Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Montego vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Montego 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 Montego vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Montego averaged 85.3 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5 per year over 10 years. The Montego has 3 recalls and 0 deaths; the Silverado has 100 recalls and 1 death. Both have serious power train and brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Montego or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Montego
The Mercury Montego is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over three years, it averaged 85.3 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, vehicle speed control, and electrical system. Owners report sudden loss of power, unintended acceleration, and transmission problems that can leave them stranded. While it has fewer recalls than the Silverado, the frequency of complaints relative to its short production run suggests persistent reliability concerns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a high volume of complaints—averaging 510.5 per year over ten years. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners reporting severe issues like sudden loss of braking, transmission failure, and engine problems even on new models. With 100 recalls and one death reported, the Silverado's reliability picture is complex and varies by model year and engine choice.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Montego | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 256 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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.
Mercury Montego
- 01POWER TRAIN86
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL50
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM40
- 04ENGINE30
- 05SERVICE BRAKES26
Owners report electronic throttle failures causing sudden loss of power, and transmissions that jerk, clunk, or slip into neutral. These issues can leave you stranded or cause dangerous situations in traffic.
Complaints describe cruise control that fails to disengage when braking, and throttle control failures that make the car stop unexpectedly. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Drivers report instrument cluster gauges suddenly dropping to zero and flickering, as well as jerking and clunking from the transmission. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
Some owners experience lurching when shifting gears and a burning odor followed by loss of power steering. These symptoms suggest potential engine and transmission mount issues that can affect control.
“MY CAR HAS A ISSUE WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE, I CALLED AND WAS TOLD SORRY YOUR 189,000 IS OVER 150,000 LIMIT TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS YET. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL VS A CUSTOMER CARE ISSUE. I DROVE TO MY SON'S ON MONDAY AND CAR LOSS POW…”
“I AM ALSO IN THE GROUP OF BAMBOOZLED PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE OF OWNING A 2006 MERCURY MONTEGO. RECENTLY ON A 90 MILE TRIP ABOUT 40 MILES IN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 GOING UP A HILL I ACCELERATED TO PASS A VEHICLE AND MY CAR SUDDENLY AND UN…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report severe engine problems, including loss of motive power and loud pinging sounds, even at low mileage. Diesel models have experienced repeated diesel particulate filter issues requiring dealer service.
Complaints include transmissions that suddenly shift into neutral while driving, leaving the vehicle without power. This can happen at low speeds or on inclines, creating a risk of rolling or stalling.
Drivers report sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as complete loss of motive power and inoperable steering. These electrical faults can be life-threatening.
Braking issues are a recurring theme, with owners describing a brake pedal that remains firm but fails to stop the vehicle effectively. This can lead to crashes, especially in emergency situations.
“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 Montego — 3 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA,…
The risk: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 Montego or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Montego has far fewer complaints per year (85.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but the Montego's complaints are concentrated in serious areas like power train and speed control. The Silverado's higher volume means more individual owners report problems, but its longer production run and larger sales volume may skew the numbers. In practice, the Montego may have fewer overall issues, but the ones it has can be severe.
Key differences
- The Montego has 85.3 complaints per year vs. the Silverado's 510.5, but the Montego's top issues are power train and speed control, which can cause sudden loss of power or unintended acceleration.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, including steering and brake fluid warning issues, while the Montego has only 3 recalls, mainly for fuel system and door latches.
- Silverado owners report severe engine and brake failures even on new models, while Montego owners describe transmission jerking and electrical glitches that may be less immediately dangerous but still concerning.
- The Montego has 0 deaths and 11 injuries reported, while the Silverado has 1 death and 104 injuries, though these numbers are influenced by the number of vehicles on the road.
- Test the electronic throttle and cruise control: ensure the car accelerates smoothly and that cruise control disengages when you tap the brake. Any hesitation or failure to stop could indicate a dangerous issue.
- Check the transmission for jerking, clunking, or slipping, especially when shifting from park to drive or between gears. Also inspect the instrument cluster for flickering or gauges that drop to zero.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: press the pedal firmly and ensure the vehicle stops without excessive travel or loss of braking power. Any unusual noise or reduced stopping ability is a red flag.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for loss of power during a test drive. Also verify that the transmission does not slip into neutral unexpectedly, especially at low speeds or on inclines.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, throttle system, and brakes.
- During a test drive, deliberately test the cruise control, throttle response, and braking from various speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any electrical repairs.
- For the Silverado, check for diesel particulate filter issues if equipped with a Duramax, and for the Montego, check for fuel filler pipe and door latch recalls.
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 Montego or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Montego vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Montego total complaints
- 256
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercury Montego total recalls
- 3
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercury Montego avg complaints/year
- 85.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Montego
- Mercury Montego top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE