L or diesel model, to see if there have been any major repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any warning lights related to the brake system.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the Freestar, and the engine and brakes for the Silverado.
- Check the NHTSA recall list for both vehicles and ensure any open recalls have been addressed.
- For the Freestar, look for rust on the rear quarter panels and check the headlight clarity.
- For the Silverado, ask about any history of diesel particulate filter issues if it's a diesel, and test the brakes at various speeds.
- Get a vehicle history report to see if there have been any major repairs or accidents.
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 Freestar or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Freestar vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Freestar total complaints
- 2,533
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Freestar total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Freestar avg complaints/year
- 633.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Freestar top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE