Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln TOWN CAR vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln TOWN CAR 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 TOWN CAR vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Town Car averaged 73.9 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averaged 822.7, with 22 and 101 recalls respectively. Both have brake and safety complaints, but the Silverado's higher volume includes more engine and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln TOWN CAR or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln TOWN CAR
The Lincoln Town Car is a large, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan often used for livery and long-distance driving. Over 10 years, it averaged about 74 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving unintended acceleration, air bag deployment, brake trouble, suspension faults, and steering problems. Owners report sudden engine racing, brakes that fail to stop the car, and air suspension warnings. These patterns suggest that while the car is comfortable, buyers should budget for potential repairs to safety-critical systems.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck available in many configurations, widely used for work and family transport. It averaged about 823 complaints per year over 10 years, with the highest counts in engine, power train, electrical, and brake systems. Owners describe severe engine and transmission failures, sudden loss of braking, and electrical glitches that can shut off the engine while driving. These reports indicate that some model years may have recurring reliability problems that require careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln TOWN CAR | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 739 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 103 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 73.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 66 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 TOWN CAR
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL150
- 02AIR BAGS129
- 03SERVICE BRAKES98
- 04SUSPENSION91
- 05STEERING85
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, where the engine races as if the gas pedal is floored, sometimes while braking. This can lead to rear-end collisions and loss of control, making it a critical safety concern.
Complaints include air bags deploying without a crash, such as the passenger-side bag inflating unexpectedly at speed. This can startle the driver and cause a crash, and it may indicate a faulty sensor or wiring.
Drivers describe intermittent trouble stopping, with the car failing to stop at toll booths or during normal braking. This suggests brake system defects that could increase stopping distance and crash risk.
The air suspension system often triggers warning lights for check air suspension and tire fault, indicating failing air springs or compressor. This can lead to a rough ride, sagging rear end, and costly repairs.
“WE HAD A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF OUR CAR. WE WERE TRAVELING WEST ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY (I-90) TOWARDS NIAGARA FALLS. AS WE EXITED INTO A REST AREA, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE RACED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WERE FLOORED. THE DRIVER PRESSED ON THE BRAKE V…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A SLOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report severe engine problems, including diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine shutdowns while driving. These issues can leave the truck stranded and may be expensive to fix.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral and the engine shutting off, even at low speeds in parking lots. This loss of power can be dangerous in traffic and points to transmission or software faults.
Drivers experience sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm brake pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-offs and blank screens. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety features without warning.
Reports describe a severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but the vehicle does not stop as expected. This could lead to crashes, especially if it occurs without warning.
“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 TOWN CAR — 22 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedi…
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if neces…
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinoi…
The risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedi…
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if neces…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedi…
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if neces…
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 TOWN CAR or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Town Car has far fewer complaints per year (about 74) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning owners of the Town Car report fewer problems overall. However, the Town Car's complaints often involve serious safety issues like unintended acceleration and brake failure, while the Silverado's higher volume includes many engine and electrical faults. In practice, the Town Car may be less troublesome but still requires attention to critical systems.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Town Car averages about 74 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823, a tenfold difference in reported issues.
- Town Car owners frequently report unintended acceleration and air bag deployments, whereas Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and transmission failures.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 22 for the Town Car, indicating more widespread safety campaigns for the truck.
- Both vehicles have brake complaints, but the Town Car's are often intermittent stopping failures, while the Silverado's involve sudden loss of braking assist.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or brake problems by test-driving at low speeds and braking firmly; listen for engine racing.
- Inspect the air suspension for sagging or warning lights, as failing air springs are a common and costly repair.
- Look for signs of engine or transmission issues, such as rough idling, delayed shifting, or warning messages about reduced power.
- Test all electrical functions, including brakes and infotainment, and check for any history of sudden engine shut-offs or loss of braking assist.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and air bags on the Town Car, and the engine, transmission, and electrical system on the Silverado.
- During a test drive, specifically test braking from highway speeds and low-speed acceleration to feel for anomalies.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and suspension work on the Town Car, and engine/transmission service on the Silverado.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, as both vehicles have multiple recall campaigns.
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 TOWN CAR or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln TOWN CAR vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln TOWN CAR total complaints
- 739
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Lincoln TOWN CAR total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Lincoln TOWN CAR avg complaints/year
- 73.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln TOWN CAR
- Lincoln TOWN CAR top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE