Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Silverado vs RAM RAM 1500
How the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM RAM 1500 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Silverado vs RAM RAM 1500: The Silverado has 5105 complaints over 10 years, with engine and powertrain issues dominating, while the RAM has zero complaints on record. Silverado owners report sudden power loss and braking failures, but RAM data is absent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Silverado or RAM RAM 1500 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a decade of owner complaints on file, averaging over 500 per year. The pattern shows a heavy concentration in the engine and powertrain, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, transmission issues, and diesel particulate filter problems. Electrical system complaints also appear, sometimes linked to braking failures, which is a serious safety concern. Overall, this truck has a track record of significant mechanical and electrical issues that could affect reliability and ownership satisfaction.
RAM RAM 1500
The RAM RAM 1500 has no complaints, recalls, or other data on record, making it a blank slate in terms of reported issues. This could mean the vehicle is relatively new to the market or has not yet accumulated enough owner feedback. Without data, it is impossible to identify any specific reliability patterns, but the absence of complaints is not necessarily a guarantee of trouble-free ownership.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Silverado | RAM RAM 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,105 | 0 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 | 0 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 117 | 0 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 510.5 | 0.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 104 | 0 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
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.
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by loud pinging sounds, and diesel models experience repeated diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded or lead to costly repairs.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving, especially at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic or parking situations.
Electrical failures are linked to severe braking loss, where the brake pedal feels firm but the vehicle does not stop effectively. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes.
Braking effectiveness can suddenly drop, as described in complaints, with the pedal remaining firm but stopping power reduced. This is a serious hazard that requires 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…”
RAM RAM 1500
No component data available.
There are no reported complaints or recalls for the RAM RAM 1500, so no specific problem areas can be identified from the provided data.
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.
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 /…
RAM RAM 1500
No recalls on record.
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Silverado or RAM RAM 1500: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has a high volume of complaints per year, indicating a higher likelihood of encountering issues. The RAM RAM 1500 has zero reported issues, but this may be due to lack of data. In practice, the Silverado's documented problems suggest more potential for repairs and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Silverado has a high number of engine complaints, including sudden power loss and DPF issues, while the RAM has none reported.
- Powertrain failures in the Silverado include sudden neutral shifts, which are not reported for the RAM.
- Electrical system problems in the Silverado are linked to braking failures, a critical safety concern absent in RAM data.
- The Silverado has 100 recalls over 10 years, whereas the RAM has zero recalls on record.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of power loss or unusual noises, and check service records for DPF replacements if diesel.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially at low speeds, to ensure it does not slip into neutral unexpectedly.
- Since there is no data, check for any open recalls or service bulletins from the manufacturer before purchase.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to identify any potential issues that are not yet reported.
Before you buy
- For the Silverado, review the vehicle's service history for engine and transmission repairs, and ask about any outstanding recalls.
- For the Silverado, perform a thorough brake inspection and test braking at various speeds to ensure no loss of effectiveness.
- For the RAM, verify the VIN against NHTSA and manufacturer databases for any hidden recalls or complaints.
- For both, take the vehicle for an extended test drive including highway and stop-and-go traffic to check for transmission and engine issues.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty for the Silverado given its higher complaint rate.
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 Chevrolet Silverado or RAM RAM 1500 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Silverado vs RAM RAM 1500
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- RAM RAM 1500 total complaints
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- RAM RAM 1500 total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- RAM RAM 1500 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- More reliable overall
- RAM RAM 1500
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE