Head-to-head reliability
FORD ZX2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the FORD ZX2 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 ZX2 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The ZX2 averaged 36.5 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have serious reported issues like suspension failure and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD ZX2 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD ZX2
The Ford ZX2 is a compact car that averaged about 36.5 complaints per year over four years, with no recalls on record. Owners most often report issues with the power train, engine cooling, electrical system, suspension, and brakes. The sample complaints show serious failures like a suspension break that caused the car to lean and stop suddenly, and ignition switch problems that prevented starting. These patterns suggest that while the ZX2 may have fewer total complaints, the problems reported can be safety-critical and leave you stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated about 510.5 complaints per year over ten years, along with 100 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes. Owners describe severe issues such as sudden loss of braking, engine pinging with loss of power, and transmission shifting into neutral while driving. The high volume of complaints and recalls indicates that many Silverado owners experience repeated and potentially dangerous problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD ZX2 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 146 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 ZX2
- 01POWER TRAIN31
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING25
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
- 04SUSPENSION17
- 05SERVICE BRAKES14
Owners report issues like the fuel gauge not registering a full tank and problems shifting from park to reverse. These can lead to inaccurate fuel readings and difficulty getting the car into gear, which is frustrating and may indicate deeper transmission trouble.
Complaints include a loud bang, backfiring, and the smell of gas, often traced to spark plugs blowing out of the engine. This can cause sudden loss of power and require a tow, leaving you stranded.
The ignition switch has been replaced multiple times because the key would not turn, preventing the car from starting. This is a common and recurring problem that can leave you unable to drive.
One owner heard a loud bang and the car stopped immediately, leaning to one side because the body was resting on the tire. Another reported that air bags did not deploy in a side impact. Such failures can cause loss of control and increase injury risk.
“I HAVE AN EDDIE BAUER EDITION EXPEDITION (2003) . THIS UNIT CAME WITH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT TILT DOWN AND INWARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSIST YOU IN BACKING UP. THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IS THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT R…”
“I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO RE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report rough running, loss of motive power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can cause sudden power loss and expensive repairs, even on low-mileage trucks.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems after low mileage. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move, creating a dangerous situation in traffic.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but ineffective stopping, as well as engine pinging and loss of power with inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Reports of the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, making it hard to stop at stop signs. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
“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 ZX2
No recalls on record.
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 ZX2 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Ford ZX2 has far fewer complaints per year (36.5 vs. 510.5) and no recalls, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls and many more complaints. In practice, this means the ZX2 may have fewer overall problems, but the ones reported are often serious and can leave you stranded. The Silverado's higher volume suggests you are more likely to encounter recurring issues, including safety-related defects.
Key differences
- The Ford ZX2 has 0 recalls and 146 complaints over 4 years, while the Chevrolet Silverado has 100 recalls and 5,105 complaints over 10 years.
- ZX2 owners report suspension breakage and ignition switch failures that prevent starting; Silverado owners report sudden brake loss and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Silverado's complaint rate is about 14 times higher per year than the ZX2's, but the ZX2's issues can also be severe and safety-related.
- The Silverado has many recalls for tailgate latches, steering, seat belts, and brake fluid warning sensors, indicating a broader range of safety defects.
- Check the suspension for any signs of breakage or unusual leaning, and test drive over bumps to listen for loud bangs.
- Test the ignition switch multiple times to ensure the key turns smoothly and the car starts reliably; ask for service records for any prior ignition switch replacements.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure they respond normally; a firm pedal with poor stopping could indicate a brake fluid warning sensor or hydraulic issue.
- During a test drive, accelerate gently and check for transmission slipping or sudden neutral engagement, especially when going uphill or from a stop.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the ZX2's suspension and ignition, and the Silverado's brakes, transmission, and engine.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, particularly for ignition switch replacements on the ZX2 and brake or transmission repairs on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for power loss or braking issues.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed on the Silverado by checking the NHTSA website with 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 ZX2 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD ZX2 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- FORD ZX2 total complaints
- 146
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- FORD ZX2 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- FORD ZX2 avg complaints/year
- 36.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- FORD ZX2
- FORD ZX2 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE