Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKC vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln MKC 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 MKC vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MKC averages 116.6 complaints per year with a major engine coolant intrusion issue, while the Silverado averages 510.5 complaints per year with severe brake and electrical failures. The MKC has 27 recalls, the Silverado 100. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKC or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKC
The Lincoln MKC is a compact luxury SUV that, in owner reports, shows a dominant engine problem: coolant intrusion into cylinders causing misfires and, in many cases, a need for a full long block replacement. Electrical gremlins, like erratic door mirror clicking and a rear camera that goes fuzzy or black, add to the frustration. While the MKC has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the engine issue is severe and costly, and parts backorders for recalls can leave owners waiting.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity and longer production run. Owners report serious engine failures, including a 6.2L motor that failed catastrophically at low mileage and Duramax diesel particulate filter clogging. Powertrain issues like sudden loss of drive, and electrical problems that can lead to loss of braking and steering, are alarming. With over 500 complaints per year, the Silverado shows a pattern of major, safety-relevant failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 583 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.6 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 MKC
- 01ENGINE314
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM67
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION50
- 05POWER TRAIN48
Owners report coolant intrusion into cylinders, especially on the 2.0L EcoBoost, causing misfires and check engine lights. Dealerships often recommend a full long block replacement, a costly repair that can recur even after spark plug and coil changes.
Electrical issues include abnormal clicking from door mirrors when opening doors, and a rearview camera that intermittently goes fuzzy or black. Recall parts for these issues are often backordered, leaving owners without a fix for months.
The rearview camera system is a frequent problem, with owners reporting black screens or fuzzy images while reversing. This is tied to a recall (25V572000) but parts availability is poor, meaning the safety feature may be unreliable.
“My 2016 Lincoln MKC with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine experienced coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, leading to engine misfire and check engine light to turn on. The dealership confirmed the issue for $176.55 and recommended a full long block engine replacement, es…”
“While driving a short distance to work, my 2016 MKC check engine light came on. The previous week I noticed that the engine hesitated slightly when it first started, but it drove normally. However, when the light came on, my husband took the vehicle to the de…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are severe: a 6.2L motor failed catastrophically at low mileage, and Duramax diesel engines experience repeated diesel particulate filter clogging (P2463) requiring dealer intervention. These are major, expensive repairs that can leave owners stranded.
Transmission and driveline issues include sudden loss of drive, such as the vehicle unexpectedly going into neutral while driving uphill. This can be dangerous, especially in traffic or on inclines.
Owners report sudden, severe loss of braking effectiveness, with the brake pedal firm but the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to crashes, and it is linked to electrical system failures.
Electrical problems can cause a cascade of failures: while driving at 70 MPH, a loud pinging sound preceded loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. This suggests a systemic electrical issue that can disable multiple safety systems at once.
“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 MKC — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine bloc…
The risk: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles. The battery monitor sensor may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will add an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8,…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
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 MKC or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKC has far fewer complaints per year (116.6 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls, but its engine issue is serious. The Silverado's higher volume reflects more widespread and varied problems, including safety-critical brake and electrical failures. In practice, the MKC may be less troublesome overall, but both have significant reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The MKC's main issue is engine coolant intrusion leading to misfires and long block replacements, while the Silverado has a broader range of failures including engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate (510.5/yr) and more recalls (100) than the MKC (116.6/yr, 27 recalls), indicating a higher likelihood of encountering a problem.
- Safety-critical failures like sudden loss of braking and steering are reported on the Silverado, whereas MKC complaints focus more on drivability and convenience features like the rear camera.
- Parts availability for recalls is a problem for both, but the MKC's rear camera recall (25V572000) and the Silverado's brake fluid sensor recall show delays in fixes.
- Check for any signs of coolant loss or engine misfire, especially on 2.0L EcoBoost engines; ask for service records related to coolant or engine work.
- Test the rearview camera for clarity and intermittent blackouts, and verify if recall 25V572000 has been performed.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including the brake fluid level sensor and any warning lights; test brakes at various speeds.
- Ask about any engine or transmission repairs, especially for the 6.2L or Duramax diesel, and check for DPF-related service.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine compression and cooling system for the MKC, and brakes and electrical for the Silverado.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation, loss of power, or brake issues.
- Ask for all service records, especially any engine or transmission work.
- Check online forums for common issues specific to the model year you are considering.
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 MKC | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 115 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 71 | 591 |
| 2017 | 188 | 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 MKC or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKC vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln MKC total complaints
- 583
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln MKC total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln MKC avg complaints/year
- 116.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln MKC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE