Head-to-head reliability
FORD Taurus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Taurus 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Taurus averaged 176 complaints per year and 46 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year and 101 recalls. Taurus owners most often report steering hang-up; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Taurus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Taurus
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that averaged about 176 complaints per year over a decade, with steering problems dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe the steering hanging up or binding, which can make the car hard to control. Other common issues include engine noises, fuel tank filling problems, and electrical corrosion. Overall, it has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, but the steering pattern is a serious safety concern.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year, with engine and power train issues leading the list. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems that can happen at low speeds. Electrical glitches and service brake complaints are also frequent. The volume of complaints suggests a higher rate of problems per vehicle than the Taurus.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Taurus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,762 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 86 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 176.2 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 82 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Taurus
- 01STEERING510
- 02ENGINE228
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM228
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM226
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
Owners report the steering can hang up or bind, making it hard to turn the wheel. This is the most common complaint area and could lead to loss of control.
Complaints include loud abnormal noises, water pump failures with little warning, and 'Key Not Detected' messages. A failed water pump can cause engine damage if not caught early.
Owners say the fuel tank won't fill completely, stopping around 15 gallons, and the fuel gauge reads full when it isn't. This can leave you stranded or mislead you about range.
Reports include battery corrosion, smoke from the positive terminal, and the key being removed while the car is still in drive. These issues can cause no-starts or unintended rolling.
“There is a recall on moldings also possible accordinng to recalls by ford the steering could cause a crash which i am having a problem with it hanging up i called ford motor and was told we do not have anything about it I am concerned because i sometimes have…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message. Diesel models also show excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move the truck.
Owners describe a sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but poor stopping power. Others report the engine shutting off and screens going blank while driving.
Reports include the truck shutting off and losing braking ability at low speeds, like in a parking lot. This is dangerous because you may not be able to stop or restart quickly.
“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 — 46 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
The risk: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this rec…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
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 Taurus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Taurus has far fewer complaints per year (about 176 vs. 823 for the Silverado), so on average you'll see fewer reported problems. However, the Taurus steering complaints are a serious safety pattern, while the Silverado's issues are more widespread across engine, transmission, and brakes. In practice, the Taurus may need less frequent repairs, but the Silverado's problems can be more varied and costly.
Key differences
- The Taurus has about 176 complaints per year; the Silverado has about 823, so the Taurus sees fewer reported issues overall.
- Taurus complaints are led by steering hang-up; Silverado complaints are led by engine and power train failures like sudden shutdowns and neutral drops.
- The Silverado has more than double the recalls (101 vs. 46) and more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 86).
- Taurus fuel system complaints involve filling and gauge accuracy; Silverado brake complaints involve sudden loss of braking and engine shutoff.
- Test the steering at low speeds and while turning—listen for binding or hanging up, which owners commonly report.
- Check the water pump and cooling system for leaks or noise, as water pump failure can lead to engine damage without warning.
- During a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and listen for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially at low speeds.
- Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area—if the pedal feels firm but stopping power is weak, or the engine shuts off, walk away.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system on the Taurus for binding or play, and the water pump for leaks.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test the brakes and transmission at low speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake work.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking lot maneuvers to reproduce reported symptoms.
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 Taurus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 49 | 597 |
| 2017 | 44 | 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 Taurus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Taurus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Taurus total complaints
- 1,762
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Taurus total recalls
- 46
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Taurus avg complaints/year
- 176.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Taurus
- FORD Taurus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE