Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Pacifica vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler Pacifica 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 Pacifica vs Chevrolet Silverado: Over 10 years, the Pacifica averaged 375 complaints per year, while the Silverado averaged 823. The Silverado also had more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 119) and injuries (160 vs. 97). Both have serious reported issues, so careful inspection is key. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Pacifica or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that owners often rely on as a primary family vehicle, including wheelchair-accessible conversions. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 375 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the engine, electrical system, and power train. Owners report sudden loss of power, charging failures, and clunking noises that can disable the vehicle. These patterns suggest that while many Pacificas serve well, some experience serious reliability problems that can strand drivers.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup used for both personal and heavy-duty work. It averages about 823 complaints per year, more than double the Pacifica, with frequent reports about the engine, power train, electrical system, and service brakes. Owners describe stalling, loss of acceleration, brake failure, and diesel exhaust issues. These complaints indicate that some Silverados can have significant reliability and safety-related problems, especially in newer model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Pacifica | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,753 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 91 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 119 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 375.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 97 Better | 160 |
| 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 Pacifica
- 01ENGINE1,317
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,134
- 03POWER TRAIN999
- 04STEERING575
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER526
Owners report sudden clunking sounds, dashboard lights illuminating, and loss of power while driving. Some also experience charging system failures that cause the van to die and require towing. These issues can leave a driver stranded and may be expensive to diagnose and repair.
Complaints include charging system warnings, failed public charging attempts, and repeated loss-of-power events. In wheelchair-accessible vans, these failures can be especially dangerous because they affect mobility. Electrical gremlins can be hard to trace and may recur after repair.
Drivers describe a clunk when turning left, followed by multiple warning lights and ABS deactivation. Others report losing acceleration at highway speeds with no warning. Such failures can create dangerous situations in traffic and may indicate transmission or drivetrain problems.
Although specific complaint text is not provided, steering is a top component with 575 complaints. Owners likely report difficulty steering, wandering, or unusual noises. Steering problems directly affect control and should be taken seriously during a test drive.
“[XXX]- bought new 2025 Chrysler Pacifica w/ 29 mi at Troncalli Chrysler Dodge Jeep (TCDJ). [XXX]- 1st time -I was driving the car when it made a “clunk” sound when turning left. All the lights on the dashboard came on and the ABS system turned off.The car saf…”
“The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dea…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverados with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report engine shutdowns, loss of power, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These events can happen at low mileage and may leave the truck undrivable. Engine problems can be costly and may recur.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral, losing acceleration, and displaying 'Return to Neutral' messages. Some trucks shut off entirely while driving. These failures can cause loss of control and are especially concerning in a heavy pickup.
Owners report sudden loss of normal braking, engine shutdowns, and blank screens while driving. The brake pedal may feel firm but braking is ineffective. Electrical faults that affect braking or engine operation are serious safety concerns.
Drivers describe severe loss of braking shortly after starting a trip, with the pedal firm but the truck not stopping normally. Others report the truck shutting off and losing acceleration in parking lots. Brake failures can lead to crashes and should be inspected immediately.
“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 Pacifica — 91 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The vehicles were built with an incorrect radio, which can cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers replaced the radio, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVS…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 82C,…
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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 Pacifica or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Pacifica has far fewer complaints per year (about 375) than the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823). In practice, this means a Pacifica owner is less likely to file a complaint, but both vehicles have serious reported issues. The Silverado's higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of encountering problems, especially with the engine, power train, and brakes.
Key differences
- The Silverado averages about 823 complaints per year, more than double the Pacifica's 375, indicating a higher overall rate of owner-reported problems.
- Pacifica owners frequently report charging system failures and sudden loss of power, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 119) and more injuries (160 vs. 97), though these numbers alone do not prove fault.
- Both vehicles have recalls for critical systems: the Pacifica for air bags and wheelchair restraints, the Silverado for fuel pumps and forward collision alerts.
- Check for any history of charging system warnings or failed charging attempts, especially on plug-in hybrid models, as these can lead to sudden power loss.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for clunking noises when turning; also verify that all dashboard lights function and no ABS warnings appear.
- Inspect for any signs of brake problems: a firm pedal with poor stopping, or warning messages about brake system faults.
- Ask about engine shutdowns or 'Return to Neutral' messages, and check for diesel particulate filter issues if considering a Duramax diesel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially air bag and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including charging components on the Pacifica and battery/alternator on the Silverado.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions: highway, turning, braking, and parking lot maneuvers to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- For the Pacifica, verify that any wheelchair-accessible equipment has been properly maintained and recalled parts addressed.
- For the Silverado, check for transmission software updates and ensure the brake system has no pending service bulletins.
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 Pacifica | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 120 |
| 2025 | 28 | 157 |
| 2024 | 43 | 527 |
| 2023 | 153 | 450 |
| 2022 | 214 | 1390 |
| 2021 | 372 | 961 |
| 2020 | 170 | 868 |
| 2019 | 357 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 875 | 597 |
| 2017 | 1524 | 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 Pacifica or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Pacifica vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler Pacifica total complaints
- 3,753
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler Pacifica total recalls
- 91
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler Pacifica avg complaints/year
- 375.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler Pacifica top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE