Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Zephyr vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Lincoln Zephyr 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 Zephyr vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Zephyr has 229 complaints per year with 142 airbag issues, while the Silverado has 510.5 per year led by 1698 engine complaints. The Zephyr's problems are fewer but safety-critical; the Silverado's are more varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Zephyr or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Zephyr
The Lincoln Zephyr is a luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, suffers from a high rate of airbag inflator issues and wheel problems. With 229 complaints in one year, the volume is low but concentrated on safety-critical systems. Owners report long waits for recall repairs and recurring brake and structural faults. This suggests that living with a Zephyr may require patience and vigilance, especially regarding airbag and wheel integrity.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume—over 5,000 in ten years—but spread across many vehicles. The most common trouble spots are the engine, transmission, and electrical system, with reports of sudden power loss and brake failures. While the per-year average is higher than the Zephyr's, the Silverado's issues are more varied and often occur at low mileage. Buyers should expect potential powertrain and electronic gremlins.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Zephyr | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 229 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 229.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Zephyr
- 01AIR BAGS142
- 02WHEELS26
- 03SERVICE BRAKES13
- 04STRUCTURE13
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
Owners report that Ford recalled certain airbag inflators but dealers often refuse or delay the fix, leaving drivers with a known safety defect. One complaint describes waiting two years for a remedy. This matters because a faulty airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
The plating on wheels can peel, causing tires to lose air and leading to blowouts or repeated flats. Owners report having to inflate tires every few days. This is a safety and convenience issue that can strand a buyer.
Some owners experience slow brake response, especially in snow, and recall repairs may be refused due to rust. One complaint notes the brake pedal was slow to respond at 20 mph. This could increase stopping distances in an emergency.
Window scratches from a bad fit into door panels are reported, and even after a technical bulletin fix, the problem persists. Another owner reported the car suddenly accelerated into a wall after braking. These structural and unintended acceleration reports are concerning.
“SINCE 2 YEARS AGO FORD RECALLED THESE AIRBAGS AND DO NOTHING! I WENT TO 2 DEALERS LINCOLN IN MY AREA BECAUSE I RECEIVED LETTER FROM FORD STATING THAT THEY WILL PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR UP TO 45$/DAY UNTIL THIS RECALLED CAR IS DONE AND NONE OF DEALERS WANTED TO PR…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LINCOLN ZEPHYR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS SPUN AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine issues, including a 6.2L motor that failed shortly after purchase and a Duramax diesel with repeated excessive soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These failures can leave families stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, causing a loss of power. One owner experienced this with less than 300 miles on the odometer. This transmission behavior is dangerous in traffic.
Reports describe a sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, as well as an engine pinging sound at 70 mph followed by loss of power, brakes, and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Similar to the electrical complaints, owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effect reduced, leading to difficulty stopping. This pattern suggests a brake system defect that could cause a crash.
“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 Zephyr — 5 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not c…
The risk: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap. In addition, the HCU will be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition, replacing the HCU as necessary.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Maria…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall an…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registe…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that…
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 Zephyr or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Zephyr has far fewer complaints per year (229) than the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Zephyr's issues are heavily concentrated in airbags and wheels, which are immediate safety concerns. The Silverado's higher volume is spread across engine, transmission, and electrical systems, meaning a buyer is more likely to encounter a variety of problems. In practice, the Zephyr may have fewer total issues but each one could be more critical.
Key differences
- The Zephyr's top complaint is airbags (142), with owners reporting delayed recall fixes, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (1698), including sudden failures at low mileage.
- Zephyr owners report wheel plating peeling causing tire leaks and blowouts; Silverado owners report transmission suddenly shifting into neutral and loss of power.
- The Zephyr has 9 crash-related complaints and 12 injuries; the Silverado has 117 crash-related complaints and 104 injuries, plus 1 death.
- Zephyr complaints are concentrated in a few safety systems, while Silverado complaints span engine, power train, electrical, and brakes, indicating broader reliability concerns.
- Check for open airbag recalls and confirm the inflator has been replaced; owners report dealers refusing or delaying the fix.
- Inspect all four wheels for peeling plating and test tire pressure retention; multiple owners report blowouts and frequent flats.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially P2463 for diesel particulate filter soot; owners report repeated soot accumulation.
- Test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement at low speeds and verify brake pedal feel and stopping power; complaints describe firm pedal with reduced braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed, especially airbag recalls on the Zephyr and brake/electrical recalls on the Silverado.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Zephyr's wheels for plating peel and tire bead sealing, and test drive to check for brake response and unintended acceleration.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission codes, check diesel particulate filter history if equipped, and test drive at highway speeds to detect pinging or power loss.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on brake fluid changes and any transmission or engine repairs.
- During a test drive, deliberately test braking from moderate speed and listen for unusual noises; also check that all electrical features (lights, infotainment, driver aids) work.
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 Zephyr or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Zephyr vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Lincoln Zephyr total complaints
- 229
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Lincoln Zephyr total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Lincoln Zephyr avg complaints/year
- 229.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Zephyr
- Lincoln Zephyr top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE