Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Sable vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercury Sable 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 Sable vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Sable averaged 222 complaints per year with 28 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 511 complaints per year with 100 recalls. Both have reported safety issues like unintended acceleration and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Sable or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Sable
The Mercury Sable is a sedan that averaged about 222 complaints per year over eight years, with suspension issues dominating the list. Owners frequently report front struts failing early and bottoming out, which can make the car slide sideways over bumps. There are also serious reports of unintended acceleration and brake problems that prevent shifting out of park. With 28 recalls and 128 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 511 complaints per year over ten years, with engine and power train problems leading the counts. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral, and brake failures that make stopping difficult. Electrical issues can also disable steering and brakes. With 100 recalls and 117 crash-related complaints, it's a complex truck with many potential trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Sable | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,777 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 128 | 117 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 222.1 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 94 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Sable
- 01SUSPENSION659
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL285
- 03SERVICE BRAKES171
- 04POWER TRAIN163
- 05HYDRAULIC132
Owners report front struts wearing out as early as 15,000 miles, causing the car to bottom out over bumps and slide sideways. This can make the vehicle hard to control and lead to expensive repeat repairs.
Several complaints describe the car accelerating on its own, with the engine racing to 4,000 RPM even while braking. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Drivers report the car won't shift out of park unless the emergency brake is applied, and brake lights may not illuminate. This can leave you stuck and make your intentions unclear to other drivers.
Complaints include sudden loss of power while driving, such as being unable to proceed from a stop sign. This can strand you in traffic and increase crash risk.
“I NOW HAVE 75,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, BUT AT AROUND THE 15,000 MILE POINT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT WENT OUT FOLLOWED BY THE PASSENGER FRONT STRUT 4,000 MILES LATER. IN TOTAL BOTH FRONT STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES (THE ORIGINAL AND TWO REPLACE…”
“I HAVE A 2009 MERC SABLE PREMIERE, WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE STRUTS BOTTOM OUT, AND THE CAR LIKE SLIDES SIDE WAYS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT FORD SAYS WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS THE CAR WI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of newer Silverados report engine problems like excessive soot accumulation in the diesel particulate filter, requiring dealer service. Some also experience sudden loss of motive power, which can be dangerous on the road.
Complaints describe the transmission suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage. This can cause a loss of control and unexpected rollback.
Reports include sudden loss of normal braking, with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as electrical failures that disable steering and brakes. These are critical safety issues that could lead to a crash.
Some owners experience a severe loss of braking ability, where the vehicle won't stop normally at a stop sign. This is a major 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 Sable — 28 recalls
The defect: Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, Brak…
The risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, Brak…
The risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
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 Sable or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercury Sable has far fewer complaints per year (about 222) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 511), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Sable's problems tend to cluster around suspension and unintended acceleration, while the Silverado's are more spread across engine, transmission, and electrical systems. In practice, the Sable may be simpler to maintain, but the Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent trips to the shop.
Key differences
- The Mercury Sable's most common complaint area is suspension, with struts failing early and causing handling problems, while the Silverado's top issue is engine problems, including power loss and diesel soot accumulation.
- Unintended acceleration is a recurring complaint for the Sable, with owners reporting the car accelerating on its own, whereas the Silverado more often suffers from sudden loss of power or transmission shifting into neutral.
- Brake-related complaints on the Sable often involve not being able to shift out of park, while Silverado brake complaints describe a severe loss of braking ability while driving.
- The Silverado has more than triple the annual complaint rate of the Sable and nearly four times as many recalls, indicating a higher overall frequency of reported problems.
- Check the front struts for wear or leakage, and test drive over bumps to see if the car bottoms out or slides sideways, as owners report early failures.
- Test the brakes and gear shifter: ensure the car shifts out of park without needing the emergency brake, and that brake lights work, as complaints describe these failures.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden loss of power, transmission slipping into neutral, or unusual engine noises, as these are reported by owners.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a firm pedal with reduced stopping power, and check for any electrical warnings or loss of steering assist, which some owners have experienced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls and technical service bulletins have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the suspension, brakes, and steering components, especially on the Sable, and the engine, transmission, and electrical systems on the Silverado.
- During a test drive, specifically try to replicate reported issues: for the Sable, drive over bumps and test unintended acceleration; for the Silverado, test for power loss and transmission behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and suspension work on the Sable and engine/transmission service on the Silverado.
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls by VIN and ensure all safety recalls are completed before purchase.
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 Sable or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Sable vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercury Sable total complaints
- 1,777
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mercury Sable total recalls
- 28
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mercury Sable avg complaints/year
- 222.1
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Sable
- Mercury Sable top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE