Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler 200 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
Chrysler 200 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Chrysler 200 has 4,172 complaints over 7 years (596 per year), while the Chevrolet Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years (822.7 per year). Both show serious engine and electrical issues, but the Silverado also has brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 200 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a midsize sedan that owners report living with constant electrical and engine problems. Complaints often describe the car shutting off while driving, needing repeated jump starts, and stalling without warning. The high number of airbag complaints and recalls for wiring and seat belts adds to ownership anxiety. Overall, the 200 demands frequent attention and may leave you stranded.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that owners rely on for work and family duty. Complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns, transmission problems, and brake failures, even on very new trucks. With over 8,000 complaints in 10 years, it has more issues per year than the Chrysler 200. However, many problems appear on newer models, suggesting ongoing quality concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 200 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,172 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 204 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 596.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 173 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Chrysler 200
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,222
- 02ENGINE1,208
- 03POWER TRAIN936
- 04AIR BAGS843
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
Owners report the car constantly needs jump starts, the pedal won't accelerate, and the vehicle shuts off while driving. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded and are hard to diagnose.
Complaints describe the engine shutting itself off while driving, often with lights and radio staying on but losing power steering and brakes. Some dealers blame low oil and a safety feature, but the stalling happens repeatedly.
Owners report unintended acceleration, pulling, and loss of power without warning. These transmission issues can make the car unpredictable and unsafe in traffic.
The airbag warning light comes on intermittently or stays on, often due to a defective wiring harness under the seats. Repairs can cost over $1,000, and the system may not deploy in a crash.
“The car is constantly needs a jump start , and the pedal will not accelerate. I have had multiple diagnosis and they don’t know what it is- the cruise control component comes on at the beginning of the jump start until the car runs. Auto Zone and Midas has ch…”
“The contact owns a 2014 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered before shutting off independently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull to…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of new Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral.' Diesel models also suffer from excessive soot buildup in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the truck suddenly going into neutral, losing power, and unintended acceleration. These issues can happen at low speeds or while driving, making the truck unpredictable.
Owners report sudden loss of braking assist, with a firm pedal but poor stopping power. The engine may also shut off while driving, leaving screens blank and no acceleration.
Braking problems include a sudden severe loss of normal braking, where the pedal remains firm but the truck won't stop. This is a critical safety concern, especially with families on board.
“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.
Chrysler 200 — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harnes…
The risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. O…
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
Chrysler 200 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 200 has fewer complaints per year (596) than the Chevrolet Silverado (822.7), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the 200's problems often center on stalling and electrical faults, while the Silverado's include brake failures and engine shutdowns. Neither is trouble-free, but the Silverado's higher annual complaint rate suggests more frequent visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The Chrysler 200 has 4,172 complaints over 7 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 over 10 years, meaning the Silverado averages more complaints per year.
- Chrysler 200 owners frequently report stalling and electrical shutdowns, while Silverado owners report brake loss and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the Chrysler 200, indicating more widespread safety fixes over its lifetime.
- Airbag wiring issues are a top complaint for the Chrysler 200, whereas the Silverado's top issues are engine and power train failures.
- Check for any history of stalling or shutting off while driving; test drive at various speeds and listen for shuddering before shutdown.
- Inspect the airbag warning light and ask if the passenger seat wiring harness has been replaced; a persistent light could mean costly repairs.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including firm pedal feel and stopping power; any sudden loss of braking assist is a major red flag.
- Look for engine shutdown messages like 'Return to Neutral' and check for diesel particulate filter issues if considering a Duramax.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical, engine, and transmission systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation during acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or brake work.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes at low speeds and check for any messages about neutral or engine shutdown.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chrysler 200 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 43 | 1154 |
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 Chrysler 200 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 200 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler 200 total complaints
- 4,172
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler 200 total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler 200 avg complaints/year
- 596.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 200
- Chrysler 200 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE