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2021 Chevrolet Silverado vs 2021 Ford Ranger

On the public data alone the Ranger edges it 4–2.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado2021 Ford Ranger
SegmentPickup truckPickup truck
PowertrainsGas, DieselGas
Best combined mpg2723
Safety Signal3555
NHTSA recalls126
Critical recalls21
Owner complaints937112
NHTSA overall stars54
F

2021 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel pickup truck with 36 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Silverado 2WD, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall ca

F

2021 Ford Ranger

The 2021 Ford Ranger is sold in the U.S. as a gas pickup truck with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Ranger 2WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model y

Recalls at a glance

Silverado

Power Train

minor
1,055 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.

Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.

NHTSA campaign 26V083000 · reported Feb 12, 2026 · General Motors, LLC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

critical
Park outside62,468 vehicles

Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD vehicles. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 11, 2025. Owners may contact GM customer assistance number at 1-866-467-9700. GM's number for this recall is N242482680. Vehicles in this recall that were previously repaired under 23V266 will need to have the new remedy completed.

NHTSA campaign 25V390000 · reported Jun 12, 2025 · General Motors, LLC

Engine And Engine Cooling

high
597,571 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number

NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · reported Apr 24, 2025 · General Motors, LLC

Ranger

Equipment

critical
59,006 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · reported Oct 10, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Back Over Prevention

minor
200,237 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · reported Jun 27, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Equipment

minor
29,607 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.

NHTSA campaign 23V379000 · reported May 26, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.