Head-to-head reliability
FORD Maverick vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Maverick 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 Maverick vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Maverick averages 119 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Silverado averages 823 per year over 10 years. Both have serious issues like power train failures and braking problems. The Maverick has fewer complaints but still reports sudden acceleration loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Maverick or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that has been on the road for about five years. In that time, owners have filed 596 complaints, averaging about 119 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and engine. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some trucks, the types of failures reported—like sudden loss of acceleration or braking issues—can be serious and should be checked carefully before buying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much longer history, spanning about ten years. It has racked up 8,227 complaints, averaging roughly 823 per year. The engine, power train, and electrical system dominate the list. Many owners report severe problems like engine shutdowns, braking loss, and transmission failures, often at low mileage. This suggests that while the Silverado is popular, it may demand more attention and repair costs over time.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Maverick | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 596 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 83 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Maverick
- 01POWER TRAIN171
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
- 03ENGINE112
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER85
- 05SERVICE BRAKES69
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration, where the gas pedal goes dead and the truck won't move, as well as violent shuddering during braking when the system switches between regenerative and friction brakes. These issues can leave you stranded or make stopping unpredictable.
Common complaints include the reverse camera freezing or showing a false image, and the 12-volt battery failing to hold a charge, causing the truck to enter a 'sleep mode' and require frequent driving to maintain battery life. These glitches can affect safety and daily reliability.
Some owners experience total electrical and mechanical shutdown while driving, with the 12V system failing and cutting off instrumentation. Others report ECU placement issues that complicate repairs. Such failures can be dangerous if they happen on the road.
There are reports of braking problems, including a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking. This can make stopping distances longer and reduce driver confidence.
“Twice in the last two months the vehicle completely lost the ability to accelerate while driving. While the vehicle was in motion, the accelerator lost all tension and you could put your foot the floor without the vehicle moving. The vehicle still had all oth…”
“RITICAL BRAKING FAILURE & DEALER NEGLIGENCE: The vehicle exhibits a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking. This defect was first reported to the dealer (Rich Ford) at 35,399 miles (RO #[XXX]) wi…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners describe engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' as well as excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission problems that cause loss of power. This can be dangerous in traffic or tight spaces.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, and the engine shutting off while driving with all screens going blank. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and leave you unable to control the truck.
Owners report severe loss of braking, where the vehicle won't stop normally even with the pedal pressed. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to accidents if not addressed.
“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 Maverick — 83 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. In the event that one of the rear turn signals stops working, the vehicle will not adjust the turn signal flash rate frequency to warn the driver that a turn signal is not working correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal will not notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C41.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The tire and loading information label may state the incorrect vehicle capacity, tire pressure, and spare tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 11…
The risk: Incorrect tire and capacity information may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C08.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The fuel tanks may have an open pinch joint between the two molds, which can allow fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminates. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 10…
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 Maverick or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Maverick has far fewer complaints per year (about 119) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means the Maverick is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but both have serious safety-related complaints. A buyer should weigh the Maverick's lower complaint rate against the Silverado's larger size and capability, knowing that the Silverado may require more frequent repairs.
Key differences
- The Ford Maverick averages about 119 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Silverado.
- Maverick owners frequently report power train issues like sudden loss of acceleration and braking shudder, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission failures that can occur at very low mileage.
- Electrical problems are common in both, but the Silverado has more reports of severe braking loss and engine shut-off while driving, which are critical safety concerns.
- The Silverado has a longer history (10 years) and more recalls (101 vs. 83), but the Maverick's recalls include important items like transmission control module and fuel tank issues.
- Check for any signs of transmission or power train shuddering, especially during braking or acceleration; test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the 12V battery health and ask if the reverse camera recall has been performed; a weak battery can cause sleep mode issues and camera glitches.
- Look for any history of engine shutdowns or electrical gremlins; ask for service records and check if the truck has had software updates for the engine control module.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel, and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement during slow maneuvers.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to acceleration, braking, and any warning lights or messages on the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the power train, brakes, or electrical system.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes at low speeds and check for any hesitation or shutdowns; for the Maverick, test the reverse camera and battery health.
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 Maverick | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 120 |
| 2025 | 96 | 157 |
| 2024 | 72 | 527 |
| 2023 | 265 | 450 |
| 2022 | 150 | 1390 |
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 Maverick or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Maverick vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Maverick total complaints
- 596
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Maverick total recalls
- 83
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Maverick avg complaints/year
- 119.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Maverick
- FORD Maverick top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE