Head-to-head reliability
FORD Transit Connect vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Transit Connect 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 Transit Connect vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Transit Connect averages 45 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 823, with 233 crash-related reports versus 14. Both have recalls and serious owner-reported issues like transmission failure and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Transit Connect or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van often used for small business or family hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 45 complaints per year, with 68 recalls and 14 crash-related reports. The most common complaints involve the power train, brakes, and structure, with owners reporting serious transmission and brake issues. This suggests that while the van is practical, it may require careful maintenance and inspection, especially of the transmission and braking systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume: about 823 per year, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. The most frequent complaints are about the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. These patterns indicate that the Silverado, while popular, has a higher rate of reported issues that could affect reliability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Transit Connect | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 453 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Transit Connect
- 01POWER TRAIN83
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 03SERVICE BRAKES60
- 04STRUCTURE58
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
Owners report severe transmission slipping, harsh shifting, and complete transmission failure, sometimes before 100,000 miles. One owner had to replace the transmission at 87,000 miles, and a repair shop had multiple similar cases. This can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints describe intermittent catastrophic failure where front brakes lock up mid-drive, and unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers. These issues could cause loss of control and crashes, making brake system checks critical.
Some owners report rear window glass shattering spontaneously with a loud pop, leaving glass held only by tint. This poses a risk of injury from flying glass and indicates potential structural or manufacturing defects.
Although not detailed in the sample, electrical system complaints are among the top five. Owners may experience various electrical glitches, but specific patterns are not provided in the sample text.
“We have just passed 87,000 miles on our 2021 Ford Transit Connect and the transmission has had to be completely replaced. We were told at the transmission repair facility that ours was one of 4 2021 Ford Transit Connects in their shop alone with a whole trans…”
“On going problem that's getting worse and have totally stopped driving the van. Transmission Severe Slipping, harsh and hard shifting, abrupt Highway deceleration & violent downshift while on the Hwy. Pauses sometimes to accelerate from a stop and sometimes l…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs, especially on newer vehicles with low mileage.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents in traffic, and may be related to transmission or software issues.
Reports describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and engine shut-off with warning messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features and are alarming for a new vehicle.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and instances where the truck shuts off and cannot accelerate. Brake failures are particularly dangerous and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Transit Connect — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scen…
The fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly, and replace the assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 30…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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 Transit Connect or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Transit Connect has far fewer complaints per year (about 45) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). This means that, based on owner reports, the Transit Connect may have a lower rate of reported problems, but both vehicles have serious issues that require attention. Buyers should weigh the frequency of complaints against the specific types of failures reported.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 18 times more complaints per year than the Transit Connect, but it also sells in much higher volumes, so rates per vehicle may differ.
- Transit Connect owners frequently report transmission failure and brake lockup, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and electrical braking loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related reports (233 vs 14) and injuries (160 vs 12), though these are raw counts and not adjusted for sales.
- Both have multiple recalls, but the Transit Connect's recalls include transmission gear position and seat belt issues, while the Silverado's include fuel pump and forward collision warnings.
- Check for transmission slipping, harsh shifting, or delayed engagement during a test drive; listen for unusual noises and feel for abrupt downshifts.
- Inspect brake function for any signs of locking or unintended acceleration; test at low speeds in a safe area and look for ABS warning lights.
- Look for instances of engine shutting off while driving or at idle; check for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' and ensure all software updates are done.
- Test braking performance for sudden loss of power assist or firm pedal with reduced stopping; also check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking maneuvers to detect shifting or braking anomalies.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- For the Silverado, verify that any engine or electrical software updates have been applied and check for diesel particulate filter service history.
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 Transit Connect | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 450 |
| 2022 | 12 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 9 | 961 |
| 2020 | 32 | 868 |
| 2019 | 51 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 22 | 597 |
| 2017 | 28 | 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 Transit Connect or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Transit Connect vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Transit Connect total complaints
- 453
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Transit Connect total recalls
- 68
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Transit Connect avg complaints/year
- 45.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Transit Connect
- FORD Transit Connect top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE