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 46.2 complaints per year, with powertrain and electrical issues, while the Silverado averages 134.0, with transmission and engine failures. The Aviator has 124 recalls, the Silverado 100. 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, a luxury SUV, has a high complaint rate of 46.2 per year, with powertrain and electrical issues dominating. Owners report grinding noises from rusted axles, transmission failures, and frequent no-start conditions. Structural problems like grab handles detaching and cracking frames also appear, suggesting build quality concerns that could affect daily usability and safety.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, averages 134 complaints per year, with powertrain, brake, and engine issues most common. Owners describe transmission fluid line failures causing sudden fluid loss, engine knocking requiring full replacement, and brake system malfunctions including unexpected braking. These patterns point to potential reliability risks for a work truck.
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 | 462 Better | 1,340 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 124 | 100 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 80 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 46.2 Better | 134.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 33 |
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 TRAIN113
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM84
- 03STRUCTURE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER50
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING33
Owners report grinding noises when reversing and rusted axles, as well as the gear shift getting stuck in park, requiring full replacement. These issues can leave you stranded or cause driveline damage.
Frequent no-start conditions (over ten instances in one case) and a headlight switch emitting a high-pitched noise are common. Electrical gremlins can make the vehicle unreliable and difficult to diagnose.
The passenger-side top grab handle has fallen off, causing a fall and injury. Also, the frame has been reported to crack in cold weather, a structural safety concern.
“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…”
“OWNER OF 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I HAD THE AVIATOR TOWED TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S AUTOMOTIVE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT REPLACED. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THIS…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01POWER TRAIN339
- 02SERVICE BRAKES300
- 03ENGINE257
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER146
Transmission fluid lines fail without warning, causing rapid fluid loss and potential transmission damage. Also, the transmission may suddenly fail while towing, leading to loss of power.
Brake system malfunctions include unexpected braking events and high-voltage battery faults in EV models that can cause loss of vehicle control, a serious safety risk.
Engines develop loud knocking noises and require complete replacement as early as 3,000 miles. Loss of power at highway speeds has also been reported, posing a crash risk.
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurr…”
“On XXX I was driving from [XXX] to my sister's house in [XXX]. I was relocating to [XXX] for a job. I was pulling a U-haul trailer (6x12) that contained significantly less weight than the truck can handle. About halfway there, on back roads, the truck suddenl…”
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 — 124 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 — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or…
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer sat…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat…
The risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
The fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m…
The risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing own…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Aviator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Aviator has fewer complaints per year (46.2 vs 134.0), but its issues are more varied and include structural failures. The Silverado's higher complaint volume is concentrated in powertrain and brakes, which are critical for a work truck. In practice, the Aviator may have more nuisance problems, while the Silverado's failures can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- Aviator has structural grab handle detachment and frame cracks; Silverado has none reported.
- Silverado has severe engine failures requiring replacement under 2,000 miles; Aviator's engine complaints are fewer.
- Aviator's electrical issues cause frequent no-starts; Silverado's brake system can cause unexpected braking or loss of control.
- Silverado's transmission fluid line failures are sudden and can lead to total fluid loss; Aviator's transmission issues are more about shift problems and rusted axles.
- Check the passenger-side grab handle for looseness or detachment, as it has fallen off on some vehicles.
- Inspect the frame for cracks, especially in cold climates, and listen for grinding noises when reversing (rusted axles).
- Test the transmission fluid lines for leaks and check for any signs of fluid loss; ask about transmission service history.
- Listen for engine knocking or rattling at idle and during acceleration, as early engine failure has been reported.
Before you buy
- Test drive both vehicles and listen for unusual noises from the transmission, engine, and brakes.
- Check the Aviator's interior grab handles and frame for cracks; on the Silverado, inspect transmission fluid lines and brake system.
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all open recalls have been performed.
- Ask for service records, especially for transmission and engine repairs on the Silverado, and electrical fixes on the Aviator.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these models.
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 | 0 | 70 |
| 2025 | 13 | 118 |
| 2024 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 21 | 0 |
| 2022 | 43 | 0 |
| 2021 | 38 | 0 |
| 2020 | 99 | 0 |
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
- 462
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 1,340
- Lincoln Aviator total recalls
- 124
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Aviator avg complaints/year
- 46.2
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 134.0
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Aviator
- Lincoln Aviator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN