Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Chrysler TOWN AND Country 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 TOWN AND Country vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Chrysler averages 363 complaints per year with 45 recalls, while the Silverado averages 823 complaints per year with 101 recalls. Both have 3 deaths reported. The Chrysler's issues often involve electrical and transmission failures, while the Silverado's include engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler TOWN AND Country or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler TOWN AND Country
The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan that owners often rely on for family hauling, but NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints—about 363 per year over the last decade. The most common trouble spots are electrical system failures and engine stalling, with some owners reporting sudden loss of power or transmission problems. With 45 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—roughly 823 per year—but it's also a far more popular truck, so that's partly a numbers game. Still, owners report serious issues like engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake problems, including some on very new trucks. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths, it's a complex machine that can be reliable but has known weak points.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler TOWN AND Country | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,633 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 363.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 152 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 TOWN AND Country
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,695
- 02ENGINE598
- 03POWER TRAIN467
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER418
- 05SEATS276
Owners frequently complain about electrical glitches that can cause the transmission to enter limp mode or the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly. One owner described the transmission failing on the highway and electronics putting them in a risky situation.
Reports include the engine losing propulsion power while driving, sometimes shutting off randomly and leaving the driver unable to steer or accelerate. This can happen at intersections or while moving, creating a serious safety risk.
Transmission shuddering, failure to shift into higher gears, and abnormal revving are common complaints. These issues often require expensive repairs and can leave the van undrivable.
The front seat active head restraint can spontaneously deploy without a crash, as one owner reported. This leaves the headrest dangling and may affect safety in a real collision.
“Transmission completely failed and had to be risky rebuilt. I was just driving down the highway and the transmission went into limp mode and I came to a fast slow down as it dropped the gearing. Also have noticed a huge issue with electronics putting me into…”
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' or 'Press Start.' Diesel models have also experienced repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral and loss of power, even at low speeds like in a parking garage. These failures can leave the truck unable to move or accelerate.
Electrical issues can cause a severe loss of normal braking, where the brake pedal feels firm but the truck doesn't stop effectively. Other reports mention the engine shutting off and screens going blank.
Complaints describe sudden braking loss shortly after starting to drive, making it hard to stop at intersections. This is a critical safety concern that owners should not ignore.
“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 TOWN AND Country — 45 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Compan…
The risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling ce…
The risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of func…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control un…
The risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
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 TOWN AND Country or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Town and Country has far fewer complaints per year (about 363) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Silverado is also sold in much higher volumes. In practice, the Chrysler's issues tend to cluster around electrical and transmission failures that can strand you, while the Silverado's problems span engine, transmission, and brakes—often on newer trucks. Neither is trouble-free, but the Chrysler may be easier to live with if you find a well-maintained example.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Town and Country has about 363 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado has about 823—but the Silverado sells in much larger numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be closer.
- Chrysler owners most often report electrical and transmission failures that cause sudden power loss, while Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, brake loss, and transmission problems.
- The Silverado has more than twice as many recalls (101 vs. 45) and more crash-related complaints (233 vs. 79), though both have 3 reported deaths.
- Chrysler complaints include a unique issue with spontaneous head restraint deployment, while Silverado complaints include diesel particulate filter problems and braking failures.
- Check for any signs of transmission shuddering, delayed shifting, or limp mode during a test drive—these are common complaints.
- Ask if the front seat active head restraints have ever deployed unexpectedly; inspect them for damage or dangling parts.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at low and high speeds; some owners report the pedal feels firm but braking is ineffective.
- Listen for engine shutdowns or warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' during a test drive, and check for diesel particulate filter service records on diesel models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, including a scan for stored fault codes.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for shuddering or power loss.
- For the Silverado, specifically test the brakes and ask about any engine stalling or diesel particulate filter issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any recall repairs.
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 TOWN AND Country or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total complaints
- 3,633
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total recalls
- 45
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country avg complaints/year
- 363.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE