Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Aviator vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Aviator 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
Lincoln Aviator vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Aviator averages about 49 complaints per year with 125 recalls, while the Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 18 and 0 for the Aviator. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Aviator or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is a luxury SUV that averages about 49 complaints per year over the past decade, with 125 recalls. Owners frequently report power train noises, electrical gremlins, and structural failures like handles falling off. While the overall complaint count is low, the types of issues—especially electrical and structural—can be costly and concerning.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden engine shutdowns and brake loss. The sheer volume of complaints suggests that many owners experience significant problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Aviator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 486 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 125 | 101 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 48.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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.
Lincoln Aviator
- 01POWER TRAIN119
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 03STRUCTURE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER54
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING34
Owners report grinding noises when reversing and rattling at all speeds, often traced to rusted axles. Some also describe the garage becoming extremely hot and fans running after parking, indicating potential overheating or electrical issues.
Multiple complaints describe vehicles failing to start, sometimes repeatedly, even on brand-new models. One owner reported the same problem across a 2021 and a 2025 Aviator, suggesting a persistent electrical fault.
A serious report describes a passenger-side grab handle falling off, causing a fall and injury. Other owners mention similar handle failures, and some received recall notices for structure, seats, and fuel system but parts were unavailable.
While fewer complaints appear here, owners have reported engine-related issues that may lead to overheating or performance problems. These can be expensive to diagnose and repair.
“My 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 202…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage, the garage became extremely hot, and the fans underneath the vehicle activated. The contact opened the garage. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer,…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start.' Others describe excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, unintended shifting into neutral, and transmission problems. One owner reported the vehicle going into neutral while driving slowly uphill in a parking garage.
Reports include sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-off while driving, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect, making it hard to stop. One incident occurred shortly after dropping a child at school, highlighting the safety risk.
“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.
Lincoln Aviator — 125 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Vis…
The risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
The risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification lette…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
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
Lincoln Aviator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Aviator has far fewer complaints per year (about 49) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means Aviator owners are less likely to report problems, but the issues they do report—like electrical failures and structural defects—can still be serious. The Silverado's much higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering engine, transmission, or brake problems.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Aviator averages about 49 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Aviator owners report structural issues like grab handles falling off, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss while driving.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 18 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the Aviator.
- Both have recalls, but the Aviator's recalls include power train and structure, while the Silverado's include fuel pump and forward collision avoidance.
- Listen for grinding or rattling noises when reversing or driving, which could indicate rusted axles or power train problems.
- Test all electrical functions, including starting, infotainment, and interior handles, as owners report repeated no-start conditions and handles falling off.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start' during a test drive.
- Test the brakes carefully for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the power train, electrical system, and brakes, focusing on the specific complaints noted.
- For the Aviator, test the grab handles and listen for unusual noises when reversing or driving over bumps.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine codes and test the brakes and transmission during a thorough test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs have been completed.
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 | Lincoln Aviator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 120 |
| 2025 | 16 | 157 |
| 2024 | 7 | 527 |
| 2023 | 24 | 450 |
| 2022 | 45 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 39 | 961 |
| 2020 | 108 | 868 |
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 Lincoln Aviator or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Aviator vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Aviator total complaints
- 486
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln Aviator total recalls
- 125
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln Aviator avg complaints/year
- 48.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Aviator
- Lincoln Aviator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE