Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Prowler vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler Prowler 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 Prowler vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Prowler has 14 complaints over 2 years and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls. Prowler issues center on suspension and latches; Silverado issues include engine, power train, electrical, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Prowler or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Prowler
The Chrysler Prowler is a low-volume, niche vehicle, so you'll see few complaints simply because few were built. Over two years, owners filed 14 complaints, averaging 7 per year, with no recalls on record. The main issues cluster around suspension, latches, and electrical quirks, and some reports involve crashes or injuries. Living with one means dealing with rare parts and a small support network.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a high-volume full-size truck, so a large number of complaints is expected. Over ten years, owners filed 5,105 complaints, averaging about 511 per year, and there are 100 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of sudden power loss and braking problems. This is a complex, widely used vehicle with many documented issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Prowler | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 Prowler
- 01SUSPENSION3
- 02LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05EQUIPMENT1
Owners report lower ball joint failures and rust around the right front strut tower that can lead to strut failure and loss of steering. A recall for lower ball joints was issued, but some owners say parts were unavailable for over a month, leaving them driving with a known risk.
Complaints include the tailgate opening while driving and hood struts failing so the hood falls on the owner's head. These are sudden, mechanical failures that can be dangerous at speed or when working under the hood.
One owner reported the cruise control light staying on unexpectedly, and another had a 'brain' problem in a related Chrysler vehicle. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect drivability or safety features.
Some complaints are vague, such as a cruise control light issue or a concern about a different Chrysler van. These reports show that not all problems are clearly categorized, so a thorough inspection is key.
“TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 2W125384-F23 FOR LOWER BALL JOINTS FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND CHRYSLER HAS TOLD HER THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY ONLY GET ENOUGH PART…”
“FRAME/STRUCTURE OVER THE RIGHT SIDE STRUT HAS RUSTED. THIS COULD RESULT IN STRUT FAILURE AND VEHICLE LOSING STEERING. *AK THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE UPDATED ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT. *SCC”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners of 2026 Silverados with the 6.2L gas or 6.6L Duramax diesel report rough running, loss of power, and repeated diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly uphill and a 6.2L engine problem that also affects power delivery. A transmission that slips into neutral can cause a loss of control in traffic.
Reports describe a sudden, severe loss of normal braking with a firm pedal but poor stopping, and at 70 mph a loud pinging followed by loss of motive power, brakes, and steering. These are serious safety failures that can happen without warning.
Owners report the same sudden loss of braking effectiveness, where the pedal stays firm but the truck won't stop normally. This is a critical safety concern, especially in traffic or when towing.
“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 Prowler
No recalls on record.
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Chrysler Prowler or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Prowler has far fewer complaints per year (7 vs. about 511 for the Silverado), but that's largely because it's a low-production specialty car. The Silverado's much higher rate reflects its huge sales volume and a wide range of reported engine, transmission, electrical, and brake problems. In practice, a Prowler buyer faces rare but potentially serious suspension and latch issues, while a Silverado buyer faces a higher chance of major mechanical and safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The Prowler has 14 complaints over 2 years and no recalls, while the Silverado has 5,105 complaints over 10 years and 100 recalls.
- Prowler owners report suspension rust and ball joint failures; Silverado owners report engine power loss and diesel particulate filter problems.
- Prowler complaints include tailgate opening while driving and hood struts failing; Silverado complaints include sudden loss of braking and transmission shifting into neutral.
- The Prowler is a niche vehicle with limited parts availability, while the Silverado is mass-produced with widespread dealer support but many documented safety-related failures.
- Inspect the front suspension, especially lower ball joints and the right front strut tower for rust or cracks, as owners report failures that can cause loss of steering.
- Check the tailgate and hood latches/struts for proper operation, since owners report the tailgate opening while driving and hood struts failing.
- Test drive and listen for engine pinging or rough running, and check for stored codes related to the diesel particulate filter, as owners report power loss and soot accumulation.
- Check brake function carefully, including a firm pedal but poor stopping, and verify transmission engagement, as owners report sudden loss of braking and shifting into neutral.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially the Prowler's lower ball joint recall and any Silverado recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Prowler's suspension, frame, and latches, and the Silverado's engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- For the Silverado, ask for service records related to the diesel particulate filter and any transmission or brake repairs.
- For the Prowler, check for rust around the strut towers and test the hood and tailgate latches multiple times.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises, feel for transmission slipping or neutral engagement, and test braking from various speeds.
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 Prowler or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Prowler vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler Prowler total complaints
- 14
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Chrysler Prowler total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Chrysler Prowler avg complaints/year
- 7.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Prowler
- Chrysler Prowler top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE