Vehicle 1

FORD Mustang

1,012 complaints · 61 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

7,562 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FORD Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mustang has 101.2 complaints per year and 61 recalls, while the Silverado has 756.2 complaints per year and 100 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine (2215) and powertrain (2140), whereas the Mustang's top issue is electrical system (217). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
FORD Mustang
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryFORD MustangChevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,012
✓ lower
7,562
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
61
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
70
✓ lower
219
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
101.2
✓ lower
756.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Mustang

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM217
2. ENGINE177
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER159
4. POWER TRAIN157
5. BACK OVER PREVENTION104

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE2,215
2. POWER TRAIN2,140
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,395
4. SERVICE BRAKES1,183
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER813
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has significantly more complaints per year (756.2) than the Ford Mustang (101.2), suggesting the Mustang may have fewer reported issues on average. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas, so a buyer should research specific model years and inspect for common faults.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall count, the Ford Mustang appears better. If you need a truck for towing or utility, the Silverado is the only choice, but be prepared for higher complaint rates, especially in engine and powertrain. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check recall status.

Key Differences
  • Ford Mustang averages 101.2 complaints/year vs Chevrolet Silverado's 756.2/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Mustang's 61.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (2215 complaints) while Mustang's top is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (217).
  • Crash complaints: Silverado 219 vs Mustang 70.
⚠ Watch on FORD Mustang
  • Watch for electrical system issues (217 complaints) and back-over prevention problems (104 complaints).
  • Engine and powertrain complaints are also common (177 and 157 respectively).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Engine (2215) and powertrain (2140) complaints are very high; check for known failures in specific model years.
  • Service brakes (1183) and electrical system (1395) issues are also frequent.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific model year you're considering.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
  • Review service history for common issues like electrical or engine problems.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises, especially from engine and transmission.
  • For Silverado, check brake performance and for any powertrain warning lights.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD MustangChevrolet Silverado
2026
1
51
2025
10
117
2024
69
471
2023
142
386
2022
48
1204
2021
54
865
2020
113
803
2019
138
1941
2018
182
576
2017
255
1148
FORD Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Mustang vs Chevrolet Silverado
FORD Mustang total complaints
1,012
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
7,562
FORD Mustang total recalls
61
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
101.2
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
756.2
More reliable overall
FORD Mustang
FORD Mustang top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Mustang Reliability & Problems

1,012 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

7,562 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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