Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Mountaineer vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Mountaineer averaged 117 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 511 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have serious power train and brake issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Mountaineer or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Mountaineer
The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 117 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with 17 recalls. The most common owner-reported problems involve the power train, structure, and electrical system, often leading to breakdowns or safety concerns. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the issues reported are serious, such as vehicles rolling away in park or engines stalling. Buyers should expect to deal with aging components and potential safety defects.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generated about 511 complaints per year over 10 years, with 100 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with many reports of sudden loss of power, braking problems, and transmission issues. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests a pattern of reliability problems, even in newer models. Buyers should be aware that many issues can occur at low mileage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Mountaineer | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,169 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 54 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.9 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 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 Mountaineer
- 01POWER TRAIN350
- 02STRUCTURE254
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM118
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING112
- 05SEATS98
Owners report the transmission not holding in park, causing the vehicle to roll away, and engines stalling unexpectedly while driving or at stops. These failures can lead to crashes or leave you stranded.
Complaints describe the brake and gas pedals being too close together, making it easy to press both at once and cause unintended acceleration. This design flaw increases crash risk.
The driver's power seat can suddenly move to the easy-exit position while driving, making it hard to reach the pedals. This unexpected movement is dangerous, especially for shorter drivers.
Owners report the engine stalling while driving, often with the check engine light on, and needing multiple attempts to restart. This can happen at any speed and may cause loss of control.
“PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, PLACED SHIFTER IN PARK, TURNED OFF IGNITION, RELEASED BRAKE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AS IF NOT IN PARK. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE AND NO RESPONSE. SET PARKING BRAKE. COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO LOCK INTO PARK, SHIFTER MOVED REGA…”
“SINCE I PURCHASED IN 2009, ENGINE KILLS ANYTIME, MOSTLY WHEN GAS PEDAL NOT PRESSED. PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOTS, SITTING AT RED LIGHTS, OR LETTING OFF GAS ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE JUST KILLS. SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE A JOLT. I HAVE TO PUT THE SHIFT IN NEUTRAL AND RE…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine failures, excessive soot buildup in diesel particulate filters, and sudden loss of power. These issues often require dealer repairs and can leave you stranded.
Complaints include the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving and complete loss of motive power. This can happen at low speeds or on the highway, increasing crash risk.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and electrical failures that disable steering and brakes. These are severe safety hazards.
Owners report the brake pedal feeling firm but the vehicle not stopping normally, often accompanied by warning messages. This can lead to crashes if not 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 Mountaineer — 17 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
The fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT I…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES…
The risk: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
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 Mountaineer or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Mountaineer has far fewer complaints per year (about 117) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Mountaineer may have fewer overall problems, but the Silverado's higher volume means more frequent visits to the shop. Neither vehicle is trouble-free, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over four times as many complaints per year as the Mountaineer, with engine and power train issues dominating.
- Mountaineer owners frequently report transmission not holding in park and sudden seat movement, while Silverado owners report engine failures and sudden loss of braking.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls versus 17 for the Mountaineer, indicating more widespread safety defects.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the Silverado also has one death reported, while the Mountaineer has none in the data.
- Test the gear shifter: ensure it locks securely in park and the vehicle does not roll when parked on a slope.
- Check the driver's power seat: operate it through all positions and look for sudden movement to the easy-exit position while driving.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for loss of power or warning messages during a test drive.
- Test the brakes at low speed: the pedal should not feel firm with reduced stopping power, and watch for any brake warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission, engine, and electrical systems for the specific issues reported.
- During a test drive, simulate parking on a hill and check that the vehicle holds in park (Mountaineer) and that brakes respond normally (Silverado).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, and get written confirmation.
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 Mountaineer or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Mountaineer vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Mountaineer total complaints
- 1,169
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercury Mountaineer total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercury Mountaineer avg complaints/year
- 116.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Mountaineer
- Mercury Mountaineer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE