Head-to-head reliability
FORD Taurus X vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Taurus X 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 Taurus X vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Taurus X averages 82 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 per year with 100 recalls. Both have serious safety complaints, but the Silverado has higher volume and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Taurus X or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X is a used crossover that shows a moderate complaint rate of 82 per year over two years, with 164 total complaints. The most common issues involve the power train and steering, including transmission slipping and steering rack failures. Recalls for air bags add another layer of concern. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of its transmission and steering before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 5105 complaints over 10 years, averaging 510.5 per year. Engine and power train problems dominate, with many reports of sudden loss of power and transmission issues. Electrical and brake complaints are also frequent. With 100 recalls and 1 death reported, it's a complex vehicle with a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Taurus X | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 164 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 82.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Taurus X
- 01POWER TRAIN45
- 02STEERING44
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL26
- 04STRUCTURE18
- 05SERVICE BRAKES14
Owners report transmission problems such as jerking, popping, slipping, and failure to go into overdrive, often at highway speeds. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Steering can fail suddenly, with reports of a pop sound followed by impaired steering due to rusted subframe or broken sway bar. Power steering rack failures have occurred, sometimes at low mileage, requiring complete replacement.
Some owners experience unintended acceleration, such as a vehicle accelerating independently while idling at a red light, with brakes unable to stop it. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
Reports include paint peeling off the hood and a tow hitch detaching while driving, causing a trailer to collapse. These structural issues can affect both appearance and safety.
“I bought this vehicle used from a lot. It had 2 previous owners and came with all the service history. I first noticed the vehicle seemed like it didn’t want to go into overdrive . It would get to about 70 mph which would have the rpm’s at 3k! The 2nd time or…”
“WE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE 2016 TO TED BRITT FORD AND TO FORD ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE JERKING, POPPING, SLIPPING, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, AND THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE COMPLAINED. AT ONE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine issues, including rough running, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. Some engines fail at low mileage, leaving families stranded.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral while driving and loss of motive power. These failures can happen at any speed, increasing crash risk.
Electrical faults can cause a sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, or loss of steering and brakes at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures.
Brake issues include a severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle won't stop. This can lead to crashes, especially in traffic.
“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 Taurus X — 2 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
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 Taurus X or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Taurus X has far fewer issues per year (82 vs. 510.5), but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the Taurus X may be simpler to own, but its transmission and steering failures can be costly. The Silverado's higher volume means more potential problems, but also more widespread parts and service availability.
Key differences
- The Ford Taurus X averages 82 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages 510.5 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- The Taurus X has 2 recalls, both for air bags, while the Silverado has 100 recalls covering tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warnings.
- Taurus X owners report transmission slipping and steering rack failures, while Silverado owners report engine failures, sudden loss of power, and brake issues.
- The Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 3 injuries for the Taurus X, highlighting the higher severity of some Silverado incidents.
- Check for transmission slipping or jerking, especially when shifting into overdrive or at highway speeds; test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the steering system for any play, popping sounds, or rust on the subframe and sway bar; a pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough undercarriage check.
- Look for signs of engine trouble such as rough idling, loss of power, or diesel particulate filter warnings; check for any stored trouble codes.
- Test the brakes and electrical system thoroughly, including a sudden loss of braking or steering assist; any warning lights or unusual pedal feel should be investigated.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Taurus X air bags and Silverado tailgate latches.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, steering, and brakes for the Taurus X, and engine, transmission, and electrical systems for the Silverado.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, steering response, and any unintended acceleration or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service, as these are common problem areas.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
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 Taurus X or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Taurus X vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Taurus X total complaints
- 164
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD Taurus X total recalls
- 2
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD Taurus X avg complaints/year
- 82.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD Taurus X
- FORD Taurus X top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE