Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 300 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler 300 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 300 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 300 averages 74.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have serious issues, but the Silverado's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 300 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that averages about 75 complaints per year over a decade, with 31 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical shutdowns, rear differential failures, and airbag concerns. While the overall complaint count is lower than the Silverado's, the severity of issues like sudden power loss and differential failure can be alarming.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine problems, transmission issues, electrical glitches, and brake failures. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests a higher frequency of problems, though many are addressed through recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 300 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 746 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 59 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 74.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 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.
Chrysler 300
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM221
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 03POWER TRAIN135
- 04AIR BAGS100
- 05ENGINE54
Owners report the vehicle shutting down completely while driving, displaying 'SERVICE THE SHIFTER' and losing power. This can leave you stranded and is a serious safety concern.
Rear differential failures occur before 100,000 miles, with owners hearing metal fall and losing the ability to move. This is a costly repair that can happen without warning.
Takata airbag recalls and complaints of brake failure leading to crashes are noted. The airbag inflator issue is a known safety risk that should be addressed immediately.
Interior panels pulling away from doors and console may affect side airbag effectiveness. This is a structural concern that could compromise safety in a crash.
“This issue has been going on since February 2024. The vehicle will completely shutdown while driving ( no matter what speed I'm going ) it will say SERVICE THE SHIFTER and stop. The first time this happened I took (towed bc vehicle willl have no power since t…”
“1. Rear differential failed before 100,000 miles. I was driving and I heard something metal fall in the back of the car. I pressed gas but was not able to move. After inspection and call for help, the part that fell on the ground was the rear differential. Ho…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report engine shutdowns while driving, requiring restarts, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events. These can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Transmission issues include sudden neutral engagement and loss of acceleration, even at low speeds. This can be dangerous in traffic and may require major repairs.
Complaints include severe loss of braking and engine shut-off while driving, with messages like 'Return to Neutral'. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report brake pedal firmness but ineffective braking, leading to extended stopping distances. This is a critical safety issue 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.
Chrysler 300 — 31 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause t…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengagi…
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 either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
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 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
The risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T0…
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 300 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 300 has far fewer complaints per year (about 75 vs. 823 for the Silverado), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Silverado's higher volume means more frequent problems, while the 300's issues, though less common, can be severe.
Key differences
- The Silverado has over 10 times more complaints per year than the Chrysler 300, indicating a higher rate of owner-reported problems.
- Engine and power train issues dominate Silverado complaints, while the 300's top issues are electrical and power train, with fewer overall reports.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 31 for the 300, suggesting more frequent manufacturer fixes.
- Both vehicles have airbag and brake-related complaints, but the Silverado's brake issues are more frequently reported.
- Check for rear differential noise or metal debris; failures have been reported before 100,000 miles.
- Test all electrical functions and look for 'SERVICE THE SHIFTER' messages; sudden shutdowns are a known issue.
- Inspect for engine shutdowns or rough running; 2026 models have reports of stalling and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Test brakes thoroughly for firm but ineffective braking; loss of braking assistance has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Chrysler 300's rear differential and electrical system.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine fault codes and test the transmission for sudden neutral engagement.
- Verify that all airbag recalls have been performed, especially Takata inflators on the 300.
- Take a lengthy test drive covering various speeds and braking to replicate reported symptoms.
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 300 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 450 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 20 | 961 |
| 2020 | 10 | 868 |
| 2019 | 60 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 153 | 597 |
| 2017 | 82 | 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 300 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 300 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler 300 total complaints
- 746
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler 300 total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler 300 avg complaints/year
- 74.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 300
- Chrysler 300 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE