Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Nautilus vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Nautilus 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 Nautilus vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Nautilus has 28 complaints per year versus the Silverado's 510, but both show serious issues like sudden loss of power and brake failure. The Nautilus's transmission and electrical glitches contrast with the Silverado's engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Nautilus or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, shows a moderate rate of complaints (28 per year) but a notable share of powertrain and electrical issues. Owners report sudden loss of drive, jerking, and electrical glitches that can affect steering and driver-assist features, making it a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits. While not the highest-volume problem vehicle, the nature of the failures—especially those that occur while driving—can be unsettling for a first-time buyer.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume (510 per year) and a wide range of reported problems, dominated by engine and powertrain failures. Owners describe severe issues like sudden loss of power, brake failure, and engine knocking, often at low mileage. This pattern suggests that while the Silverado is a popular workhorse, it has significant reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs and safety incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Nautilus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 224 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Nautilus
- 01POWER TRAIN57
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER39
- 04ENGINE26
- 05STRUCTURE17
Owners report the vehicle sputtering, jerking, and even shifting into neutral unexpectedly while driving, often linked to the 8F35 transmission. This can cause a sudden loss of drive power, which is dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues include the vehicle shifting into neutral on its own and the steering column adjusting itself while driving, which can be alarming and affect control. These problems may stem from software or sensor faults.
Engine-related complaints often accompany the transmission issues, with the check engine light coming on and the vehicle acting erratically. Owners describe a loss of power and hesitation, which can be unpredictable.
Some owners report vague but concerning symptoms like the vehicle acting 'weird' or safety alerts turning off without warning, as with the BlueCruise system. This suggests intermittent electronic gremlins that are hard to diagnose.
“The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while another person was driving approximately 15-50 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and jerked. The vehicle was driven to the workplace, and the contact attempted to test-drive the vehicle. The con…”
“There is a class action lawsuit for the 2019-2021 Nautilus with the 8F35 transmission, which is the same transmission that my 2022 Nautilus has. Ford has also issued multiple technical service bulletins (25-2154, 21-2389) regarding the 8F35 transmission. My t…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are the most common, with reports of severe knocking, loss of power, and even complete engine failure, particularly in the 6.2L V8. Some diesel models also suffer from excessive soot accumulation in the DPF, requiring frequent dealer regeneration.
Transmission issues include sudden shifts into neutral and loss of drive power, especially during low-speed maneuvers like parking. This can leave drivers stranded or cause accidents.
Electrical problems often lead to loss of braking assistance and steering control, as reported in a case where the vehicle lost motive power and the brakes and steering became inoperable. This is a critical safety concern.
Brake failures are reported, with the brake pedal firm but braking ineffective, and in some cases a complete loss of braking ability. This is a direct safety hazard that requires 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 Nautilus — 33 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction, and the window reversal distance does not meet the minimum requirement. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will recalibrate the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's numb…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is p…
The risk: An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicl…
The risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model an…
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 Nautilus or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Nautilus has far fewer complaints per year (28) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related failures, so the difference in volume suggests the Nautilus may be less troublesome in day-to-day ownership, but neither is without risk.
Key differences
- The Nautilus has a much lower complaint rate (28/yr) than the Silverado (510/yr), suggesting fewer reported problems overall.
- The Silverado's engine issues are more severe and frequent, including complete engine failure and diesel DPF clogging, while the Nautilus's engine complaints are often tied to transmission behavior.
- Both vehicles have electrical problems that can affect safety, but the Silverado's electrical failures are more likely to involve loss of braking and steering, which is more critical.
- The Nautilus has a recall for power window controls, while the Silverado has recalls for tailgate latches and brake fluid warning sensors, indicating different areas of concern.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially for jerking or unexpected shifts into neutral, as this is a common complaint.
- Check the steering column adjustment and ensure it doesn't move on its own while driving, a reported electrical issue.
- Listen for engine knocking or pinging, and check for any loss of power, as engine failures are frequent.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, and be alert for any warning lights related to brake fluid or braking performance.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or jerking.
- Check the service records for any previous transmission or engine repairs.
- For the Silverado, ask about the DPF regeneration history if it's a diesel.
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 Nautilus | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 98 |
| 2025 | 21 | 150 |
| 2024 | 21 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 21 | 934 |
| 2020 | 33 | 0 |
| 2019 | 100 | 1992 |
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 Nautilus or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Nautilus vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Nautilus total complaints
- 224
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln Nautilus total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Nautilus avg complaints/year
- 28.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Lincoln Nautilus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE