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: The Mustang averages 109.8 complaints per year and has 68 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 3 deaths and 160 injuries, compared to 0 deaths and 41 injuries for the Mustang. 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 sees about 110 owner complaints per year over the last decade, with 68 recalls. The most common trouble spots are electrical glitches, engine stumbles, and transmission problems, but the overall complaint rate is far lower than the Silverado's. Owners report sudden power loss, steering lock-ups, and rough running after refueling, which can be alarming but are less frequent. For a buyer, this means fewer reported issues overall, but you should still check for electrical and powertrain quirks.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The data shows heavy reporting on engine, powertrain, electrical, and brake problems, including sudden engine shutdowns, transmission slips into neutral, and brake loss. These are serious, safety-related failures that owners describe happening at low speeds or while driving. With 3 deaths and 160 injuries reported, the Silverado's complaint volume and severity are notably higher than the Mustang's.
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 | 1,098 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 109.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 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 Mustang
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM243
- 02ENGINE199
- 03POWER TRAIN168
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER167
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION107
Owners report sudden power loss at highway speed and electronic steering that jerks and locks, leading to collisions. These failures can leave you without control in traffic, so check for any steering or power-interruption symptoms.
Complaints include stuttering, rough idle, and check engine lights after refueling, often tied to the EVAP purge valve. This can cause drivability issues and failed emissions tests, so a pre-purchase scan for pending codes is wise.
The 10R80 automatic transmission may shift into neutral while in drive, leaving you unable to accelerate. Owners also report recall repairs delayed by missing parts, so verify any open recalls are completed.
With 107 complaints, this area likely involves rear visibility or camera issues. Owners mention a rear window shattering spontaneously, which could be a safety hazard when backing up.
“While driving my 2025 Ford Mustang GT at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost power. The vehicle was unable to maintain normal power while I was traveling in active highway traffic. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding v…”
“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…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. Diesel models also suffer from excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service. These can strand you and are dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral at low speeds, such as in parking garages, leaving you unable to accelerate. This can cause rollaways or collisions, so test low-speed maneuvering carefully.
Owners describe sudden, severe loss of braking with a firm pedal, as well as screens going blank and engine shut-off. These electrical gremlins can disable critical safety systems, making a thorough electrical inspection essential.
Reports of braking loss where the pedal remains firm but the truck won't stop normally are alarming. This suggests a brake assist or hydraulic issue that could lead to a crash, so have the brake system checked by a professional.
“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 — 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 Mustang or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang has far fewer complaints per year (about 110) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), and the Silverado also has more recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths reported. In practice, this means the Mustang owner is likely to encounter fewer reported problems, while the Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of serious safety-related failures. However, both vehicles have their own patterns of issues, so a thorough inspection is key.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 7.5 times more complaints per year than the Mustang, with 822.7 vs 109.8 annually.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss, while Mustang owners more often report electrical glitches and transmission neutral shifts.
- The Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries in the data, compared to 0 deaths and 41 injuries for the Mustang.
- Both have recalls, but the Silverado's 101 recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues, while the Mustang's include transmission and lighting problems.
- Check for any signs of electronic steering malfunction, such as jerking or locking, especially at low speeds.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral shifts and scan for EVAP purge valve codes that cause rough idle after refueling.
- Look for engine shutdown symptoms, including messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start' on the dash.
- Test the brakes for firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for any electrical issues like blank screens.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check to confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the Mustang's transmission and the Silverado's fuel pump.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and low-speed parking maneuvers to feel for power loss or transmission slips.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, particularly for EVAP, transmission, and brake systems.
- Inspect the rear window and backup camera on the Mustang, and check the diesel particulate filter on the Silverado if equipped.
- Ask for service records to see if recurring issues like rough idle or brake problems have been addressed.
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 | 13 | 120 |
| 2025 | 18 | 157 |
| 2024 | 82 | 527 |
| 2023 | 153 | 450 |
| 2022 | 50 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 55 | 961 |
| 2020 | 120 | 868 |
| 2019 | 149 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 193 | 597 |
| 2017 | 265 | 1154 |
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
- 1,098
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 109.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE