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 47.5 complaints per year and has 125 recalls, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints and 100 recalls. Aviator issues often involve power train noises and structural failures; Silverado problems include engine power loss and brake failures. 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 47.5 complaints per year over the past decade, with 125 recalls. Owners frequently report power train noises like grinding or rattling, electrical gremlins such as failure to start, and structural issues including grab handles falling off. These problems can mean repeated dealer visits and safety concerns, especially when recall parts are unavailable.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 510.5 complaints per year, with 100 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with reports of sudden power loss, brake problems, and transmission issues. The higher complaint volume reflects its popularity but also suggests a wider range of potential failures.
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 | 475 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 125 | 100 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 47.5 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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.
Lincoln Aviator
- 01POWER TRAIN118
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM86
- 03STRUCTURE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER50
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING34
Owners report grinding noises when reversing and rattling at all speeds, often traced to rusted axles. Some also describe fans running after parking, which can overheat the garage. These issues can lead to costly repairs and safety risks if axles fail.
Complaints include frequent failure to start and high-pitched noises from the headlight switch. These problems can leave you stranded and require dealer diagnostics. Electrical gremlins are frustrating and may recur even after repairs.
Reports of passenger-side grab handles falling off, causing falls and injuries. This is a serious safety concern, especially for children or older adults. Recalls for structure and seats have been issued, but parts may be delayed.
While fewer complaints, owners mention engine-related issues that can affect performance. These may include overheating or cooling problems. Regular maintenance checks are advised to catch early signs.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 models report severe engine issues, including loss of power and loud pinging sounds at highway speeds. Some have experienced diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of motive power, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic. Transmission problems may require major repairs.
Reports of brake system failures where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, and loss of steering and brakes at speed. These are critical safety issues that demand immediate attention.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, making it hard to stop. This is a severe safety risk. Brake-related recalls exist, but problems persist in some vehicles.
“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 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The accessory protocol image module (APIM) can be affected by electromagnetic interference with a cell phone in the vehicle, causing the rearview camera image to flicker or become distorted.
The risk: A flickering or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use their cell phones while reversing until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install shielding on the accessory protocol image module (APIM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October…
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 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford'…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator vehicles. The rear door window bars and C-pillar trim may have insufficient adhesive bonding, which can allow the trim to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: Detached trim may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace C-pillar appliques and window division bars, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recal…
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
Lincoln Aviator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Aviator has far fewer complaints per year (47.5 vs. 510.5) and fewer recalls (125 vs. 100), but the Silverado's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the Aviator may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's problems can be more severe, such as sudden power loss and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Aviator averages 47.5 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5, but the Silverado sells in much higher volumes.
- Aviator owners report power train noises and structural failures like grab handles falling off; Silverado owners report engine power loss and brake failures.
- The Aviator has 125 recalls, the Silverado 100, but Silverado recalls include critical safety items like steering and brakes.
- Both have electrical issues, but the Silverado's electrical complaints often involve brakes and steering, which are more safety-critical.
- Listen for grinding or rattling noises when reversing or driving, which could indicate rusted axles or power train problems.
- Check that all grab handles are securely attached and inspect for any signs of looseness or previous repairs.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for pinging or knocking from the engine, and feel for any loss of power or braking ability.
- Check for transmission issues by accelerating gently and ensuring smooth shifting; sudden neutral engagement is a reported problem.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the power train, electrical system, and brakes before purchase.
- For the Aviator, specifically inspect axles, grab handles, and test all electrical functions.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for engine noises, brake response, and transmission shifting.
- 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 | 1 | 98 |
| 2025 | 14 | 150 |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 22 | 0 |
| 2022 | 44 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 38 | 934 |
| 2020 | 107 | 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
- 475
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln Aviator total recalls
- 125
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Aviator avg complaints/year
- 47.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Aviator
- Lincoln Aviator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE