Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 300C vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler 300C 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 300C vs Chevrolet Silverado: The 300C averages 3.6 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Silverado averages 822.7 per year over 10 years. The Silverado also has 233 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus none for the 300C. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 300C or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 300C
The Chrysler 300C is a full-size sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 25 complaints over 7 years, averaging 3.6 per year. Most owner reports center on electrical gremlins, engine noises, and fuel system odors, with a handful of air bag recalls. There are no reported crash-related complaints, but one injury is noted. Living with it means watching for electrical faults and fuel smells rather than widespread mechanical breakdowns.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging 822.7 per year. Owners frequently report engine, power train, electrical, and brake problems, including stalls, loss of braking, and transmission issues. There are 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths, plus 101 recalls. It is a high-volume vehicle with a correspondingly large number of reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 300C | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.6 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 300C
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02ENGINE6
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 04AIR BAGS3
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
Owners report grinding sounds from the front wheel wells, multiple warning lights (check engine, StabiliTrak, hazard), and a smoke odor. Others describe stalling and loss of power steering while driving, requiring jumpstarts. These faults can leave you stranded or without steering assist.
A common complaint is the 'HEMI tick' from the 5.7 HEMI, often linked to hydraulic lifters, which becomes loud on startup or when parked near a wall. Another owner reported erratic running and starting problems from an unexplained 'continental system.' Buyers should listen for ticking and check for aftermarket modifications.
Owners report a strong fuel smell after filling the tank, with vapor entering the cabin through the AC vents, fading only when the fuel level drops below about 7/8. One complaint notes a cracked fuel pump top at low mileage. This is a safety concern because fuel vapor near the back seat is dangerous.
Several complaints involve air bag warning lights and the Takata recall, where parts were unavailable for repair. One owner reported inoperable power steering along with the air bag light. Buyers should verify that all air bag recalls have been completed.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHRYSLER 300C. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITRAK, AND HAZARD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A SMOKE ODOR…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler 300C. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle required to be jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with a 'Return to Neutral' message, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden loss of power and dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems that may leave the truck unable to accelerate. This can happen at low speeds and in parking situations, increasing crash risk.
Owners report severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, and engine shut-off while driving with dashboard messages. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. The brake pedal may feel firm but the vehicle does not stop normally, which is a serious safety concern.
“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 300C — 7 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants 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 the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants 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 the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants 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 the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants 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 the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
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 300C or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 300C has far fewer issues per year (3.6 vs. 822.7), but that difference partly reflects lower production volume and fewer model years. In practice, the Silverado's much higher complaint count and crash-related reports mean a used Silverado buyer faces a wider variety of potential problems, while the 300C's issues are fewer but still include safety-relevant electrical and fuel faults.
Key differences
- The Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years versus 25 for the 300C over 7 years, but the Silverado is a high-volume truck, so per-vehicle rates are not directly comparable.
- Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the 300C has 0 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- The 300C's top issues are electrical (11), engine (6), and fuel (4); the Silverado's are engine (2,521), power train (2,347), and electrical (1,513).
- Both have air bag recalls, but the 300C's sample includes Takata inflator recalls, while the Silverado's recalls include fuel pump control and forward collision warnings.
- Check for fuel odor after filling the tank and inspect the fuel pump area under the back seat for cracks or leaks.
- Listen for a loud ticking noise from the 5.7 HEMI engine on startup, which may indicate lifter problems.
- Test drive at low speeds and in parking lots to check for sudden loss of braking or unintended neutral shifts.
- Verify that all recalls, especially fuel pump control module and forward collision warning, have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired, especially air bag recalls on the 300C and fuel pump recalls on the Silverado.
- For the 300C, test the electrical system: warning lights, power steering assist, and battery drain after sitting.
- For the Silverado, test drive at various speeds and include stop-and-go braking to check for brake fade or engine shutdown.
- Have a mechanic inspect the 300C's fuel system for leaks and the Silverado's transmission for harsh shifting or neutral drops.
- Check for aftermarket modifications or unexplained systems, as one 300C owner reported an unidentified 'continental system' causing problems.
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 300C or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 300C vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler 300C total complaints
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler 300C total recalls
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler 300C avg complaints/year
- 3.6
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 300C
- Chrysler 300C top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE