Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Aspen vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Aspen averaged about 148 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Silverado averaged about 823 per year with 101 recalls. Aspen owners often report fuel spills and stalling; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Aspen or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen is a full-size SUV that averaged about 148 complaints per year over three years, with 9 recalls. Owners frequently report fuel spitting back during refueling, stalling after fill-ups, and airbag inflator recalls that may lack remedy parts. These issues can make daily ownership frustrating and potentially dangerous if not addressed.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year over ten years, with 101 recalls. Common owner reports include engine shutdowns while driving, transmission problems, and brake failures. The high complaint volume suggests that many owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Aspen | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 443 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 147.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Aspen
- 01AIR BAGS108
- 02FUEL SYSTEM95
- 03GASOLINE95
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM89
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
Owners report Takata airbag inflator recalls where remedy parts were unavailable, leaving them unable to get repairs. This matters because a defective airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Many owners say fuel burps up and spills out when filling the tank, sometimes pouring down the side of the vehicle. This creates a fire risk and a strong gasoline odor.
Complaints describe fuel spitting back when the tank is full, spilling on the car and ground. Chrysler reportedly told one owner this known problem was not covered under warranty or recall.
Owners report the vehicle stalling repeatedly after refueling, with loss of steering and control for 30-45 seconds. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen in traffic.
“2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN HYBRID HAS 3 RECALLS. THE FIRST RECALL UPDATE WASN'T SUCCESSFULLY DONE AND SUBSEQUENTLY I CANT GET THE OTHER 2, S43 AND S92 RECALLS ADDRESSED. FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO P48 RECALL, MY TRUCK WOULD DROP DEAD WHILE DRIVING AND THE DEALERSHIP…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN 4X4. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V947000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO SUPPLY THE REMEDY PARTS TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE THE REPAIR IN A REASO…”
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 messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. A 6.6L Duramax diesel owner had repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation events requiring dealer service.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission issues on low-mileage trucks. This can leave a driver unable to accelerate or move the truck as expected.
Owners describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but reduced stopping power, as well as engine shut-off while driving. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Reports include complete brake failure and the truck shutting off with blank screens, requiring a restart. Brake problems are especially dangerous because they directly affect the ability to stop.
“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 Aspen — 9 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver f…
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 has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2017. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2…
The risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occur…
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger front…
The defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December…
The risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
The fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicle…
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 Aspen or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Aspen has far fewer complaints per year (about 148) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Aspen's issues often involve fuel spills and stalling after refueling. The Silverado's higher volume means more owners report engine, transmission, and brake failures. In practice, the Aspen may have fewer total problems, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Aspen averages about 148 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year.
- Aspen owners frequently report fuel spitting back and stalling after refueling; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake failures while driving.
- The Aspen has 9 recalls over 3 years, including Takata airbag inflators; the Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- The Silverado has 3 reported deaths and 160 injuries in crash-related complaints, while the Aspen has 0 deaths and 22 injuries.
- Check for open Takata airbag recalls and confirm remedy parts are available before purchase.
- Test refueling to see if fuel spits back or spills, and ask if the vehicle has stalled after fill-ups.
- Scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test drive for sudden shutdowns or neutral engagement.
- Inspect brake function carefully and check for any electrical glitches like blank screens or loss of braking assist.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls and whether remedies are available.
- Ask for a complete service history, especially for fuel system, engine, and transmission repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or unusual braking feel.
- For the Aspen, try filling the fuel tank to check for spill-back; for the Silverado, test low-speed maneuvers and braking.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints.
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 Aspen or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Aspen vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler Aspen total complaints
- 443
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler Aspen total recalls
- 9
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler Aspen avg complaints/year
- 147.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Aspen
- Chrysler Aspen top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE