Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Corsair vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Corsair 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 Corsair vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Corsair averages 24.7 complaints per year with 79 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 7 and 0 for the Corsair. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Corsair or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Corsair
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV with an average of about 25 complaints per year over seven years, suggesting a moderate rate of owner-reported issues. Electrical system problems are the most common, with 48 complaints, often involving sudden loss of power or starting failures. Back over prevention issues, including rearview camera failures, are also frequently reported, with 38 complaints. Recalls are numerous at 79, but the vehicle has a lower crash involvement rate compared to the Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint rate, averaging about 823 complaints per year over ten years. Engine and power train issues dominate, with 2,521 and 2,347 complaints respectively, often involving stalling, loss of power, or transmission problems. Electrical system and service brake complaints are also significant, with 1,513 and 1,222 reports. The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, indicating more severe outcomes in some cases.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Corsair | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 173 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 79 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Corsair
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION38
- 04POWER TRAIN17
- 05ENGINE16
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, vehicles that won't start, and complete electrical shutdowns while driving. One complaint describes a car that 'totally conked out' with only hazard lights working, which could leave you stranded in traffic.
The rearview camera image may turn blue or fail, and recalls for back over prevention software are common. This can make reversing hazardous, especially in tight spaces, as the camera may not display properly.
Some owners experience transmission shudder or harsh shifting, with one noting a shudder at 125,000 miles. A technical service bulletin exists for some models, but repairs may not always be covered, leading to costly fixes.
Engine-related complaints include stalling and starting problems, though less frequent than electrical issues. These can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, potentially leading to repeated dealer visits.
“Several problems have occurred, not sure if they are related or not. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In my opinion as a retired mechanic the problem components might include transmission, torque converter, accelerator or any electrical c…”
“My 2022 Lincoln Corsair has an open NHTSA recall (25V789 / Ford 25SC4) for a high-voltage battery cell internal short circuit that can cause sudden loss of motive power. There is currently NO remedy available. Before this recall was issued, my vehicle already…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues such as rough running, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation, and engines shutting off while driving. One complaint describes a new Silverado with only 5,700 miles experiencing major engine failure during a family trip.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral, loss of acceleration, and complete power loss. A complaint mentions a vehicle with less than 300 miles going into neutral in a parking garage, which could cause accidents.
Electrical glitches can cause braking loss, engine shutdown, and dashboard warnings like 'Return to Neutral.' These failures often occur suddenly and can be dangerous if they happen at speed.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power. This is a critical safety concern, as it can lead to crashes if not addressed immediately.
“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 Corsair — 79 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
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 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
The risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifi…
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 Corsair or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Corsair has far fewer complaints per year (about 25) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported issues. However, the Corsair still has notable electrical and camera problems, while the Silverado's issues are more frequent and often involve severe safety systems like brakes and engines. In practice, the Corsair may require fewer repair visits, but the Silverado's problems can be more catastrophic when they occur.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Corsair averages ~25 complaints/year vs Silverado ~823/year, a 33-fold difference.
- Crash involvement: Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; Corsair has 7 crash-related and 0 deaths.
- Top issues: Corsair's main problems are electrical and back over prevention; Silverado's are engine, power train, and brakes.
- Severity: Silverado complaints often involve sudden engine shutdown, brake loss, and transmission failure, while Corsair issues are more often electrical glitches and camera failures.
- Check for any open recalls, especially those related to electrical system and back over prevention, and ensure they have been remedied.
- Test the rearview camera thoroughly and look for any blue screen or intermittent failure, as this is a common complaint.
- Inspect for any signs of engine or transmission issues, such as rough idling, delayed shifting, or warning lights, and check for open recalls on fuel pump and brakes.
- Test the brakes carefully for any loss of power assist or unusual pedal feel, as sudden brake loss is a reported safety concern.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any outstanding recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the respective brand, focusing on electrical, engine, and transmission systems.
- For the Corsair, test all electrical components, including infotainment, lights, and camera, and check for any starting issues.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission shudder, engine stalling, and brake performance.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 Corsair | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 8 | 157 |
| 2024 | 21 | 527 |
| 2023 | 14 | 450 |
| 2022 | 35 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 34 | 961 |
| 2020 | 61 | 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 Corsair or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Corsair vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Corsair total complaints
- 173
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln Corsair total recalls
- 79
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln Corsair avg complaints/year
- 24.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Corsair
- Lincoln Corsair top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE