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 27 complaints per year versus 510 for the Silverado, but both have serious issues like engine fires and brake failures. The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (117 vs. 16). 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, a full-size luxury SUV, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 27 per year over the last decade. Owners report issues that can affect daily usability and safety, including vibrations at highway speeds, unexpected transmission shifts, electrical glitches, and even engine fires. While not as numerous as some rivals, these problems can be serious and may require repeated dealer visits.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, a popular full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 510 per year. The bulk of complaints center on engine and powertrain problems, with many owners describing sudden power loss, transmission failures, and brake issues. This pattern suggests that while the Silverado is a workhorse, it may be more prone to mechanical and electrical troubles that could leave owners stranded or facing costly repairs.
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 | 273 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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 Navigator
- 01POWER TRAIN69
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM47
- 03ENGINE39
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
- 05SEAT BELTS26
Owners report vibrations at highway speeds that persist despite tire balancing and replacement, and some 2024 models have the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
There are reports of uncontrolled and spontaneous shutdowns, inappropriate braking on the interstate, and malfunctioning windows and key fobs. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to multiple service visits.
Some owners have experienced engine fires, including one that started while the vehicle was parked, and others report sudden lurching forward and shutdown, which could lead to crashes. These are serious safety concerns that require immediate attention.
“The vehicle has a vibration at interstate speeds 70-85 mph. The dealership has rebalanced the tires that came on the car, installed new tires and road forced balanced, replaced transfer case, rear drive shaft, but different size tires on car, and done another…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on several occasions, the transmission independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that during each failure, the drive(D) button was pressed wi…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Many owners report severe engine issues, including sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Diesel models have had repeated problems with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer intervention multiple times.
Transmission failures are common, with vehicles suddenly shifting into neutral or experiencing complete power loss, especially at low speeds or on inclines. This can be particularly hazardous in parking garages or when merging.
Electrical problems often manifest as sudden loss of braking ability, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective, and in some cases, the entire vehicle loses power, including steering and brakes, while driving at highway speeds.
Brake failures are a significant concern, with owners describing a sudden, severe loss of normal braking, making it difficult to stop at intersections. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“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 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
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.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
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.…
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 Navigator or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Navigator has far fewer complaints per year (27 vs. 510), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Navigator's problems, such as engine fires and unintended shifting, can be just as serious. In practice, the Silverado's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a problem, but both vehicles require careful inspection before purchase.
Key differences
- The Navigator has a much lower complaint rate (27/yr) compared to the Silverado (510/yr), indicating a lower incidence of owner-reported problems.
- Navigator owners report issues like highway vibrations, transmission shifting to neutral, and engine fires, while Silverado owners frequently cite engine power loss, transmission failures, and brake failures.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (117 vs. 16) and injuries (104 vs. 15), suggesting more severe incidents.
- Both have recalls, but the Navigator's recalls focus on engine oil lubrication and brake hoses, while the Silverado's include tailgate latches and brake fluid sensors.
- Check for any signs of engine fire risk, such as unusual smells or heat under the hood, and review service history for engine-related recalls.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially at highway speeds, to ensure it doesn't unexpectedly shift into neutral.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for any warning lights related to power loss or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially from highway speeds, to ensure they respond properly and don't lose effectiveness.
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 engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unexpected shifts.
- Check for any signs of previous fire damage or electrical issues, such as melted wiring or burnt smells.
- Ask for service records to see if common issues have been addressed.
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 | 98 |
| 2025 | 11 | 150 |
| 2024 | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 32 | 934 |
| 2020 | 31 | 0 |
| 2019 | 75 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 52 | 591 |
| 2017 | 31 | 0 |
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
- 273
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln Navigator total recalls
- 89
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Navigator avg complaints/year
- 27.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Navigator
- Lincoln Navigator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE