Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Continental 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 Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Continental averages 38 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. Silverado owners report severe engine and transmission failures, while Continental issues are more electrical and latch-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Continental or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental, a full-size luxury sedan, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 38 per year over seven years. Owners report issues that can affect convenience and safety, such as electrical glitches, trunk lid malfunctions, and door latch problems. While not as numerous as some rivals, these issues can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous, especially the unexpected trunk closure and door latch failures.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a popular full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 510 per year over a decade. The majority of complaints center on engine and powertrain problems, including severe issues like loss of power and transmission failures. Brake and electrical system complaints also appear frequently, indicating a pattern of serious reliability concerns that could lead to breakdowns or safety incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Continental | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 266 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 38.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Continental
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER37
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES31
- 04STRUCTURE30
- 05SUSPENSION26
Owners report random electrical gremlins: approach lights not coming on, instrument cluster losing presets, mirrors folding on their own, and the trunk lid closing unexpectedly while loading groceries, which can trap a person. These issues suggest faulty sensors or control modules that can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Door latches may fail to fully engage, requiring a hard slam to close, especially in cold weather. Some vehicles were recalled for latch issues, but even after repair, problems can persist, risking a door opening while driving.
Metal near the door check strap can split, and some vehicles were delivered with structural issues from a recall. This points to potential body integrity problems that could affect crash safety and lead to costly repairs.
“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2020 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK FROM THE DASHBOARD AND UNLOADING GROCERIES FROM THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK LID INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED STICKING HIS HEAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS NO CHIME A…”
“RANDOM PROBLEMS WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AREAS; APPROACH LIGHTS NOT COMING ON, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMING PRESETS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, OUTSIDE MIRRORS FOLDING WHEN PROGRAMMED NOT TO DO SO, INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR MARKEDLY CHANGING POSITION, HUD MALFUNCTIO…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many owners report severe engine problems, including sudden loss of power at highway speeds, loud pinging noises, and excessive soot accumulation in diesel particulate filters. These issues can leave you stranded and require frequent dealer visits, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
Transmission failures are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral or losing drive while driving, which is dangerous in traffic. This can happen with very low mileage, indicating a fundamental reliability issue.
There are reports of sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, even though the pedal feels firm. This can lead to increased stopping distances and potential crashes, making it a critical safety concern.
“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 Continental — 18 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging.
The risk: A door latch that is not fully engaged may result in a door opening while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
The risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
The risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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 Continental or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Continental has far fewer complaints per year (38) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. While the Continental has its own quirks, the Silverado's engine, transmission, and brake problems are more severe and frequent, making the Continental a more reliable choice in terms of owner-reported reliability.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510/yr) than the Continental (38/yr), indicating a higher probability of problems.
- Silverado owners report severe engine and transmission failures that can leave them stranded, while Continental issues are more electrical and latch-related.
- Brake failures are a notable concern in the Silverado, whereas the Continental's most safety-critical issue is the trunk closing on its own.
- The Continental's door latch problems can affect door security, but the Silverado's powertrain issues are more likely to cause a loss of vehicle control.
- Check the trunk lid operation: ensure it opens and stays open, and listen for any unusual sounds or warnings.
- Test all door latches: close each door from the inside and outside, and check for any difficulty in latching or unexpected opening.
- Listen for engine noises (pinging, knocking) and check for warning lights, especially related to the diesel particulate filter if it's a diesel.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds, and be alert for any sponginess or loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- For the Continental: verify all electrical features work consistently (lights, mirrors, trunk, instrument cluster) and have a mechanic inspect the door latch mechanisms.
- For the Silverado: ask for service records, especially for engine and transmission work, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been completed.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any transmission or brake issues.
- Research the specific model year and engine options for known issues, such as the 6.2L engine problems in the Silverado.
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 Continental | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2019 | 31 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 19 | 591 |
| 2017 | 75 | 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 Continental or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Continental vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Continental total complaints
- 266
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln Continental total recalls
- 18
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Continental avg complaints/year
- 38.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Continental
- Lincoln Continental top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE