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 averages 117 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have serious safety reports, including rollaway and stalling for the Mountaineer and brake and engine shutdowns for the Silverado. 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 averages about 117 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train and structure. Owners report serious problems like the vehicle rolling away after being shifted into park, the engine stalling at low speeds, and the rear end kicking out on downhill grades. With 17 recalls and 76 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates far more complaints—about 823 per year—but it's also sold in much higher volumes. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, power train, and electrical system, with owners describing sudden engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures. There are 101 recalls and 3 deaths reported, so while many issues exist, some are severe.
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 | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 54 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.9 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 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 Mountaineer
- 01POWER TRAIN350
- 02STRUCTURE254
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM118
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING112
- 05SEATS98
Owners report the shifter failing to lock into park, causing the vehicle to roll away, and the engine stalling when the gas pedal isn't pressed, such as at red lights or while coasting. These issues can lead to crashes or leave you stranded.
Complaints include the rear end kicking out or spinning out on steep downhill grades, especially in snow, and noises like grinding from the front end. This affects stability and control, which is critical for an SUV.
Drivers report the power seat suddenly moving to the easy exit position while driving, and transmission shifting erratically due to ECM problems. These glitches can be distracting and may indicate deeper electronic faults.
The check engine light comes on and the vehicle stalls while driving, sometimes requiring multiple restart attempts. This can happen at any speed and increases the risk of an accident.
“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
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start,' and diesel models experience excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in parking garages, and transmission issues that may leave you unable to accelerate. This is dangerous in traffic and can lead to collisions.
Drivers report a sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Complaints describe the vehicle not stopping normally, with the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, and instances where the truck completely shuts off in parking lots. Brake failure is a severe safety risk.
“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 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: 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: 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…
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 Mountaineer or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Mountaineer has far fewer complaints per year (about 117 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but the Silverado is sold in much larger numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be lower. In practice, the Mountaineer's issues tend to be older-vehicle problems like stalling and rollaway, while the Silverado's complaints often involve newer models with sudden engine and brake failures. Both have serious safety-related reports, so neither should be considered problem-free.
Key differences
- The Mountaineer has 1,169 complaints over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227—but the Silverado sells in much higher volumes, so per-vehicle rates may be closer.
- Mountaineer owners frequently report the vehicle rolling away after being put in park, a problem not highlighted in Silverado complaints.
- Silverado owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake failures even on newer models, while Mountaineer issues often appear on older vehicles.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 17 for the Mountaineer, indicating more widespread safety campaigns.
- Test the gear shifter: ensure it locks securely in park and the vehicle does not roll when parked on a slope.
- Check for engine stalling: drive at low speeds and let off the gas to see if the engine dies, and look for a check engine light.
- Test the brakes: apply firm pressure at low speeds to check for reduced braking effectiveness or a firm pedal with poor stopping.
- Check for sudden engine shutdown: drive in a parking lot and at low speeds to see if the engine cuts off or if warning messages appear.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were performed, especially for the Mountaineer's seat and fuel system recalls and the Silverado's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the Mountaineer, focusing on park-lock function and stalling.
- For the Silverado, have a mechanic check the brakes, electrical system, and engine for shutdown issues, especially on newer models.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you're considering to see if common problems apply.
- During a test drive, simulate the reported conditions: for the Mountaineer, park on a hill and let off the gas; for the Silverado, drive slowly in a parking lot and brake firmly.
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
- 8,227
- Mercury Mountaineer total recalls
- 17
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercury Mountaineer avg complaints/year
- 116.9
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Mountaineer
- Mercury Mountaineer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE