Head-to-head reliability
FORD Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Mustang 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 Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Mustang averaged 106 complaints per year, while the Silverado averaged 511. The Silverado also had 100 recalls and 104 injuries, compared to 68 recalls and 38 injuries for the Mustang. These figures suggest the Mustang may have fewer reported issues, but both have notable safety-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Mustang or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sporty car that, over the past decade, has generated an average of about 106 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, engine, and power train, with owners describing sudden steering lock-ups, unexpected engine shutdowns, and transmission concerns. There are also reports of rear windows shattering and backup cameras failing. While the Mustang has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the issues that do appear can be serious and occur without warning.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that has averaged roughly 511 complaints per year over the last ten years, with engine and power train problems dominating the list. Owners frequently report engine stalls, transmission failures, and brake problems, sometimes on very new trucks with low mileage. Electrical glitches and service brake issues are also common. The high volume of complaints suggests that many Silverado owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Mustang | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,064 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 73 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 106.4 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Mustang
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM229
- 02ENGINE187
- 03POWER TRAIN164
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER163
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION106
Owners report sudden steering malfunctions where the wheel jerks and locks, as well as complete power loss and engine shutdown while driving. These failures can lead to collisions and leave drivers stranded in traffic.
Complaints include engine stalling and shutting off without warning, often in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. Some owners also mention recall notices for engine and cooling issues where parts were not yet available.
Transmission problems are reported, including issues with the 10R80 automatic transmission. Owners describe rough shifting or transmission failure, which can affect drivability and require costly repairs.
The rearview camera sometimes fails, showing a blue screen or error message when reversing. This reduces visibility and increases the risk of backing into objects or people.
“The vehicle experienced a sudden steering malfunction involving the electronic steering gear. While backing out of a parking structure, the steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked instead of naturally correcting, resulting in collision with a pillar. There…”
“While driving approximately 45 mph and entering a highway, my 2022 Ford Mustang GT California Special suddenly lost power and shut off completely. The engine stalled without warning, creating a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic. I had to coast the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report engine stalling, loss of power, and excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, sometimes requiring dealer service at low mileage. These issues can leave the truck undrivable and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, even at low speeds. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, creating a safety hazard.
Complaints describe severe braking loss and engine pinging sounds that lead to loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report that the brake pedal remains firm but braking effectiveness is greatly reduced, making it hard to stop. This can result in crashes, especially in traffic or at stop signs.
“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 Mustang — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the a…
The risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply w…
The risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed Octob…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (…
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 Mustang or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang has far fewer complaints per year (about 106) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511). In practice, this means a Mustang owner is less likely to experience frequent problems, but when issues do arise they can still be serious. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or brake troubles.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about five times as many complaints per year as the Mustang, with engine and power train issues being the most frequent.
- Mustang owners often report sudden steering lock-ups and engine shutdowns, while Silverado owners describe brake failures and transmission slipping into neutral.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 73) and injuries (104 vs. 38) over the same period, though these numbers alone don't prove fault.
- Both vehicles have electrical problems, but the Mustang's are more often linked to steering and backup cameras, while the Silverado's involve braking and engine control.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or warning lights related to the electronic steering, and listen for unusual noises when turning.
- Test the backup camera by shifting into reverse; ensure the screen displays properly and does not show a blue screen or error message.
- Ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter (if diesel) and check for any stored codes or warning lights about exhaust issues.
- Test the brakes at low speed and on a clear road; if the pedal feels firm but stopping power seems weak, have it inspected immediately.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Mustang, specifically test the steering and backup camera during the test drive.
- For the Silverado, test the brakes and transmission operation, and if diesel, check for excessive soot or DPF warnings.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and confirm that any outstanding recall repairs 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 Mustang | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 98 |
| 2025 | 14 | 150 |
| 2024 | 73 | 0 |
| 2023 | 149 | 0 |
| 2022 | 49 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 55 | 934 |
| 2020 | 118 | 0 |
| 2019 | 147 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 187 | 591 |
| 2017 | 265 | 0 |
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 Mustang or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Mustang total complaints
- 1,064
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 106.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE