Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 PT Cruiser vs Chevrolet Silverado: The PT Cruiser averaged 261.8 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have serious safety complaints, but the Silverado has more overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler PT Cruiser or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that averaged about 262 complaints per year over a decade, with 25 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical problems like stalling and fires, as well as suspension and air bag issues. With 219 injuries and 8 deaths reported in crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that averaged about 823 complaints per year, with 101 recalls. Common complaints involve engine and power train failures, including sudden shutdowns and transmission problems, as well as brake and electrical issues. Despite 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries, it remains a popular truck, but buyers should be aware of these patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler PT Cruiser | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,618 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 199 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 261.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 219 | 160 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 3 Better |
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 PT Cruiser
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM580
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING259
- 03SUSPENSION240
- 04AIR BAGS234
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING229
Owners report stalling while driving, sometimes on highways, and electrical fires with smoke and flames from under the hood. These issues can leave you stranded or worse, so a thorough electrical inspection is critical.
Complaints include overheating and head gasket failures, which can lead to costly repairs. A blown head gasket often means the engine must be taken apart, so check for coolant leaks and overheating signs.
Front lower control arm bushings fail, requiring entire control arm replacement. This can affect steering and handling, so listen for clunks over bumps and have the suspension checked.
Owners report air bags not deploying in crashes and air bag warning lights staying on. This is a serious safety concern, so ensure the air bag system has been inspected and any recalls addressed.
“THERE ARE A FEW ISSUES WITH MY CAR AND THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS THEY MAY BE RELATED. STALLING WHILE DRIVING: THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS. FIRST TIME I WAS ON A HIGHWAY OFF RAMP SLOWING TO STOP. NOT SURE OF MY SPEED, BUT I NOTICED IT STALLED AS I WA…”
“I DROVE 15 MILES AN PULLED AT 55 MPH INTO OSKALOOSA IA REDUCED SPEED TO 35 DOWN TO 25 AN THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING LIKE WIRES AN ANTIFREEZE ,BLACK SMOKE ROLLED OUT FROM UNDER NEATH MY HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE PUT IN PARK POPPED HOOD OPENED HOOD FLAMES…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. There are also diesel particulate filter issues on Duramax models. These can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly, and other drivetrain failures. This can leave you unable to accelerate or move, so test drive thoroughly and check for recalls.
Owners report severe braking loss and engine shut-offs linked to electrical faults. These issues can compromise control, so have the electrical system and brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Complaints describe sudden loss of braking effectiveness with a firm pedal, and instances where the truck shut off and screens went blank. Brake failures are extremely dangerous, so check for any brake-related recalls and have the system tested.
“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 PT Cruiser — 25 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-85…
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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 PT Cruiser or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser has far fewer complaints per year (about 262) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but both have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the PT Cruiser may have fewer overall issues, but the Silverado's higher volume means more reported problems, though many are on newer models. Buyers should weigh the specific failure patterns against their needs.
Key differences
- The PT Cruiser has about 262 complaints per year, while the Silverado has about 823, indicating more reported issues for the Silverado.
- PT Cruiser complaints often involve electrical fires and stalling, whereas Silverado complaints frequently mention engine shutdowns and transmission problems.
- The PT Cruiser has 25 recalls, while the Silverado has 101, suggesting more recall campaigns for the Silverado.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the PT Cruiser has 8 deaths and 219 injuries, while the Silverado has 3 deaths and 160 injuries, though these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Check for signs of electrical burning or melted wiring under the hood, and test all electrical components including lights and accessories.
- Inspect the front suspension for worn control arm bushings and listen for clunking noises over bumps.
- Test drive at various speeds and check for any hesitation, stalling, or transmission slipping; also look for warning messages on the dashboard.
- Inspect brake function carefully and check for any recalls related to brakes or electrical system; ensure all screens and electronics work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling or shifting issues.
- For the PT Cruiser, specifically check the electrical system, suspension, and air bag functionality.
- For the Silverado, specifically check the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system for any signs of failure.
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 PT Cruiser or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler PT Cruiser total complaints
- 2,618
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler PT Cruiser total recalls
- 25
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler PT Cruiser avg complaints/year
- 261.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Chrysler PT Cruiser top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE