Head-to-head reliability
FORD Transit vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD Transit 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 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Ford Transit averages about 176 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, with the Silverado also reporting 3 deaths and 160 injuries. Both have over 100 recalls, but the Silverado's engine and brake issues are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Transit or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Transit
The Ford Transit is a full-size van often used for commercial work or large families. Over 10 years, owners filed 1,756 complaints, averaging about 176 per year, with electrical and power train issues being the most common. Many complaints involve warning lights, backup camera failures, and transmission shuddering, which can be frustrating and costly. While it has fewer complaints than some rivals, the pattern suggests you should carefully check these systems before buying.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup truck used for both work and personal driving. It has a much higher complaint volume: 8,227 over 10 years, or about 823 per year, with engine and power train problems dominating. Owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission failures, sometimes at very low mileage. This suggests that while capable, the Silverado may require more frequent attention and repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Transit | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,756 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 104 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 175.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 54 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM349
- 02POWER TRAIN315
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER266
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION198
- 05ENGINE173
Owners report engine compartment fires and intermittent display failures that can make the backup camera unusable. These issues affect safety and basic functions like navigation and radio, and can be expensive to diagnose.
Complaints include transmission speed sensor failures around 60,000 miles and shuddering during acceleration. These can lead to rough shifting or loss of power, requiring transmission repairs that may be costly.
Many owners say the rearview camera shows a dark, fuzzy, or blue screen when reversing. This makes it hard to see behind the van, increasing the risk of backing over something or someone.
Some owners report engine-related issues, though fewer than electrical or power train. Problems can include warning lights and performance loss, which may need dealer attention.
“On March 7, 2023, at approximately 1:45 PM, Bus 437 had caught fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle while sitting in the parking lot. The bus had just came off of a route minutes before & the driver had reported the dash tell tale (warning) lights ha…”
“In hot or humid conditions, the 8 inch center display flashes on and off intermittently. This failure makes the backup camera unusable, which is a safety problem. It also makes controlling the navigation or radio very difficult. The dealer has looked at this…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation at low mileage. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and transmission failures, sometimes with less than 300 miles on the truck. This can cause loss of power and control, especially at low speeds.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assist and engine shutdowns with warning messages. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems and are hard to predict.
Reports include a firm brake pedal but reduced braking power, making it hard to stop. This is a serious safety concern that should be checked 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 — 104 recalls
The defect: XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
The risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
The fix: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
The defect: LA West Inc. (LA West) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with glass roof hatches. Temperature and vibration stresses may cause the tempered glass roof hatch to shatter.
The risk: If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: LA West will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hatch lids, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2019. Owners may contact LA West customer service at 1-704-498-4940.
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may no…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-88…
The defect: Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicl…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
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 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford Transit has far fewer complaints per year (about 176) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means you are likely to see fewer recurring problems with the Transit, though both have notable issues. The Silverado's higher rate of engine and brake complaints suggests it may demand more maintenance and carry higher repair risk.
Key differences
- The Ford Transit averages about 176 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, a nearly five-fold difference.
- Ford Transit owners frequently report electrical fires and backup camera failures, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 54 injuries for the Transit.
- Both have over 100 recalls, but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance issues, while the Transit's include driveshaft and seat problems.
- Check for signs of electrical burning or fire damage in the engine compartment, and test all dashboard warning lights and the center display for flickering.
- Test the backup camera in different lighting and weather conditions; if the screen is dark, fuzzy, or blue, it may need repair.
- During a test drive, listen for engine stalling or hesitation, and watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and on inclines; if the pedal feels firm but stopping power is weak, have the brake system inspected immediately.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and brakes.
- For the Ford Transit, specifically test the backup camera and infotainment screen for intermittent failures.
- For the Chevrolet Silverado, scan for engine error codes and check for any signs of brake fluid leaks or electrical faults.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
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 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 120 |
| 2025 | 32 | 157 |
| 2024 | 224 | 527 |
| 2023 | 466 | 450 |
| 2022 | 316 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 170 | 961 |
| 2020 | 84 | 868 |
| 2019 | 274 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 57 | 597 |
| 2017 | 98 | 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 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Transit vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD Transit total complaints
- 1,756
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- FORD Transit total recalls
- 104
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- FORD Transit avg complaints/year
- 175.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Transit
- FORD Transit top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE