Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Cougar vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Cougar 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
Mercury Cougar vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Cougar averaged 135 complaints per year over 3 years, with 34 crash-related and 35 injuries, while the Silverado averaged 510 per year over 10 years, with 117 crash-related and 104 injuries. The Cougar's issues often involve fuel system and electrical fires, whereas the Silverado's are more engine and transmission focused. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Cougar or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar is a sporty coupe that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over three years, it averaged 135 complaints per year, with many centered on fuel system and electrical problems. Owners report stalling at speed, engine failure, and even fires, which can be scary and expensive. If you're considering one, be prepared for potential breakdowns and a higher risk of serious issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to complaints, has its own set of reliability challenges. With over 5,100 complaints across ten years, that's about 510 per year, but given how many are on the road, that's not necessarily alarming. The most common trouble spots are the engine, transmission, and electrical system, with some owners reporting sudden loss of power or braking problems. It's a workhorse, but some model years have notable defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Cougar | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 406 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 135.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 35 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
Mercury Cougar
- 01FUEL SYSTEM106
- 02GASOLINE97
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING51
- 05POWER TRAIN34
Owners frequently report stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, and hesitation after fuel pump replacements. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic, and the intermittent nature makes it hard to diagnose.
There are complaints of electrical fires, often starting while the car is parked. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to total loss of the vehicle or worse.
Reports include engine knocking, sudden failure, and overheating without warning. Some owners had to replace the engine at relatively low mileage, which is a major expense.
Transmission slipping and other drivetrain issues are noted, which can affect driveability and lead to costly repairs.
“AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 COUGAR I WISH I WOULD HAVE MADE A BETTER CHOICE IN WHAT VEHICLE I BOUGHT. THE ONE RECALL THAT THEY HAD ON THE FUEL PUMP I HAD TO HAVE THAT REPLACED, BUT I AM NOT SURE THEY REALLY FIXED IT BECAUSE IT STILL HESITATED WHEN I A…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS AND OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer models report severe engine problems, including loss of power and unusual noises, sometimes requiring dealer attention. Diesel models have issues with the particulate filter clogging, leading to reduced performance.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral or losing motive power, which can be dangerous, especially at speed or in traffic.
Some owners experience braking problems where the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective, as well as other electrical glitches that can affect safety systems.
Reports of sudden loss of braking ability, often accompanied by other electrical issues, are particularly concerning for safety.
“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.
Mercury Cougar — 11 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE M…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
The risk: THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE…
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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
Mercury Cougar or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Cougar has far fewer complaints per year (135 vs. 510), but that's partly because it's an older, less common vehicle. The Silverado's higher annual complaint rate reflects its popularity and the fact that it's a truck used for heavy duty. In practice, the Cougar's issues tend to be more severe per complaint, with fires and stalling, while the Silverado's are more varied but can also be serious.
Key differences
- The Cougar has a high proportion of fuel system and electrical complaints, including fires and stalling, while the Silverado's top issues are engine and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, versus 11 for the Cougar over 3 years, indicating more widespread safety fixes for the truck.
- Crash-related complaints: Cougar has 34 over 3 years, Silverado has 117 over 10 years, but per year the Cougar has more (11.3 vs. 11.7), similar.
- Injuries: Cougar reports 35 injuries over 3 years, Silverado 104 over 10 years, so per year Cougar has more (11.7 vs. 10.4).
- Check for fuel pump and fuel system issues: look for hesitation, stalling, or a history of fuel pump replacements.
- Inspect electrical wiring and components for signs of overheating or fire damage, especially under the hood and dashboard.
- Test drive and listen for engine noises, especially pinging or knocking, and check for loss of power or transmission slipping.
- Verify that brakes operate correctly and check for any electrical faults that might affect braking or steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were performed and if there are any reported accidents or fires.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and electrical system on the Cougar, and the engine and transmission on the Silverado.
- For the Silverado, check for open recalls on the tailgate latch, steering, and brake fluid warning system.
- For the Cougar, confirm that the fuel pump recall was completed and check for any signs of electrical fires.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to detect stalling or shifting issues.
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 Mercury Cougar or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Cougar vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Cougar total complaints
- 406
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercury Cougar total recalls
- 11
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercury Cougar avg complaints/year
- 135.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Cougar
- Mercury Cougar top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE