Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKX vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln MKX 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 MKX vs Chevrolet Silverado: The MKX averages 86.6 complaints per year and has 37 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year and has 101 recalls. Both report brake and electrical issues, but the Silverado also has frequent engine and transmission complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKX or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKX
The Lincoln MKX is a midsize luxury SUV that averages about 87 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with brakes and electrical issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe brake pedal sinking to the floor or intermittent loss of braking, and electrical glitches that can cause dash lights or brake lights to fail. With 37 recalls and 35 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of safety systems before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, far more than the MKX, with engine and powertrain problems leading the list. Owners report severe issues like engines shutting off while driving, transmissions suddenly going into neutral, and diesel particulate filter problems on newer models. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a high-volume truck with a wide range of reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 866 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 86.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 MKX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES264
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM153
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER110
- 04ENGINE108
- 05AIR BAGS99
Owners frequently report the brake pedal sinking to the floor or becoming hard to push, sometimes after a booster replacement. This can lead to a sudden loss of braking, which is a serious safety concern for any buyer.
Complaints include dash lights and info clusters failing to light up, as well as brake lights not working. One owner reported the car stalling and then going into reverse unexpectedly, showing how electrical faults can affect control.
Reports mention a 3.7-liter engine with an inherent defect and faulty catalytic converters that may fail emissions. These issues can be costly to repair and may not be covered by recalls for all models.
With 99 complaints, air bag problems are a concern, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should verify that any open recalls for air bags have been addressed.
“I HAD NOTICED A WEEK PRIOR TO DRIVING TO WORK EVERYDAY THAT MY BRAKES WERE SOMETIMES GOING TO THE FLOOR AND SOMETIMES STOPPING ALL THE WAY UP MAKING THE PEDAL HARD TO PUSH. I DRIVE 20 MILES BOTH DIRECTIONS DAILY SO I AM ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK. ON A MONDAY MOR…”
“In 2021 I took vehicle in for intermittent soft brakes where the pedal would suddenly sink to the floor. Dealer replaced brake booster under warranty. Issue was still intermittent and 2 months into driving after the booster was replaced I suddenly lost all br…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engines shutting off while driving, requiring a restart, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation on Duramax models. These can leave you stranded and lead to expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, causing a loss of power. This transmission behavior is unpredictable and dangerous in traffic.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can disable critical functions without warning.
Similar to electrical issues, owners report braking problems where the pedal remains firm but braking is ineffective. This suggests a potential brake system defect that could increase stopping distances.
“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 MKX — 37 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
The risk: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 20…
The risk: If the doors open in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C06.
The defect: Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more w…
The risk: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall be…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
The risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may…
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 MKX or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKX has far fewer complaints per year (about 87) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the MKX. However, the MKX's brake and electrical issues can be severe, while the Silverado's higher volume means more widespread reports of engine and transmission failures.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKX averages about 87 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a nearly 10-fold difference.
- MKX owners most often report brake pedal sinking and electrical failures, whereas Silverado owners report engines shutting off and transmissions going into neutral.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 37 for the MKX, indicating a broader range of potential safety fixes.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Silverado's higher count (233 vs 35) reflects its larger sales volume and more frequent reported incidents.
- Check for a brake pedal that sinks to the floor or feels hard to push; this is a common complaint and may indicate a failing brake booster or hydraulic issue.
- Test all electrical functions, including dash lights, brake lights, and infotainment; intermittent failures are reported and can affect safety.
- During a test drive, watch for the engine shutting off or the transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral, especially at low speeds.
- On diesel models, ask about diesel particulate filter history and whether it has required repeated dealer service for soot accumulation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including the booster and lines, for both vehicles, given the reported brake complaints.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes and test drive at various speeds to check for stalling or shifting issues.
- For the MKX, test all electrical components and look for signs of water leaks that could cause mold or electrical faults.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to brakes, engine, or transmission, and avoid vehicles with unresolved safety recalls.
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 MKX | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 31 | 597 |
| 2017 | 52 | 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 MKX or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKX vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln MKX total complaints
- 866
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln MKX total recalls
- 37
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln MKX avg complaints/year
- 86.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKX
- Lincoln MKX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE