Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Mariner vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Mariner 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 Mariner vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mariner averaged 186 complaints per year with steering issues most common, while the Silverado averaged 823 complaints per year with engine problems leading. The Silverado also had 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 22 recalls and 0 deaths for the Mariner. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Mariner or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Mariner
The Mercury Mariner is a compact SUV that averaged about 186 complaints per year over seven years, with steering problems dominating the list. Owners frequently report the steering wheel becoming hard to turn, often traced to the steering column, and transmission issues that can cause sudden loss of power or rough shifting. With 22 recalls and 37 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the steering and transmission.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power train issues leading the pack. Owners describe serious problems like engines shutting off while driving, sudden loss of braking, and transmission failures even on nearly new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of potential trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Mariner | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,305 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 186.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 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.
Mercury Mariner
- 01STEERING559
- 02POWER TRAIN233
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL182
- 04ENGINE164
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM109
Owners report the steering wheel becoming difficult to maneuver, often at highway speeds, with dealers pointing to the steering column as the culprit. This can make the vehicle hard to control and is the most common complaint area.
Transmission problems are frequently described, including failure to shift gears around 42,000 miles and loud noises or shaking that make the vehicle barely drivable. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the gas pedal failing, the overdrive light blinking with power loss, and sudden loss of power on the freeway. This can be dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer diagnosis.
Some owners report the hybrid system overheating and displaying a 'Stop Safely Now' message, causing immediate power loss. This can shut down both the gasoline and electric motors without warning.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCURY MARINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engines shutting off while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and are safety concerns.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, and transmission issues on trucks with very low mileage. This can cause loss of control and unexpected repairs.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as screens going blank and the truck shutting off. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Reports include severe loss of braking effectiveness and the truck completely shutting off during low-speed maneuvers. Brake problems are especially dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
“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 Mariner — 22 recalls
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may f…
The risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford c…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one…
The risk: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is b…
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23,…
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
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
Mercury Mariner or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Mariner has far fewer complaints per year (about 186) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Mariner's problems are more concentrated in steering and transmission, while the Silverado's are spread across engine, power train, electrical, and brakes, meaning you're more likely to encounter a variety of costly repairs with the Silverado.
Key differences
- The Mercury Mariner's top complaint is steering (559 reports), often a hard-to-turn wheel, while the Silverado's top complaint is engine (2521 reports), including sudden shutdowns.
- The Silverado has over 100 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 22 recalls and 0 deaths for the Mariner, indicating a broader range of safety defects.
- Mariner owners frequently mention transmission failure around 42,000 miles, while Silverado owners report transmission and engine issues even on nearly new trucks.
- The Silverado has a much higher complaint rate per year (about 823 vs. 186), meaning you're more likely to encounter problems over time.
- During a test drive, check for any difficulty turning the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, as this could indicate a failing steering column.
- Ask for transmission service records and test for rough or delayed shifting, as owners report failures around 42,000 miles.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and look for any warning messages about brake system issues, as owners report sudden loss of braking.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or electrical glitches, such as screens going blank or the truck shutting off, during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Silverado's many recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the steering system on the Mariner and the engine/electrical systems on the Silverado.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for transmission or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes on the Mariner and diesel particulate filter service on the Silverado.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Mariner or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Mariner vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Mariner total complaints
- 1,305
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercury Mariner total recalls
- 22
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercury Mariner avg complaints/year
- 186.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Mariner
- Mercury Mariner top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE