Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Blackwood vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Blackwood 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 Blackwood vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Blackwood has 8 complaints over 2 years (4.0/year) and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (822.7/year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 1 crash and 0 deaths for the Blackwood. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Blackwood or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood is a rare, low-production luxury pickup, so owner complaints are few: 8 over 2 years (4.0 per year). The main pattern is sudden stalling or engine failure while driving, often leading to towing and major repairs. There is also a report of a front wheel and brake line detaching at highway speed. With only 5 recalls, it has far fewer reported issues than the Silverado, but the failures that do occur can be severe.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year). Owners frequently report engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and brake failures. Many complaints involve the truck shutting off or losing power while driving, and some are linked to crashes and injuries. The sheer number of complaints and 101 recalls means living with one requires staying on top of repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Blackwood | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Blackwood
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02WHEELS1
- 03SERVICE BRAKES1
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report the engine malfunctioning, overheating, and stopping while driving, requiring a tow and engine replacement. Another owner said the vehicle stalled without warning at 65 mph and the problem recurred. These stalling events are dangerous because you lose power suddenly.
One owner reported that at about 65 mph, the passenger-side front wheel and brake line detached from the vehicle without warning. The driver had to shift to a lower gear to stop. This is an extreme safety risk if it happens.
The same complaint about the wheel detaching also involved the brake line, meaning braking could be lost. A detached brake line can make stopping impossible. Buyers should have the brake lines and wheel hardware inspected.
The ESC complaint is tied to the same engine overheating and stopping event. When the engine shuts down, stability control may not function. This adds to the risk of losing control during a stall.
“11/23/2015 VEHICLE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED, OVERHEATED AND STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE AND RELATED PARTS AND I PICKED UP ON 12/17/15. MILEAGE 2,411 1/1/2016 ENGINE STARTED MAKING…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AW…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start.' Others report diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. Another owner had the truck shut off all screens and lose acceleration in a parking lot. Transmission and power loss problems can happen at low speeds, which is alarming.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm brake pedal but reduced braking effect. Others report the engine shutting off while driving, with dashboard messages. Electrical glitches can affect critical systems like brakes and engine control.
Braking problems include a sudden loss of normal braking shortly after dropping a child at school, and the truck shutting off completely in a parking lot. These brake issues are dangerous because they reduce your ability to stop.
“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 Blackwood — 5 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PA…
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
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 Blackwood or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Blackwood has far fewer issues per year (4.0 vs. 822.7), but its failures can be severe, like stalling and wheel detachment. The Silverado has many more complaints and recalls, meaning more frequent trips to the shop. In practice, the Blackwood may be less troublesome overall, but any single failure could be serious.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Blackwood has only 8 complaints over 2 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years—about 823 per year.
- Blackwood complaints include engine stalling and a wheel detaching at speed; Silverado complaints include engine shutdowns, transmission slips, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints; the Blackwood has 5 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint.
- Silverado reports include 160 injuries and 3 deaths; Blackwood reports include 1 injury and 0 deaths.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or overheating, and ask for service records showing engine replacements or repairs.
- Inspect the front wheels and brake lines for signs of detachment or damage, especially on the passenger side.
- Look for records of engine or transmission repairs, especially for stalling, neutral drops, or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and check for any electrical glitches, such as dashboard warnings or sudden loss of braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records for either truck.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system before buying.
- For the Blackwood, specifically check the wheel lug nuts, brake lines, and for any signs of overheating or stalling.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission slipping, engine shutdowns, and brake performance.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using 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 Lincoln Blackwood or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Blackwood vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Blackwood total complaints
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln Blackwood total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln Blackwood avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Blackwood
- Lincoln Blackwood top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE