Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Monterey vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Monterey 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 Monterey vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Monterey has 453 complaints over 4 years (113/yr) with major transmission failures, while the Silverado has 5105 over 10 years (510/yr) with engine and brake issues. Both have recalls, but the Silverado's higher rate suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Monterey or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Monterey
The Mercury Monterey is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, has a serious and widespread transmission problem—many report sudden loss of drive power, often in traffic, which can be alarming. Electrical issues also cause stalling and loss of power steering/brakes, and there are structural concerns like a liftgate that can unexpectedly close. With 453 complaints over 4 years, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection, especially of the powertrain.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a high volume of complaints over 10 years, reflecting its popularity and long production run. Owners report frequent engine problems, including stalling and loss of power, often linked to fuel system issues like diesel particulate filter clogging. Transmission failures and electrical gremlins that affect braking and steering are also common, making it a vehicle that needs thorough pre-purchase checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Monterey | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 453 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 113.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Monterey
- 01POWER TRAIN338
- 02STRUCTURE28
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 04SEATS20
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
The most common issue is the transmission suddenly failing or losing drive, often while driving, leaving the vehicle unable to move. Owners describe it as if the transmission 'went' or the vehicle stopped responding in traffic, which is a major safety concern.
The rear liftgate can unexpectedly close on its own, potentially injuring someone. This is a structural defect that could be a hazard when loading or unloading.
Engine stalling and cutting out while driving or at stops is reported, sometimes accompanied by a loss of power steering and braking. This can happen suddenly, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Third-row seat brackets can be loose, and rust may be found underneath, indicating potential structural weakness in the seat mounting. This could affect seat safety in a crash.
“MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THE SAME DAY THE TRANSMISSION WENT. MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE (NON-FORD) DEALERSHIP, WHERE HE WORKS. I HAD NOT HAD ANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS PREVIOUSLY. THIS IS WHAT HE SENT ME: "I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN OUT OF WAWA INTO…”
“MY FAMILY WAS TRAVELING ON THE I-65 SOUTH INTERSTATE AND THE VAN, 2006 MERCURY MONTEREY, STOP RESPONDING IN THE MIDDLE OF FAST TRAFFIC. IT TOOK ME BY TOTAL SURPRISE. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. SO, I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT HAD ACCIDENTLY WENT IN NEUTRAL BUT T…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with reports of sudden loss of power, stalling, and even complete engine failure. Diesel models have issues with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring repeated dealer visits.
Transmission problems include sudden shifting into neutral or loss of drive, especially under load, which can be dangerous in traffic or on hills.
Electrical issues can cause a sudden loss of braking and steering, as well as engine stalling. Owners report warning lights and messages, but the vehicle may become inoperable.
Brake failure is reported, where the pedal is firm but braking is ineffective, leading to extended stopping distances. This is a critical safety issue.
“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 Monterey — 14 recalls
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
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 Monterey or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Monterey has fewer complaints per year (113.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), but both have serious reliability issues. The Monterey's transmission failures are more concentrated, while the Silverado's problems are more varied but also severe. In practice, the Monterey may be less likely to have a major issue per year, but the Silverado's higher volume reflects a larger owner base and longer production.
Key differences
- The Monterey's most common failure is the transmission, which can fail suddenly and leave you stranded, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems, including stalling and diesel filter clogging.
- The Monterey has fewer complaints per year, but its complaints are heavily concentrated in the powertrain, whereas the Silverado's issues are spread across engine, transmission, electrical, and brakes.
- The Silverado has a higher number of crash-related complaints and injuries, but that may be due to its larger sales volume.
- The Monterey has a structural issue with the liftgate closing unexpectedly, which is not reported for the Silverado.
- Inspect the transmission thoroughly: test drive at various speeds and inclines, and check for any hesitation or slipping. Ask for service records showing transmission repairs or replacements.
- Check the rear liftgate for proper operation and any signs of malfunction, such as closing too quickly or without warning.
- Check for engine stalling or loss of power by test driving at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. Look for any warning lights or unusual noises.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds to ensure they respond properly, and have a mechanic inspect the brake system for any electrical issues that could cause sudden failure.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check NHTSA recall information for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- For the Monterey, specifically ask about transmission service history and any previous failures.
- For the Silverado, ask about engine and fuel system maintenance, especially if it's a diesel.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway and city driving, to feel for any transmission or engine 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 Monterey or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Monterey vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Monterey total complaints
- 453
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercury Monterey total recalls
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercury Monterey avg complaints/year
- 113.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Monterey
- Mercury Monterey top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE