Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln LS vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln LS 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 LS vs Chevrolet Silverado: The LS averages 144 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510. The LS has more air bag issues, including spontaneous deployment, while the Silverado has more engine failures. Both have transmission problems, but the Silverado's are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln LS or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS, a mid-size luxury sedan, shows a high complaint rate of 144 per year, with owners frequently reporting suspension, engine cooling, and air bag issues. Many complaints describe overheating in traffic, rough transmission shifts, and even spontaneous air bag deployment, suggesting a vehicle that may require frequent and costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume (510 per year) but over a longer period, with engine and powertrain issues dominating. Owners report severe engine failures, transmission problems, and brake system concerns, indicating potential for major mechanical breakdowns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln LS | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,008 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 144.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 LS
- 01SUSPENSION270
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING145
- 03AIR BAGS142
- 04POWER TRAIN126
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM103
Owners report overheating and warning lights, but the suspension component is the most complained about. While the sample text mentions overheating, the high count suggests issues like premature wear of control arms or ball joints, leading to poor handling and alignment problems.
Overheating is a common complaint, especially in traffic, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. Owners also report smoke under the hood, indicating potential coolant leaks or electrical issues.
There are alarming reports of air bags deploying without any impact, which can cause injuries and is a serious safety concern. This suggests a possible electrical or sensor malfunction.
Transmission problems are frequent, with rough shifting, failure to shift into certain gears, and the need for rebuilds. Owners mention solenoid issues and jerky shifts, indicating a lack of reliability.
“We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving on…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHIC…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe engine failures, including loss of power and loud pinging sounds, sometimes at highway speeds. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems are common, with vehicles suddenly going into neutral or experiencing hard shifts. Some owners report complete transmission failure, especially in newer models.
Electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering, as reported in some complaints. This is a critical safety concern, as the vehicle may become inoperable while driving.
There are reports of sudden loss of braking effectiveness, with the pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This could be due to brake system malfunctions, possibly related to electrical or hydraulic issues.
“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 LS — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT TORQUE.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN HEAT-TREATED. ANY WHEEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
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 LS or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln LS has fewer complaints per year (144) compared to the Silverado (510), but the LS's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical areas like air bags and suspension. The Silverado's higher volume reflects a broader range of problems, but many are engine-related, which can be very costly. In practice, the LS may be less troublesome on a yearly basis, but the nature of its issues could be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Lincoln LS has a higher proportion of air bag complaints, including spontaneous deployment, which is a serious safety risk.
- The Silverado has a much higher number of engine complaints, including catastrophic failures, especially in newer models.
- The LS's suspension issues are more frequent, while the Silverado's brake problems are more prominent.
- The Silverado's transmission issues often involve sudden loss of drive, while the LS's are more about rough shifting.
- Check for any signs of overheating or coolant leaks, as engine cooling issues are common.
- Inspect the air bag system for any warning lights or previous deployments, as spontaneous deployment has been reported.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or pinging, which could indicate serious engine problems.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, as sudden loss of braking has been reported.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension components, especially ball joints and control arms, on the Lincoln LS.
- Check the transmission fluid and have a diagnostic scan for any codes on both vehicles.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed by checking the VIN with NHTSA.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for any vibrations or shifting issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
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 LS or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln LS vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln LS total complaints
- 1,008
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln LS total recalls
- 4
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln LS avg complaints/year
- 144.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln LS
- Lincoln LS top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE