Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Milan vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Milan 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 Milan vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Milan averages about 430 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823. The Milan's top issue is airbag inflators (788 complaints), and the Silverado's is engine problems (2521 complaints). Both have brake concerns, but the Silverado has more recalls (101 vs 44). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Milan or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan is a midsize sedan that averages about 430 owner complaints per year, with airbags, brakes, and steering being the most common trouble spots. Many complaints involve the Takata airbag recall, where owners report long waits for repairs and worry about the inflator exploding. Brake problems include delayed stopping and the need to pump the pedal, while steering complaints describe a rear end that wiggles in winter conditions. Overall, the Milan's complaint pattern suggests a car that can be reliable but has some serious safety-related issues that need attention.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averages about 823 complaints per year, with engine, power train, and electrical problems leading the list. Owners report issues like rough running, transmission shifting problems, and sudden loss of braking or engine shutdown while driving. Many complaints are on very new trucks with low mileage, indicating that problems can appear early. The high number of complaints and recalls means that living with a Silverado may require frequent dealer visits and vigilance.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Milan | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,577 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 98 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 429.5 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 48 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.
Mercury Milan
- 01AIR BAGS788
- 02SERVICE BRAKES587
- 03STEERING350
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL259
- 05POWER TRAIN251
Owners report Takata airbag inflator recalls that can cause the airbag to explode, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Many complain that the recall fix is not done, leaving them afraid to use the front passenger seat.
Drivers describe a long delay between pressing the brake pedal and the vehicle stopping, sometimes requiring pumping the brakes. In some cases, the vehicle fails to stop completely, which is dangerous in traffic.
Complaints mention the rear end wiggling side to side in winter conditions even with new tires, making the car feel unstable and hard to control. This can make other drivers nervous and reduce confidence in slippery weather.
Some owners report transmission shifting problems after battery disconnection, where the car won't shift unless they let off the gas. This can cause hard shifts and delayed gear changes, affecting drivability.
“(TAKATA RECALL). THEY RECOMMEND YOU DO NOT HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THIS VEHICLE DUE TO ACTIVE RECALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THIS RECALL WAS IN 2017. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE AS OF TODAY. IT IS NOT REASON…”
“TAKATA RECALL- AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE I FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WAS IN A FEW PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS WHERE THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH IS THE RECALLED SIDE, I AM WORRIED ABOUT IT EXPLODING AS MY RECALL STATED. MY RECALL ALSO STATED…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine problems like excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer service. Others describe rough running or engine shutdown while driving, which can be very dangerous.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can happen in parking lots or on the road, creating a risk of collision.
Drivers report sudden loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle doesn't stop effectively. Others mention the engine shutting off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing on the display.
Some owners experience a severe loss of braking shortly after starting to drive, making it hard to stop at intersections. The brake pedal may feel normal but braking power is reduced, which is a serious safety concern.
“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 Milan — 44 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 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 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…
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 Milan or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Milan has far fewer complaints per year (about 430) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), meaning owners of the Milan report fewer issues overall. However, the Milan's complaints often involve serious safety systems like airbags and brakes, while the Silverado's issues are more spread across engine, transmission, and electrical systems. In practice, the Milan may have fewer problems but some are potentially life-threatening if not addressed, while the Silverado may require more frequent repairs but many are covered under warranty for new trucks.
Key differences
- The Mercury Milan has about half the complaints per year compared to the Chevrolet Silverado, but its top issue is airbag inflators that can explode, a serious safety risk.
- The Silverado's most common complaints are engine and power train problems, including sudden loss of power or transmission failure, often on very new trucks.
- Brake issues appear in both, but Milan owners report delayed stopping and pumping the pedal, while Silverado owners describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls (101 vs 44) and more crash-related complaints (233 vs 98), indicating a higher overall rate of safety-related events.
- Check if the Takata airbag recall has been performed; if not, the front passenger airbag could explode and cause injury.
- Test the brakes for any delay or need to pump the pedal, and listen for unusual noises; delayed braking is a common complaint.
- Look for signs of engine problems like rough idling, excessive soot from the exhaust (on diesel), or warning lights; some owners report engine shutdown while driving.
- Test the brakes for sudden loss of power assist and check for electrical glitches like screens going blank or messages about shifting to neutral.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been repaired, especially the Takata airbag recall on the Mercury Milan.
- Take a test drive that includes braking from highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for delayed or weak braking.
- For the Silverado, test the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can check for engine, brake, and electrical issues specific to these models.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the car has been in accidents, especially for the Milan where airbag deployment may be linked to recall 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 Milan or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Milan vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Milan total complaints
- 2,577
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercury Milan total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercury Milan avg complaints/year
- 429.5
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Milan
- Mercury Milan top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE