Head-to-head reliability
FORD Freestyle vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Freestyle 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 Freestyle vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Freestyle averages 1,217 complaints per year with 101 crash-related reports, while the Silverado averages 823 per year but has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports. Both have serious owner-reported issues like unintended acceleration or brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Freestyle or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Freestyle
The Ford Freestyle is a mid-size crossover that can be affordable but comes with a high rate of owner complaints—about 1,217 per year over three years. The most common issues involve unintended acceleration and transmission problems, which owners describe as scary and recurring. With 101 crash-related complaints and 36 injuries, these are not just minor annoyances. Buyers should be aware that many complaints center on sudden lunging and power train failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much lower complaint rate per year—about 823 over ten years—but a huge total volume and 101 recalls. Owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission problems, sometimes on very new trucks. There were 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. While the annual complaint rate is lower, the severity of reported failures is high.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Freestyle | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,652 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 101 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1217.3 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Freestyle
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,617
- 02POWER TRAIN1,291
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING347
- 04ENGINE327
- 05FUEL SYSTEM269
Owners report sudden, unintended acceleration, often while braking or parking. Complaints describe the car lunging forward at red lights, stop signs, and in parking lots, which can be frightening and dangerous.
Many complaints involve transmission issues, including harsh shifting, loud whining noises, and failure to engage gears. Some owners report the vehicle losing power or not moving at all, leading to costly repairs.
Engine-related complaints include lunging, lugging, and warning lights coming on. Owners describe the car accelerating on its own and throttle control problems, often accompanied by transmission warning indicators.
There are complaints about fuel system issues, though fewer than speed control and power train. These can involve fuel delivery problems that may cause stalling or poor performance.
“THE CAR IS SELF ACCELERATING!! IT IS VERY SCARY. IT DOES IT WHEN I AM ON DRIVE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP OR WHEN I HAVE BEEN PARKED AND TRY TO BACKUP SLOWLY TO MOVE IN REVERSE. IT THEREFORE, HAPPENS MOSTLY AT RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, AND IN PARKING LOTS. I…”
“MY FREESTYLE ACCELERATORS/ LUNGES FORWARD FOR "NO REASON" WHEN I'M PUSHING ON BRAKE TO PARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AT GROCERY STORE, WAL-MARY ETC. LAST TUESDAY WAS THE SCARIEST. I WAS WITH MY MOM DRIVING TO THE BANK AND AS I WAS PARKING IT ACCELERA…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' There are also reports of excessive soot accumulation in diesel models, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, and failure to accelerate. Some occur at low speeds, such as in parking garages, which can be dangerous.
Electrical issues can cause a sudden loss of braking assist, making the brake pedal firm and stopping difficult. Other reports include screens going blank and the engine shutting off while driving.
Owners describe severe loss of normal braking, with the pedal remaining firm but braking ineffective. This can happen shortly after starting a trip and may lead to 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 Freestyle — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA,…
The risk: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA,…
The risk: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 Freestyle or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823) compared to the Ford Freestyle (about 1,217), but the Silverado has far more recalls and a higher total number of complaints due to its longer production span. In practice, the Freestyle's issues tend to be more frequent but often related to acceleration and transmission, while the Silverado's problems can be more severe, including brake loss and engine shutdowns.
Key differences
- The Ford Freestyle has a much higher complaint rate per year (1,217 vs. 823), but the Chevrolet Silverado has 101 recalls compared to just 3 for the Freestyle.
- Freestyle owners frequently report unintended acceleration and transmission failures, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 101) and more injuries (160 vs. 36), though it also has a much larger total number of vehicles on the road.
- Freestyle complaints often mention lunging at low speeds, while Silverado complaints include sudden loss of braking and electrical failures.
- During a test drive, check for any unintended acceleration or lunging when braking or shifting into reverse; this is a common complaint.
- Listen for whining or unusual noises from the transmission and check for delayed or harsh shifting, as power train issues are frequently reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency stops, to ensure there is no loss of braking assist or firm pedal with reduced stopping power.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or electrical glitches, such as screens going blank or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's 101 recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and throttle system on the Freestyle, and the brakes and electrical system on the Silverado.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if the reported issues are prevalent.
- During a test drive, simulate parking lot maneuvers and stop-and-go traffic to check for unintended acceleration or braking problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the Freestyle and brake or electrical repairs on the Silverado.
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 Freestyle or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Freestyle vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Freestyle total complaints
- 3,652
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Freestyle total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Freestyle avg complaints/year
- 1217.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Freestyle top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE