Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKT vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln MKT 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 MKT vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MKT averages 29.5 complaints per year with steering failures as the top issue, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year, led by engine and powertrain problems. The Silverado also has 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKT or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKT
The Lincoln MKT is a luxury crossover that averages about 30 owner complaints per year, with steering problems dominating the list. Many of those steering complaints describe a sudden loss of power steering assist mid-turn, which can send the car into oncoming traffic. Other common issues include a shattering moonroof and keyless entry trim falling off. With 31 recalls over a decade, it's a vehicle that demands regular attention to safety fixes.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, a much higher volume. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, with owners reporting sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss. There are also 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported. This suggests that while many Silverados are on the road, a notable number experience serious safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 295 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 MKT
- 01STEERING101
- 02STRUCTURE48
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION24
Owners report the power steering failing mid-turn, making the wheel suddenly hard to turn and causing the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic. This is a critical safety issue because it can happen without warning at any speed.
Complaints include the moonroof shattering spontaneously during normal rain, and exterior trim like keyless entry panels falling off while driving. These failures can lead to water damage, noise, or debris flying off the vehicle.
Owners describe the engine light coming on with a lean-running code, backup cameras blinking on and off, and power steering sensor faults. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
The rear camera and alert system sometimes fails to warn of people or objects behind the vehicle while backing up. This increases the risk of low-speed collisions in parking lots or driveways.
“Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. De…”
“ON 12/10/2018 AT 5 PM I MADE A RIGHT TURN TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED MID TURN. SHOCKED AND SURPRISED AT TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I VEERED INTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE PROPER LANE BECAUSE OF THE AM…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. Others describe diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded or cause a loss of power.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and a 6.2L engine failure shortly after purchase. Such failures can cause a complete loss of motive power, increasing crash risk.
Owners report a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, as well as the engine shutting off and screens going blank. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems like brakes and steering assist.
Complaints describe the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness dropping sharply, and the truck shutting off entirely during low-speed maneuvers. Brake loss is a direct safety hazard that demands 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 MKT — 31 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
The risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy p…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
The risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owner…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owner…
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 MKT or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKT has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the MKT's steering failures are particularly alarming. The Silverado's higher volume means more reported incidents, including 3 deaths and 233 crash-related complaints. In practice, the MKT may have fewer overall problems, but the ones it has can be severe.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKT's most common complaint is steering failure (101 complaints), often described as a sudden loss of power assist mid-turn, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems (2521 complaints), including engine shutdowns while driving.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, whereas the MKT has 6 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths, though the MKT's steering failures could easily cause crashes.
- The MKT has 31 recalls over 10 years, including suspension and turbocharger issues, while the Silverado has 101 recalls, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Owners of the MKT report structural issues like shattering moonroofs and falling trim, while Silverado owners report powertrain failures like transmissions shifting into neutral and brake loss.
- Test the power steering at low speeds and during turns; listen for whining or feel for sudden stiffness, as owners report mid-turn failure.
- Inspect the moonroof for cracks or previous repairs, and check that keyless entry trim pieces are secure, since these have fallen off while driving.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, warning lights, or messages about neutral; some owners report the engine shutting off while driving.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any loss of braking effectiveness, especially at low speeds; complaints describe a firm pedal but reduced stopping power.
Before you buy
- Look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall site and confirm all recalls are repaired, especially for the MKT's steering and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake issues.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the steering system for the MKT and the engine/transmission for the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle in conditions that mimic the complaints: make slow turns in a parking lot for the MKT, and drive at varying speeds with sudden stops for the Silverado.
- Request maintenance records to see if the MKT's power steering or moonroof has been addressed, and if the Silverado's engine or transmission has had repairs.
- Check for any aftermarket modifications or software updates that might affect safety systems like backup cameras or collision warnings.
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 MKT | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 7 | 597 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 MKT or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKT vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln MKT total complaints
- 295
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln MKT total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln MKT avg complaints/year
- 29.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKT
- Lincoln MKT top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE