Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Mystique vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Mystique 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 Mystique vs Chevrolet Silverado: the Mystique has 65 complaints per year and 5 recalls, while the Silverado has 822.7 complaints per year and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints versus 8 for the Mystique. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Mystique or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Mystique
The Mercury Mystique is a compact sedan with a very short complaint history: 65 complaints over one year, 5 recalls, and 8 crash-related reports. Owners most often describe dashboard vinyl separating, defroster vents popping out, and rear brakes rusting or locking in cold weather. The pattern suggests a car where interior trim and brake hardware degrade with age, and where air bags may not deploy in some crashes.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over ten years, 101 recalls, and 233 crash-related reports. Owners report engine shutdowns, transmission going into neutral, brake loss, and diesel soot issues, often on very new trucks. The scale and severity of these reports mean a used Silverado needs a thorough mechanical and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Mystique | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 65.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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 Mystique
- 01STRUCTURE18
- 02VISIBILITY11
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
- 04AIR BAGS8
- 05FUEL SYSTEM7
Owners report the dashboard vinyl separating and the defroster vent bowing out, which can obstruct visibility. This is a cosmetic and safety concern because a loose dash can interfere with defogging the windshield.
Complaints describe the defroster grille popping out and not defrosting the windshield properly, making it hard to see. A buyer should test the defroster and check for warped or detached dash parts.
Reports include rear wheels locking when slowing in cold weather due to rusted rear brake assemblies, and stalling when accelerating from a stop. These issues affect stopping and drivability, especially in winter.
In at least one crash, the air bags did not deploy despite front-end damage. This is a critical safety concern because occupants may not get expected protection in a collision.
“THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VINYL OF THE DASHBOARD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THIS WOULD RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY. *AK THE VENT BOWED AND HAD COME OUT AND CAUSED THE VINYL TO PULL AWAY FROM THE DASH. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE…”
“AT 17,000 GLUE FAILED TOO HOLD PADDED COVERING IN PLACE,AT THIS TIME FIXED BY DEALERSHIP DESCRIBED AS DESIGN FLAW. AT 32,000 DASH FELL APART AGAIN. THIS TIME WAS TOLD WE FIXED IT ONCE DO NOT HAVE TOO AGAIN,BUT WOULD REPAIR FOR APPROXIMATELY $1000.00. I AM A W…”
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 a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave a driver stranded or cause a loss of power.
Complaints describe the transmission suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can cause a loss of acceleration and unexpected rolling.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and screens going blank while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety features.
Owners report the truck shutting off and losing braking ability in parking lots or at stop signs. Brake loss is a severe safety risk that needs immediate attention.
“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 Mystique — 5 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE M…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
The risk: THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE MAY BELIEVE THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED WHEN IT WAS NOT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHIC…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO 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 Mystique or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Mystique has far fewer complaints per year (65 vs. 822.7) and fewer recalls (5 vs. 101), but its issues are mostly aging trim and brake problems. The Silverado's much higher rate of engine, transmission, and brake complaints means a used example carries a greater chance of costly and potentially dangerous failures.
Key differences
- The Mystique averages 65 complaints per year; the Silverado averages 822.7 per year, a more than tenfold difference.
- Mystique complaints center on dashboard separation, defroster vents, and rusted rear brakes; Silverado complaints center on engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related reports; the Mystique has 5 recalls and 8 crash-related reports.
- Air bag non-deployment is reported for the Mystique, while the Silverado reports sudden loss of braking and engine stalling while driving.
- Inspect the dashboard for vinyl separation, warping, or a loose defroster vent that could block windshield defogging.
- Test the rear brakes for rust or locking, especially after cold weather, and check for stalling when accelerating from a stop.
- Check for any history of engine shutdowns, transmission going into neutral, or brake loss, and confirm all recalls are done.
- On diesel models, ask for records of diesel particulate filter soot events and any dealer repairs for P2463 codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- For the Mystique, press on the dashboard and defroster vent to check for looseness, and test the rear brakes on a cold start.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test-drive at low speed in a parking lot to feel for sudden neutral or stalling.
- Ask for complete service records, especially for brake, engine, and transmission repairs on the Silverado.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the reported problem areas before you buy.
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 Mystique or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Mystique vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Mystique total complaints
- 65
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercury Mystique total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercury Mystique avg complaints/year
- 65.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Mystique
- Mercury Mystique top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE