Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Navigator vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Navigator 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 Navigator vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Navigator averages 28.4 complaints per year with 89 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus 17 and 0 for the Navigator. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Navigator or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV with 284 owner complaints over 10 years, averaging about 28 per year. That's a relatively low complaint rate for a complex vehicle, but the pattern shows serious issues: transmissions that disengage at highway speed, engines failing around 78,000–93,000 miles, and electrical modules that disable seats, running boards, and screens. Recalls are high at 89, including axle, brake hose, and backup camera software problems, so you'll want to verify recall work was done.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with 8,227 complaints over 10 years—about 823 per year, far more than the Navigator. The volume reflects huge sales, but owners report alarming failures: engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, transmissions going into neutral, and diesel exhaust filter problems. With 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, the stakes are higher, and 101 recalls cover fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Navigator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 284 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 Navigator
- 01POWER TRAIN72
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03ENGINE39
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
- 05SEAT BELTS29
Owners report the transmission unexpectedly disengaging at highway speeds, causing complete loss of propulsion, and violent downshifts. This is a critical safety issue because you can't accelerate or maintain speed in traffic.
Multiple modules fail, especially the APIM that controls the screen, massage seats, running boards, and music. When it goes bad, those features stop working, and owners report repeated dealer visits without a permanent fix.
Catastrophic engine failure has been reported around 78,000–93,000 miles, often with no warning until power loss and shuddering. One owner described oil contamination in cylinder 6 causing compression loss from piston ring failure, plus cam phaser and carbon buildup issues.
Owners describe loud explosions with no warning, and power running boards that either don't move or close on a foot as you step on them, causing falls. These are surprising and potentially dangerous for a luxury vehicle.
“Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020…”
“On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indic…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start,' and diesel models suffer repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. An engine that quits in motion is a serious hazard.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral at low speeds, such as in a parking garage, leaving you unable to accelerate. This can happen with very low mileage, even under 300 miles.
Owners describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking where the pedal stays firm but braking is ineffective, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can affect your ability to stop or see critical information.
Braking problems overlap with electrical issues, with reports of the truck shutting off and losing braking assistance in parking lots. The firm pedal with poor stopping suggests a failure in the brake assist system.
“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 Navigator — 89 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
The risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
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…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
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 Navigator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Navigator has far fewer complaints per year (about 28 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both show serious safety-related failures. The Silverado's much higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, and its complaints include more crashes, injuries, and deaths. In practice, the Navigator may be less likely to leave you stranded, but its transmission and engine failures are still costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- The Silverado has about 29 times more complaints per year than the Navigator, but it also sells in much higher numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be closer.
- Navigator owners report transmission disengagement and engine failure at higher mileages, while Silverado owners report engine shutdown and brake loss even at very low miles.
- The Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Navigator has 17 crash-related, 20 injuries, and 0 deaths.
- Both have many recalls (89 for Navigator, 101 for Silverado), but the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump and forward collision warning issues, while the Navigator's include axle and brake hose problems.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard to highway speed and feel for any transmission hesitation, slipping, or unexpected neutral—this is a reported failure pattern.
- Ask for service records showing the APIM and other electrical modules have been replaced or updated, and test all screen, seat, and running board functions.
- Test drive at low speeds in a parking lot and on a hill, checking for any sudden engine shutdown or neutral engagement, which owners report even under 300 miles.
- Check for brake pedal feel and any warning messages about brake assist or 'Return to Neutral'—these are signs of reported electrical and brake failures.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls and confirm they were fixed.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows Lincoln Navigator transmission and engine issues, or Silverado engine shutdown and brake problems.
- Ask for a complete service history, especially for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway acceleration and low-speed parking maneuvers, to reproduce reported symptoms.
- Check for extended warranty coverage on major components, as both vehicles have costly failure patterns.
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 Navigator | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 120 |
| 2025 | 12 | 157 |
| 2024 | 16 | 527 |
| 2023 | 7 | 450 |
| 2022 | 21 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 33 | 961 |
| 2020 | 32 | 868 |
| 2019 | 80 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 52 | 597 |
| 2017 | 31 | 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 Navigator or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Navigator vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Navigator total complaints
- 284
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln Navigator total recalls
- 89
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln Navigator avg complaints/year
- 28.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Navigator
- Lincoln Navigator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE