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 about 120 complaints per year, with engine failures from coolant intrusion as the top issue. The Silverado averages over 800 complaints per year, with engine and transmission problems, plus 233 crash-related reports. The MKC has fewer complaints but severe engine risks; the Silverado has more overall issues. 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, based on owner complaints, can be costly to maintain as it ages. The most common serious issue is engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine, often requiring a full engine replacement. Electrical glitches, such as side mirrors folding unexpectedly, and backup camera problems are also reported. With an average of about 120 complaints per year, it's less complaint-prone than some vehicles, but the severity of engine issues makes it a risky used purchase without a thorough inspection.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume—over 800 per year—reflecting its popularity and widespread use. Owners report a wide range of problems, from engine and transmission failures to sudden loss of braking and electrical shutdowns. Many complaints involve newer models with low mileage, suggesting that even recent trucks can have serious defects. The high number of crash-related complaints and injuries indicates that some issues can compromise safety, so buyers should be especially cautious.
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 | 598 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.6 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 MKC
- 01ENGINE321
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION51
- 05POWER TRAIN51
Owners frequently report coolant leaking into the engine, leading to engine failure and the need for a complete engine replacement. This is a major expense and can happen even at relatively low mileage, making it a critical check point.
Complaints include side view mirrors folding inward on their own and other electrical glitches. These can be annoying and costly to fix, and may indicate broader electrical reliability issues.
There are reports of the rearview camera failing or showing a blank image when reversing, which can increase the risk of backing over something or someone. A recall was issued for this, but parts may not have been available, leaving some vehicles unrepaired.
Some owners report the vehicle shutting off while in motion, which is dangerous. This can be related to engine or transmission problems and should be investigated thoroughly.
“1st Engine Failure Dec 2021 due to coolant intrusion and the long block engine needed to be replaced. After the repair I came to look at it & I found, Bolts were missing—including from the undercarriage, battery mount, & power steering reservoir, splash guard…”
“I purchased the automobile on [XXX] with 44,175 miles. When the engine light came on recently, I took it to the Lincoln dealer here in Las Vegas, paid $205 for the computer to be assessed, and was told the problem was coolant leaking into the engine. They wer…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine issues, including complete engine shutdown while driving and diesel particulate filter problems requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Transmission problems are common, such as the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving, which can cause loss of power and control. This is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include sudden loss of braking effectiveness and the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. These electrical glitches can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Some owners experience a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop as expected. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“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 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
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 — 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 MKC or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKC has far fewer complaints per year (about 120) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (over 800), but the MKC's engine failures are severe and expensive. The Silverado's higher volume means more overall issues, including some that can cause crashes. In practice, the MKC may have fewer problems but they can be catastrophic, while the Silverado has a wider range of issues that affect safety and reliability.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKC's most reported issue is engine failure from coolant intrusion, often requiring a new engine, while the Silverado's top complaints include engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate per year (about 823 vs. 120 for the MKC), but the MKC's issues tend to be concentrated in expensive engine repairs.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 19) and injuries (160 vs. 9), indicating a higher potential for safety-critical failures.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the Silverado's include sudden loss of braking and engine shutdowns, which are more dangerous than the MKC's mirror and camera glitches.
- Check for any signs of coolant loss or engine misfires, as coolant intrusion can lead to engine failure; ask for service records related to engine repairs.
- Test the rearview camera and side mirrors for proper operation, as failures are reported and may not have been fixed under recall.
- Test drive and check for any hesitation, rough shifting, or sudden loss of power, which could indicate transmission or engine problems.
- Inspect brake function carefully; report any unusual brake pedal feel or reduced braking effectiveness, as sudden brake loss has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a compression test for the MKC and a transmission scan for the Silverado.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed, especially the backup camera recall for the MKC and any fuel pump or brake recalls for the Silverado.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting issues, and test all electrical features.
- Consider a extended warranty that covers major components, as both vehicles can have costly repairs.
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 | 122 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 74 | 597 |
| 2017 | 191 | 1154 |
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
- 598
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln MKC total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln MKC avg complaints/year
- 119.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln MKC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE