Head-to-head reliability
FORD Ranger vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Ranger 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 Ranger vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ranger averages 142.7 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 822.7. The Silverado also has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints, versus 0 deaths and 252 injuries for the Ranger. Both show serious engine, transmission, and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Ranger or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup that shows a moderate complaint volume over 10 years, averaging about 143 complaints per year. The most common owner-reported issues involve air bags not deploying in crashes and erratic shifting from the 10-speed automatic transmission. Electrical glitches, such as rearview camera failures and A/C problems, also appear. Overall, it has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, but the air bag and transmission patterns are worth noting for a used buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 823 per year over the same period. Owners frequently report engine problems, including sudden power loss and diesel particulate filter issues, as well as transmission failures like going into neutral unexpectedly. Braking and electrical shutdowns are also common. The volume of complaints suggests a higher likelihood of encountering these issues in a used model.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Ranger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,427 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 82 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 63 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 142.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 252 | 160 Better |
| 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 Ranger
- 01AIR BAGS474
- 02POWER TRAIN359
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM134
- 04ENGINE117
- 05SERVICE BRAKES98
Owners report air bags failing to deploy in head-on collisions, even at speeds over 30 mph. One complaint notes the impact point was next to the airbag sensor. This is a critical safety concern because it could increase injury risk in a crash.
Many owners describe erratic shifting, hesitation, and transmission problems with the 10-speed automatic, often appearing after 60,000 miles. Some say it puts them and others at risk. A buyer should test-drive carefully and check for transmission service records.
Complaints include rearview camera screens going blank or blue, and air conditioning not blowing cold air. These are convenience and safety issues that can be costly to diagnose and fix.
Reports include gray smoke from under the hood and sudden loss of power while driving. These can indicate serious internal problems, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on engine health and maintenance history.
“Hit a tree head-on going 30+mph. Impact point on the vehicle was next to the airbag sensor. Air bags did not deploy”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden power loss, rough running, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. Some incidents happen at low mileage, leaving families stranded. This suggests potential reliability concerns even in newer models.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, and transmission issues linked to engine problems. This can cause loss of control and is a serious safety risk.
Owners describe the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' as well as severe braking loss. These electrical glitches can disable critical systems and are alarming for any driver.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and the truck shutting off entirely in parking lots. Brake failures are among the most dangerous issues a driver can face.
“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 Ranger — 82 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the…
The risk: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should n…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or dist…
The risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually b…
The risk: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numb…
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 Ranger or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Ranger has far fewer complaints per year (about 143) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a used Ranger is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, but both have serious safety-related complaints. The Silverado's higher volume suggests a greater chance of encountering engine, transmission, or brake issues.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 5.8 times more complaints per year than the Ranger, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Ranger owners frequently report air bag non-deployment in crashes, while Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- Both have transmission complaints, but the Ranger's are often about erratic shifting, while the Silverado's include going into neutral unexpectedly.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints, versus 0 deaths and 252 injuries for the Ranger, though these figures are not directly comparable due to different complaint volumes.
- Check for any history of air bag deployment or sensor issues, especially if the truck has been in a front-end collision.
- Test-drive the 10-speed automatic transmission extensively for hesitation, rough shifting, or delayed engagement, and ask for transmission service records.
- Look for signs of engine problems such as rough idle, smoke, or recent diesel particulate filter service on diesel models.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, including for sudden shutdowns or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission, engine, and brakes, focusing on the specific complaint patterns for each model.
- Test-drive in various conditions, including slow parking lot maneuvers and highway speeds, to feel for shifting or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any engine or electrical repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, particularly air bag and brake-related recalls.
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 Ranger | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 120 |
| 2025 | 42 | 157 |
| 2024 | 84 | 527 |
| 2023 | 36 | 450 |
| 2022 | 74 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 234 | 961 |
| 2020 | 128 | 868 |
| 2019 | 268 | 2003 |
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 Ranger or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Ranger vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Ranger total complaints
- 1,427
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Ranger total recalls
- 82
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Ranger avg complaints/year
- 142.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Ranger
- FORD Ranger top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE